The Ingraham Academy of Zoopharmacognosy, headed by the founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy Caroline Ingraham, promotes self-medication as a necessary component of domestic and wild animal health.

Animals have evolved to cope with potential threats including disease and injury, and as a result have developed solutions to restore health by self-administering medicinal compounds naturally found in the wild.

Zoopharmacognosy refers to the process by which animals self-medicate and naturally forage plants and their essential oils, algae, clay and other natural remedies. This practice allows an animal to use its innate ability to prevent disease. The word Zoopharmacognosy was coined by Dr.Eloy Rodriguez a biochemistry biochemist at Cornell University. The word is derived from the ancient greek 'zoo' (animal), 'pharmaco' (remedy) and 'gnosy' (knowing).

Applied Zoopharmacognosy is the art of enabling domestic and captive animals to self-medicate effectively in environments without therapeutic plants. Offering appropriate secondary compounds (such as essential oils) for self medication allows the animal to be in control of its health.

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The 5 principles of the Ingraham method:

1. Always gain the animal's consent
2. Never put plant compounds in the food of an animal
3. Always allow an animal to select the plant compound
4. Never diagnose
5. Be patient: allow time and learn to read the body language of the animal

Caroline trains individuals in how to recognize and understand self-medicative behaviour. She also works in conjunction with several animal charities; helping to rehabilitate a range of animals such as cats, dogs, horses, tigers, rhionos and elephants, with long standing behavioural and/or physiological issues. Courses range from two day workshops where you can understand the principals of working with your own animal to professional diplomas.

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