Zoopharmacognosy and Essential Oil Therapy

Let Animals Lead you to the healing and balancing properties of aromatic herbs and pure essential oils.
Zoopharmacognosy is the process by which animals self medicate, in their natural environment, by selecting plants and other natural substances to balance their system, induce a healing response and to prevent disease. 

Animals have a natural inbuilt sense which leads them to forage and select certain therapeutic elements, such as the aromatic molecules in plants in their environment, that would not normally form part of their usual every day diet. This natural ability has been studied now for many years and was termed 'zoopharmacognosy' by Dr. Elroy Rodriguez, a biochemist and professor at Cornell University. At a cellular level the body knows and drives the individuals behaviour to seek out what it needs to bring about homeostasis ( balance ) in a particular bodily system read more >>>

Essential Oil Therapy utilizes the purest quality organic or wild grown essential oils ( as opposed to using fragrance or possibly adulterated essential oils ) to engage homeostatic mechanisms in the living body. Odour molecules will stimulate a response and people are often surprised at how a fragrance, when simply inhaled, can give a whole body response, balancing and reducing the effects of stress on the system. It is not just the physical properties but the energy aspect/ fragrance profile of essential oils and medicinal plants that makes a huge contribution overall wellbeing,  

A guided  session of Zoopharmacognosy allows your pet to explore natural substances and aromatic plants something that our domestic pets don't get the chance to do very often, although you may have wondered why they choose to drink from a muddy puddle ( although not a good idea unless you are sure you are in an area that is totally unpolluted) or eat some of the things they do. It is also sadly becoming increasingly difficult to find healing plants growing locally to graze on as hedgerows are being destroyed and cultivated plants are no substitute as often they have little therapeutic value.

From a wide range of herbs, plants and pure essential oils that are known for their therapeutic properties, I will make some suggestions based on our consultation and then offer them to your pet for self selection, many of the plants are used in traditional systems of healthcare have long associations with particular conditions, their actions on different body systems mean that they work holistically, with the mind/ body system, rather than having a targeted action on only one area. You will watch your animal friend select what their body/mind needs at that moment in time, in the combination that is appropriate for them.

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Zoopharmacognosy & Essential Oil Therapy Session       £65.00 

​What is included in your session :

• A consultation and 5 element energy report, prior to your first visit by email or phone, to help you understand your pet's unique constitution and personality, and their needs, foods and activities.
• A session of self selection with herbs, essential oils, macerates, hydrosols and minerals.
• A selection of remedies for home use*.
• A homecare chart to record your pet's daily responses and guide your learning experience.
• A homecare routine and post treatment advice on relevant aspects of your pet's wellbeing.
• e-book guide to feeding a holistic diet.

​* Homecare remedies, to continue the self selection at home, are included and will vary according to the individual, no two animals will select the same combination of elements.

Herbal  products and essential oils are also available to buy from our shop.
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If you are unable to visit our centre this consultation may be delivered via a Zoom session more details >>>

​When to use :

• to relieve pain
• behavioural issues
• as support during illness or injury 
• age related issues
• seasonal issues
• skin problems
• when under stress 
• to maintain optimum health

​Key Benefits

• May help to reduce pain perception
• May relax muscle tension and spasms
• Provide enrichment experience
• May aid waste removal from tissues and aid pain perception in arthritic conditions
• Enhance mental clarity and cognition
• Stimulate the release of neurotransmitters to reduce stress on the nervous system
• Support the body's immune system

Two Ways To Experience Self Selection

​The advantage of having a consultation is that your pet will have access our wide range of stock plants, herbs, essential oils, macerates, hydrosols and other natural remedies, you can chose from a one to one consultation suitable for all animals or attend our canine Scent by Nature Seasonal Workshop where your own dog will have access to our 'scent stations' to self select their own remedies plus have the chance to observe others display this fascinating behaviour. Alison is on hand to explain the reasons for selection and what you are seeing in action during the workshop.

Self Selection Consultation

Group Workshop

​Self Selection Box
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Whether as an enrichment tool or to complement a Zoom consultation, you can purchase a box of aromatic herbs and oils, tailored to support wellbeing, for seasonal balance or certain stage of life.

 If your pet is under veterinary care for a chronic condition or illness, did you know there may be a herbal version of their prescription medication ? Consult a qualified Veterinary Surgeon who has chosen to specialise in Holistic, Herbal or Homeopathic Medicine, they can prescribe herbs or remedies in the form, and dosage, specific to your pet's needs.

Our consultations are a good starting point to learn about natural health, the information and observations gained in the consultation can be passed on to your holistic vetet to be included in the assessment of your pet.

Scent By Nature

Scent by Nature Workshops at The Pet Empawrium are seasonal zoopharmacognosy workshops, for canine professionals and pet parents, where you will learn about the plants that you are likely to find on your walks during Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. This workshop may be of particular interest to behaviourists interested in observing the practice of self selection.