introduction - caroline ingraham
TRANSCRIPT
Introduction
Applied Zoopharmacognosy (AZ) enables self-medicative behaviour in domesticated or
captive animals by offering plant extracts that would contain the same or similar
constituents to those found in an animal’s natural environment. This is done by closely
observing self-medicative behaviours exhibited by the animal.
The practice encourages and allows an animal to guide its own health, since unlike their wild
counterparts captive and domesticated animals rarely have the opportunity to forage on
medicinal plants. The extracts offered include a variety of essential oils, absolutes, plant
extracts, macerated oils, tubers, clays, algae, seaweeds and minerals.
Once the animal has selected its plant extract, it will then guide the session by inhaling it,
taking it orally, or by rubbing a part of its body into it. Self-selective behaviour modulates
individual dose of each extract.
At no time are extracts administered covertly in either feed or treats. Animals are given
complete opportunity to select or refuse all extracts.
The word Zoopharmacognosy is derived from the Greek 'zoo' (animal), 'pharmaco' (remedy)
and 'gnosy' (knowing), and Applied Zoopharmacognosy is the application of this knowledge
for animals who do not have access to an environment rich in their natural resources.
Ingraham, C. (2014)
Referral
Came via contact made in July 2015 by Michael’s guardian, Karen to the Ingraham Academy
of Zoopharmacognosy, with whom I am currently a student practitioner.
Reason for Referral
Michael had in total 4 sarcoids:
1. Above the right eye – see photographs at the end of this report
2. Right cheek – approximately the size and shape of a pencil end eraser
3. Below right elbow crease – approximately thumbnail sized
4. Left inner thigh – approximately thumbnail sized
Previous treatment using bloodroot ointment as prescribed by Michael’s veterinarian
practitioner had proved unsuccessful and Michael’s case was referred to the University of
Liverpool for radiation therapy.
Process
Between 12th July and 15th September 2015, Michael received weekly AZ sessions from me.
Sessions typically lasted approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours. My sessions were consistently
supported by daily offering of key extracts from Karen, adhering to the same principles of
offering / self-selection.
While the focus for sessions was unmistakably the physical presentation of the sarcoids, like
most complimentary approaches, AZ aims to incorporate an understanding of behavioural /
emotional traits to capture a whole picture of the animal.
As a qualified equine shiatsu practitioner I have also combined the use of specific
acupuncture points where relevant and appropriate. However, Applied Zoopharmacognosy
has remained the foremost focus for Michael’s sessions.
Summary of Key Extracts Selected
Essential Oils (EO)
Commentary & Key Properties
Thuja Michael selected this via inhalation and orally in preference to other
essential oils for initial sessions
Thuja, in many forms is commonly used to treat sarcoids, warts and melanomas
Bergamot Initially Michael selected this via inhalation, later sessions Michael allowed
topical application
Selection stopped (inhalation & topical) after session 11
Angelica Root Initially Michael selected this via inhalation, later sessions Michael allowed
topical application
Selection stopped (inhalation & topical) after session 11
Lime Lime was not available to Michael until session 9, when he selected it via
inhalation, orally and topically with a stronger preference to both Bergamot
and Angelica Root
Like the previous two photo-reactive oils selection stopped after session 11
Bergamot, angelica root and lime are photo-reactive oils and all can kill tumour
cells in a similar way. Although perfectly harmless to cells in the dark, as soon as
they are exposed to UV light these oils can have a cytotoxic effect. Bergapten
(also known as Methoxypsoralen) found in bergamot and lime and Angelicin
found in angelica root become highly reactive in the presence of UV light
(Tessman et al 1985; Piette & Hearst 1983). Upon UV exposure these molecules
attach themselves to the DNA, damaging it. When such extensive DNA damage
occurs cells stop growing and are prevented from making necessary proteins
and so eventually die.
Lemon Limonene found in lemon EO, works in two ways. Firstly it has been shown to
prevent tumour cells from developing their own blood vessels (Lu et al; 2004).
Developing new blood vessels is essential for bringing nutrients to tumour cells,
allowing them to grow. Limonene also helps to prevent the establishing of their
own nutrient supply. Preventing blood vessel development is useful in
preventing the tumour from getting worse but does not directly get rid of it.
Limonene and some of its metabolites, such as Perillic acid also have immune
supporting properties. The immune system can recognize and destroy certain
tumour cells and so lemon oil may have an indirect tumour cell killing effect
through its enhancement of the immune system (Del Toro-Arreola et al 2005).
Carrot Seed Michael selected this during early sessions via inhalation and then again, topically during latter sessions
Carrot seed has immune stimulant properties and is indicated with cell repair.
German Chamomile
Michael selected this from session 11 topically
German Chamomile is indicated with inflamed and healing tissues (including scar tissue).
Lavender Michael selected this from session 11 topically
Lavender is indicated with scar tissue, proud flesh and skin regeneration.
Dried Herbs / Powders
Commentary & Key Properties
Rosehip Shells Michael consistently selected between 1 – 3 kg per day (sequentially in
combination with barley grass)
Quantity selection started to reduce at session 12
Rosehips offer a rich source of vitamin C, offering valuable support to immune
function and opportunity for cell regeneration / collagen repair. They also
contact vitamin A & K, iron, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin.
Barley Grass Powder
Michael consistently selected on average 50g per day and on occasions up
to 100g (sequentially in combination with rosehip shells)
Michael often selected dry meaning absorption route was via the buccal
membrane
Organic barley grass offers a balanced source of nutrients and minerals. Horses
that are run down, off their food or on poor grazing often select barley grass. It
is especially high in calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and
potassium. As well as essential amino acids, barley grass contains 11 x more
calcium than cow’s milk, 5 x more iron than spinach and 7 x more vitamin C than
an orange.
Lemon Peel Powder
Michael consistently selected on average between 2 – 8 table spoons during sessions with me
Lemon has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Also see Lemon Essential Oil.
Macerated Oils Commentary & Key Properties Calendula Michael often selected this orally in early sessions, taking between 50 –
100ml at any one time
Latterly Michael selected this topically onto healing skin (in combination with German Chamomile and Lavender essential oils)
Calendula has been frequently selected by animals with skin problems.
Outcome
Without doubt the success of this work has been team work, with Karen following a daily
routine of offering key extracts under my guidance (rosehip shells and barley grass).
Apart from a small amount of wound healing evident at session 5, significant physical
changes were not obvious until session 7, when Michael was notably able to open his right
eye wider and the open wound was clearly smaller and flatter.
By sessions 3/4, two of the smaller sarcoids (right elbow and left groin) had reduced in size
(not photographed).
During and after sessions 2/4 the large sarcoid above the eye bled (NB no topical
applications were made).
Anecdotally, Karen reported less obvious changes in Michael around his personality, seeing
him more communicative, outward and engaged, and willingness when working. There also
appeared to be positive changes occurring with his body awareness and movement.
The left groin sarcoid was the first to completely disappear around session 5.
From session 7 onwards, the eye sarcoid changed shape and size (reductions) at a significant
rate. This coincided with Michael selecting and allowing consistent topical application
directly onto this sarcoid of photo-reactive essential oils.
Between session 9 and 10 the cheek sarcoid dropped off.
It is worth noting that no topical work was completed on the 3 smaller sarcoids.
At session 12 (approximately 2 months after starting) Michael started to show no interest in
key extracts (photo-reactive essential oils) while interest in both barley grass and rosehip
shells became less consistent in frequency. At the same time Michael showed increased
interest in topical extracts that would indicate scar tissue healing.
From between 26th October 2015 and February 2016, Michael continued to receive
fortnightly AZ sessions. Quantities of rose hip shells and barley grass fluctuated from day to
day with occasions of complete refusal. The 3 small sarcoids did not return. The facial
sarcoid scar continued to change and heal albeit much slower. Some very fine new hair
growth was evident. The focus moved on and Michael enjoyed successes with regards to
nerve damage repair / regeneration in the neck, poll and muzzle areas.
Photographic progress see appendix 01.
References / Sources of information
Del Toro-Arreola S., Flores-Torales E., Torres-Lozzano C., Del Toro-Arreola A., Tostado-Pelayo
K., Ramirez-Duenas MG., Daneri-Navarro A., (2005). Effect of limonene in immune response
in BALB/c mice with lymphoma. INT. IMMUNOPHARMA 5: 829-838.
Ingraham, C., (2014). How Animals Heal Themselves. Orphans Press.
Lu X., Zhan L., Feng B., Qu M. and Yu L., (2004). Inhibition of growth and metastasis
GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission in cultured cortical neurons. EUROEAN JOURNAL
OF PHARMACOLGY 502: 241-46.
Tessman JW., Isaacs ST., Hearst JE. (1985). Photochemistry of the Furan-Side 8-
Methoxypsoralen-Thymildine Monoduct Inside the DNA Helix. Conversion to Diadduct and
Side Pyrone-Monoadduct. BIOCHEMESTRY 24: 1669-1676.