Humans have been using herbal allies for thousands of years. The oldest written evidence is a 5,000-year-old Sumerian clay slab with a list of more than 250 plants and recipes for their use in medicinal preparations. A few hundred years later, a Chinese book described hundreds of medicines made from dried plant parts, including such well-known favorites as gentian, ginseng and cinnamon bark. And the list goes onfrom the Bible and the Talmud to Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey.
Going back even further – long before we developed writing – archaeologists have found evidence that people were using medicinal plants about 60,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic period.
These people were driven by instinct to use plants to heal their wounds and treat their illnesses – but they were not alone. Our furry (and feathered, and scaled) friends in the animal kingdom are also looking for herbal answers to what ails them. You could even call them the OG herbalists!
Many animal species use herbs and other plants for self-medication. It’s so common there is even a name for it: zoopharmacognosy. ‘Zoo’ obviously refers to ‘animals’, ‘pharma’ to ‘medicine’, and ‘gnosy’ refers to ‘knowledge’. Knowledge of veterinary medicines!
Anyone who has a dog has probably seen an example of this, as dogs often nibble grass as a source of fiber to aid digestion. Some dogs even eat a lot of grass at once to induce vomiting and soothe stomach upset. (We don’t recommend trying this yourself!)
Bears and Osha
One of the most commonly used herbs in the southwestern Rocky Mountain region is Osha root (Ligusticum porteri), a member of the parsley family (Apiaceae). The root is used by modern herbalists to support respiratory and immune health (such as in our Kick-Ass Immune Activator for Adults and Kick-It Immune Activator For Kids). However, it should be used sparingly as Osha is currently vulnerable in the south-west. We must protect the delicate presence of this plant in the wild.
Photo by Stan Cunningham of Ursus Nature Photography.
By observing their four-legged relatives, Native Americans were able to discover the sacred relationship between bears and Osha, leading them to call the herb “bear medicine” and “bear root.” Bears are known for their love of Osha, and it is often one of the first plants they seek out and consume after waking from hibernation in the spring. They have also been observed digging up and chewing Osha roots when sick to ease their discomfort.
Deer and yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has long been used in first aid settings to support healthy blood flow and microbial balance. In fact, the Greek warrior Achilles is said to have carried yarrow with him during the Trojan War to treat wounds on the battlefield, earning it the nickname “the warrior’s herb.”
The only deer that likes to eat yarrow?
Gardeners appreciate yarrow for another reason: deer deterrent. Deer (and many other animals) do not like the bitter taste and pungent smell of yarrow. However, deer have been spotted rolling in yarrow patches when injured. Like the warrior Achilles, they seem to instinctively recognize the healing properties of the plant!
Cats and catnip
Many cats – from domestic cats to lions and tigers – go wild on catnip. But why? The fragrant Nepeta cataria is part of the mint family and contains an oil called ‘nepetalactone’. The scent of the oil stimulates special pheromone receptors in the nasal passages of cats, giving them a feeling of euphoria.
Although catnip is probably best known for its intoxicating effect on cats, it is also popular with herbalists, who use it for a variety of purposes. When consumed in tea or tincture, catnip has a calming effect. People also use it to aid digestion and relieve nausea. That’s why we include catnip as one of the ingredients in our Digestive Rescue GI Normalizer (formerly Mo’Betta Belly) digestive tincture, which is formulated to soothe common digestive discomforts like upset stomach, gas, heartburn and motion sickness.
So the next time you’re feeling down or need a pick-me-up, follow the animals’ example and find herbal allies for optimal health!
Valerie Gleaton is a professional writer and editor. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she also earned a certificate in science and environmental reporting.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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