Posted on August 16, 2011 by: WayCoolDogs

For thousands of years, animals have been using plants as their primary source of healing…not us. Today, the rapid revival of herbal medicine in modern society and industrialized nations is beginning to challenge the pharmacological and medical field. On the other hand, the science field has become totally enthralled.

Modern medicine for our dogs and pets originated from early humans who observed animals’ instinctive use of plants for healing. Bear medicine evolved from Indians watching the wild bears roll around in “Ligusticum porteri,” a plant that is known today for its healing antimicrobial properties.

Zoopharmacognosy is a growing new science field where researchers study how animals use plants to heal themselves. Attracting attention in leading universities throughout the world, zoopharmacognosy is being studied by Harvard specialist Richard Wrangham and biochemist Eloy Rodriguez.

A current project is studying gorillas and chimpanzees select a certain type of medicinal plant used against internal parasites, consuming the exact dosage. Because of studies like this, humanity is learning to respect the “healing wisdom of animals.” Yet because of the rapid development of new and deadly diseases and viruses, science is becoming urgent in its quest for herbal answers.

 

One of our main problems in healing dogs and pets is reemerging strains of bacteria, once thought to be fully controlled…utterly failing despite the use of antibiotics. Wild land is disappearing due to the demands of modernization and increases in population, land once full of herbal answers for this medical problem.

According to a study by the Smithsonian, one in eight plants are at risk for becoming extinct. Over 29% of 16,000 plants are on the verge of extinction in North America. Compared to the desperate need scientists are faced with for healing humans, dogs, and pets … a “Green Revolution” is rapidly under way to save every living entity on the planet.

Healing plants are the last critical link between life and death, whether it involves the family dog or small child in the hospital diagnosed with a rare disease. Unfortunately, the needs of animals are secondary to that of people; needs without equal rights.

We need to learn to coexist with animals and plants, learning from zoopharmacognosy and its relationship between them in order to save ourselves. Loving our family dog means nothing without listening to them. By listening to them and respecting their needs, we are respecting what has kept this planet alive for millions of years.

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All Photographs by Nancy Houser & Sandra Marquiss

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