CAROLINE INGRAHAM

My Vision

I envisage a world where no animal suffers needlessly. A world in which animal guardians are empowered with knowledge and resources to safely and effectively help animals in their care. A world where we give animals back their innate wisdom to heal themselves.

Caroline is a leading expert in the field of animal self-medication and founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy and the Ingraham Method of Individualised Medicine (IMIM). She is an author, lecturer and teacher, with 40 plus years of experience in self-medication and aromatic medicine. Her work plays an important role in animal welfare and encompasses an understanding of ethology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacology in combination with animal self-medication. Caroline works with domestic animals, as well as a wide range of other species, such as; kangaroos, polar bears, brown bears, elephants, tigers, rhinos and primates.

Her work has featured in many journals and magazines and Caroline has written numerous books on animal self-medication. She has appeared on the BBC, ITV, BBC Radio 4, National Geographic TV and at the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts.

Caroline is in demand globally as a consultant and teacher, speaking regularly at international symposiums. She lectures to vets, vet nurses, animal professionals, university students all over the world, as well as empowering those with companion animals to form new lines of communication using self-medicative techniques, to help animals in their care.

Caroline's Journey

Most of my adult life, over the past three decades, has been dedicated to researching and observing how animals heal themselves across a wide range of species, from companion animals to kangaroos, polar bears, brown bears, elephants, tigers, rhinos and primates. I believe that from applied zoopharmacognosy, a new branch of ethology has developed which takes a new look into the causes of behavioural problems seen in domestic, companion and captive animals.

Back in the nineteen eighties I discovered that companion animals could communicate their health needs via offering them aromatic plant extracts – it was an amazing breakthrough. They could let us know which plant medicines they needed, and if they did, where they needed it, and dosed themselves accordingly.

Horses were my initial teachers. I found their body language easy to read, and they were very clear about the exact plant extracts they required. Very soon, patterns began to emerge: horses with separation anxiety mainly selected neroli; those who were wounded chose yarrow and those requiring pain relief opted for remedies such as wintergreen, arnica and St John’s wort.

From here I began observing how wild animals self-medicate, and took this information to domestic and companion animals, giving them the freedom to use their same innate capabilities to heal themselves. Many of you will familiar with the story of my German Shepherd dog (GSD) Gunner who was bitten by a rattlesnake and who had not responded to the anti-venom drip and was dying, but made an amazingly quick recovery as soon as he took the remedies.

It was the beginning of what is now known as a new science. I coined the term ‘Applied Zoopharmacognosy’ to describe the process of bringing a rich pharmacopoeia of natural remedies to animals who are not free to forage. I continued the scientific study of essential oils with leaders in the field, as well as the study of pharmacokinetics and pharmacology in relation to plant and animal health. The Ingraham Academy of Applied Zoopharmacognosy was set up to help raise awareness further among vets, zoos, sanctuaries and pet-parents around the world.

My work soon expanded to orphaned elephants in Kenya at the Sheldrick Trust. I worked with Shimba who was orphaned at six weeks old. This little elephant was relatively reclusive, so I offered neroli essential oil, which my research had shown is often selected when an animal has experienced a loss of some kind. Shimba gently inhaled the oil following its aroma with his trunk, and gradually he climbed onto my lap. This was the point at which Dame Daphne Sheldrick MBE and her daughter Angelia saw the value of the work and it wasn’t long before I was back to help Sinya.

Caroline set up a training academy in 1997 teaching and lecturing in countries such as Australia, America, Hong Kong, and Europe. She was invited by Michael Huffman, associate Professor at Kyoto University to speak in South Korea. She also introduced the subject to The sheldrick Trust in Africa, and Born Free in the UK. Ian Redmond OBE invited her to become a member of the Primate Society of Great Britain and asked if she would lecture to Zoology undergraduates at Bristol University. More recently Caroline spoke to undergraduates at the Zoological Society at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London. Caroline has trained staff and worked with a number of charities including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home as well as the RSPCA.

BOOK

"If I could only take 3 items to a desert island, this absolutely would be one of them. Do you ever think how did we cope without the internet and google? Well, this is how I feel about this book. Rather than buying your horse a new coat, your cat a new scratching post or your dog a new collar and lead, why not buy them a gift to last a lifetime. This book is transformational as it empowers animals, gives them a voice and it will also serve to deepen the bond between you and your animal as they recognise that you are listening to them and allowing them to heal themselves." LLL

"Simply a Bible to learn how to allow animals to care for themselves as they have naturally done for millions of years knowing what is good for them. A plethora of knowledge and practices put at the service of the well-being and healing (physical and emotional) of animals. Caroline Ingraham literally takes us by the hand in this book and explains ALL in detail about plants, dosages, synergies, modes of administration, etc... Book also filled with stories of real examples with precise description of everything that was chosen by the animal to heal. A new way of healing. A new way of being at the service of the living. A big thank you to this great lady. Book entirely in English, not translated." S.G

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TEACHING

“Dear Caroline, Thank you so much for your teaching. You are the most humble, patient and inspiring teacher I have ever met. I couldn’t really hold my tears in class. My feelings are so complex that I don’t know how to put them in words. Your words and your attitude towards our beloved animals on the earth make me reflect on myself as an owner and also as a human being. After the private session, I am so excited that I can read my dog after all these years finally. Addressing her needs makes me feel connected with my doggie. I m pretty sure she felt the same as she kissed me so many times at that night. That’s unusual for her to do so. I can definitely feel the love and understanding. Thanks again for doing so much helping animals.” Jo.L

“Thank you for putting this deeply touching content together. The Animal Kingdom sure deserves us having this knowledge so we can start to understand and help them in ways never imagined before. Feeling honoured to be learning this. Thank you for everything you do. Great to have the videos as a visual backup.” Jolene W

"Thank you for this amazing online course. I have learned sooo much. I am registered for Module 2 and cannot wait to continue with my education. Great job on teaching." Lauren F.

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REMEDIES

“When I first started using oils, I bought most of them from 'good' suppliers... Having bought a few replacements now from you, I can't ever go back! The difference in them from my point of view is intense, and the animals are all choosing oils they never wanted to go near before!”

J.H

Caroline’s products are fantastic! I use them for my own animals and recommend them to my clients. I offer the oils during sessions with the horse’s experiences in mind, particularly beneficial on first visits to nervous horses, along with Reiki. Unfortunately many horses are unable to browse so it’s even more important they’re offered herbs and flowers to support them the best we can. Amazing selection of high quality goods - nature at its best!

Thank you Caroline, Hannah Louise Jones

Thank you so much for my order- it all smelt so amazing and I could not get enough of the smell of the SAGE- it was incredible!! All of them smell so good and It was great to smell three of the new ones too! Really neat with all the packaging materials you are using and the beautiful labels and colours - love them!:-) Thanks again, and record time gets here- (quicker than NZ Post!),

Nicola Rogers

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