How Animals Self-Medicate
By: EjazUlHaqBhat
Image: Pexels
Self-medication in animals, also known as zoopharmacognosy, is when animals eat plants or other substances to heal themselves
Image: Pexels
This behavior has been observed in many different animals, including birds, bees, lizards, elephants, and chimpanzees
Image: Pexels
Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals self-medicate by using plants, soils, and insects for health
Image: Pexels
The term comes from the words "zoo" (animal), "pharma" (drug), and "gnosis" (knowing)
Image: Pexels
Animals may eat plants to prevent disease, kill parasites, aid digestion, heal injuries, and cure illnesses
Image: Pexels
For example, dogs seek to soothe an upset stomach by eating indigestible plant material to induce vomiting
Image: Pexels
Other examples include certain types of parrots and macaws that eat clay to aid digestion
Image: Pexels
Some lizards feed on particular roots to help counteract snake venom
Image: Pexels
ndtv.com