Herbs Rock!
Last week I introduced the concept of self-selection to you, and this week I hope you are going to have some fun with your animals trying a few simple self-selection techniques! These blogs are not intended to fully train anyone how to work with self-selection with their animal, but they will introduce you to the concept so you can start experimenting straight away and trust me your animals will love it!
DOGS:
Dogs love to self-medicate. Their amazing sense of smell makes this easy for them, and it will give you a real insight into areas of their diet and environment that may currently be lacking! The key with dogs is to put several remedies down at once and allow them time to explore and ingest what they need! Popular remedies with dogs include:
- Organic virgin coconut oil
- Organic Linseed or Olive Oil
- Organic Barley or Wheat grass
- Bilberry Powder
- Brewers Yeast
- Organic Spirulina
- Organic Chlorella
Where possible use non-metallic bowls and put a small amount of each in a bowl – initially a tea spoon will do! For powders, some animals prefer them dry, some mixed with water into a watery paste – experiment and see what your dog prefers. Avoid using metal bowls for spirulina and barley grass. Some small animals such as dogs and cats prefer a small amount offered from the tip of your finger first. Powders are very popular with dogs!
Make a list of the order your dog selects the remedies in. When they finish one, top it up and keep going until they have had enough. It should be noted though that some dogs will purge (be sick or have diarrhoea) after this first session if they select a lot, as sometimes dogs need to purge out toxins from their body. This is completely natural for them and not a cause for concern (unless you have a cream carpet!).
Why not leave some bowls down in your kitchen to allow your dog to continue to select when you are not there – this is a great way to enhance your dog’s environment. Once you have seen what your dog selects you can then offer this daily to them, allowing them to select their dose.
CATS:
As above for dogs but cats also love to roll in their herbs, as this releases the potent essential oils. For your cat also try the following dried herbs: put a small amount of each out in a small pile (again start with about a tea spoon) at least a foot away from each other and watch your cat enjoy!
- Cat Nip
- Valerian Root (a real favourite)
- Lavender flowers
- Peppermint
- Chamomile flowers
- Rose buds
HORSES:
As herbivores horses love and need herbs to maintain health. Leaving some in their environment or taking them for a herb walk will really be appreciated.
Put as many dried herbs and powders down in bowls and allow your horse time to select. Favourites include:
- Nettles
- Spearmint
- Rosehips
- Dandelion (root & leave)
- Cleavers
- Calendula
- Milk thistle
- Plus all on the dog list!
Once you have tried this trained Zoopharmacognosy Practitioner will be able to explain the properties of what your animal has selected and how you can easily incorporate this into their daily routine. Your animal will select what their mind / body needs at that particular time, and that their needs will change over time, especially when they are undergoing a healing process from a trauma / injury / illness. The more you familiarise yourself with the properties of the remedies the more confident you will be in knowing what to offer when, but always follow your animals guidance and you will not go wrong! Relax and enjoy the process, your animal certainly will! This cannot be rushed, so if you are short of time then leave the remedies down so your animal can take their time.
Do let me know how you get on and I am always happy to answer and questions!
Enjoy!
© 2019 Alison Canavan | 
