What is botanical self-selction?

In a nutshell botanical self-selection (otherwise known as Zoopharmagocnosy), provides an opportunity for communication and healing through the offering of dried herbs, powders, aromatic waters, infused oils and essential oils.

It isn’t about ‘fixing’ a problem nor is it a treatment or a method for diagnosing an issue. It is a connection between human and animal that allows us to help facilitate the process of self-healing utilising the natural power of plants. It is not a replacement for veterinary care.

The short answer is yes but it comes with a caveat. Essential oils in essence are chemical compounds so there are some precautions to take. Research has found that some EOs can have an impact on certain physical conditions and can interact with certain medications. Knowledge of essential oil safety is key to this practice and it is important that nay practitioner you choose to work with is aware of this information.

  Self-selection and self-medication have been around in the animal kingdom for thousands of years. Animals in their natural environment have an innate ability to know what they need from nature in order to help with any number of physical, emotional or psychological problems. For the main our domesticated companions do not have the freedom of choice to be able to use this ability to its fullest, but we do see it in dogs who will eat grass, plants or even soil for the properties they contain.

  As we are offering for the animal to self-select rather than administering vet permission or referral is not legally required however it is helpful if your vet is aware that you are considering/using botanical self-selection so they can account for this in any current or future treatments. 

 Sessions are always led by the animal so exact time will vary. On average around one hour is spent offering botanicals to an animal. Much more than this and it can become too much information for the animal to process. Animals that are unsure benefit from shorter sessions than those who are confident in the process. 

I ask that clients set aside around two hours for a session. This allows time for us to settle in any offering begins and time at the end to answer any questions and chat about possible next steps.

   As we are providing an opportunity for the animal to take what it needs at that moment in time each session with be different, even sessions with the same animal are likely to differ. In one session they may obsess over one herb or oil and stick with it for a while then in another they will show no interest in the same botanical as it is no longer needed. 

The one common element is that all animals will need time to process what they are taking in but again this will present itself in different ways. 

We will offer various botanicals in different forms. I will point out different processing signals your animals might display so you know what to look for going forward and I will also talk you through how to offer safely so you will be confident to continue when I’ve gone. 

 For some animals one session is all that is needed, for others it may take several sessions for them to feel a shift. This is often the case with animals who are fearful or unsure and are dealing with more emotional triggers than physical. This will entirely depend on what the animal needs to work on. 

Even if only one session is needed with me the animals who benefit the most are those who’s guardians continue to offer and listen. The animal’s needs will change over time and so continuing to work with botanicals in day to day will only benefit the animal in the long run.

     Observe your animal. You know them better than any practitioner ever can and will be able to tell if you are seeing normal or new behaviours that could be key signals. 

Ask questions. If you are unsure of anything it’s always best to ask than have me leave and feel like you aren’t able to continue offering on your own. 

Often guardians will be involved in the offering of botanicals during a session. This is particularly the case where animals may be unsure of me as a stranger or of the process. 

        The information given in the questionnaire helps me build a picture of your animal, their history and what might be going on at the moment. It also provides me with information I need to ensure any safety precautions are followed. For example if your animal is pregnant or has recently given birth there are certain EOs that I would choose not to work with. If your animal is on any medication, I will check for any possible contraindications so as not to offer botanicals that may interact with those. 

         Some of this come from the detail given in the questionnaire. I will usually have a sense of where to start but as we’re being guided by the animal often this goes out of the window during the session and much of the offering comes from instinct backed up with knowledge of the benefit/effect of each botanical. 

         In much the same way as a normal session except the guardian will do all of the offering. Before we get to that stage there will be a couple of other chats to go through how to offer safely and what signals to look out for. Even if you're new to BSH zoom works as you will be fully guided and a small starter kit provided if needed.