Applied Herbal Choices for Animals Consultant, Level 4 Accredited Diploma Qualification:
Integrating the study of the innate behaviour of animals (particularly focusing on horses and dogs, but with some feline practical application) to self-select and self-medicate from nature, with knowledge of oils and wild herbs.
We pride ourselves on our interactive onsite tutorial sessions, which enable students to open their senses to the amazing healing properties of herbs, and develop their ability to read the responses of the animals to guide the sessions to the best outcome.
Students can include horses, dogs and cats in their training, and other animals if they access to them.
The course was created in 2012 by Applied Zoopharmacognosist and herbalist; Jo Rose, and is co-taught by a number of specialists, whose combined knowledge and skills include applied zoopharmacognosy, medicinal herbalism, wild foraging, animal behaviour and health, and herbal product making. Jo qualified in Applied Zoopharmacognosy in 2009 with Caroline Ingraham. She has qualifications in nutrition and herbalism, with a keen interest in wild foraging, 20 years experience in animal and human therapy, and a level 7 qualification in clinical education.
Much of the course is co-taught by medical herbalist, animal physical therapist, animal herbal consultant and horticulturalist; Rachael Maxwell. Rachael has 30 years experience working with animals and plants and has been sharing her wealth of knowledge as a teacher since 2018.
The course is a level 4 accredited (NCFE) Diploma (equivalent to the first year of a degree in the level of work required). Please click here for more information on NCFE accreditation.
Behaviour section (if no prior skills / qualifications):
Horses: Distance learning with practical assessment during the course in ‘Reading the Response of the Horse’ and the ‘Applied Equine Handling Skills’.
Dogs: We provide a ‘Reading Behaviour and Safe Handling’ practical day with canine holistic rehabilitation therapist and trainer; Alex Butler.
Cats: We provide a distance ‘Understanding Feline Behaviour’ module.
Other animals: Students may add other animals to this approach, and distance learning modules on cats and rabbits are available. Please contact us for more information.
Herbal Classifications and the Principles of Self Selection (1 day)
Students are provided with information on common herbal remedies; how they are classified, their properties and how they are taken. They are introduced to the concept of self selection as they smell and taste some the herbs. Animal self medication is discussed / demonstrated, plus how we can integrate this knowledge to help the wellbeing of domesticated animals.
Dried Herbs, Essential oils, macerated oils and offering to animals (2 days)
Students are introduced to a core kit of essential oils, macerated oils, dried plants, clays and hedge herbs, and given background information on each one. There will also be practical application sections. We cover the main systems of the body and the herbs and oils that can support and bring balance to them.
Client care and practical section on sequencing (2 days)
This section covers pure application, incorporating sequencing, and practically covers the full client protocol. Students have the opportunity to work through full sessions under guidance. They will be using the client history to produce a flexible plan for the session, while working with applied behaviour, so that the session is always animal led. Students will work together to problem solve and observe responses.
The sequencing module is supported with a one to one mentoring session as students start case studies with one of our experienced practitioners and mentors to help you get a clear practical understanding of the process under guidance during a
