Animals self-medicate with plants − behavior people have observed and emulated for millennia

When a wild Orangean in Sumatra recently suffered from a face wound, apparently after fighting with another male, he did something that caught the attention of the scientists who watched him.

Animal Chew Liana’s vine leaves – a plants It is not usually eaten by monkeys. For several days, Uranjotan carefully applied the juice to his wound, then covered him with a dough from Liana. Healing the wound with a dim wound only. The tropical plant chosen by anti -bacterial and antioxidants contains, and it is known to relieve pain, fever, bleeding and infections.

It was the amazing story It was taken by the media All over the world. In the interviews and in Their search paperScientists have stated that this “systematically documented in a systematic treatment of the active wound by a wild animal” with a biological plant. “Discovery” will provide new visions in the origins of human wound care.

For me, the behavior of Uranjotan seemed familiar. your The old science historian Whoever searches for what the Greeks and the Romans knew about plants and animals, I was reminded of similar cases that Aristotle, Bleini the Great, Ilian and other natural scholars from ancient times. amazing A group of accounts From ancient times to the Middle Ages, self -treatment is described by many different animals. Animals used plants to treat disease, repel parasites, neutralize toxins and eagerness of wounds.

The term Zooopharmacognosy – “Knowledge of Zanic Medicine” – was invented in 1987. But as a Romanian natural historian Blini indicated 2000 years ago, many animals have made useful medical discoveries for humans. In fact, there were a large number of medicinal plants used in modern medicines Discover for the first time By the indigenous peoples and previous cultures that have noticed animals that use and simulate plants.

What you can learn to watch animals

Some of the first editorial examples of self -treatment appear in Aristotle “Aristotle”History of animalsSince the fourth century BC, it is like the usually known dogs to eat grass when it is sick, and perhaps for disinfection and delegation.

Aristotle also indicated that after the hibernation, the bears seek Wild garlic As their first food. It is rich in vitamin C, iron, magnesium and healthy foodstuffs after a long nap in the winter. The Latin name reflects this popular belief: Allium Ursinum Translate into “Bear Lily”, and the common name in many other languages ​​indicates the bears.

Blini explained how to use DetaniAlso known as wild oregano, to treat arrow wounds arose from watching the wounded wounded grazing on the herb. Aristotle and Dioskorides are credited with wild goats with discovery. Vergil, Cicero, PlutARCH, Solinus, Celsus and Galen claimed that Distani has the ability to flush the arrow’s head and close the wound. Between many known Ditani Plant chemical properties They are antiseptic, anti -inflammatory and renewable effects.

According to Balini, the deer was also known as an antidote to toxic plants: wild Artichoke. The leaves reduce nausea, stomach cramps and liver protection. To treat themselves from the spider bites, Blini wrote, the deer ate crab to the beach, and the sick goats did the same. It is worth noting, Crab shells contain chitosanIt enhances the immune system.

When the elephants were swallowed by the way the hidden chameleon on the green foliage, it was eating olive leaves, which are natural antibiotics to fight Salmonella shelters lizards. Blini said that the crows are eating chameleons, but then leaves soaked to confront Sumaya al -Sukali. Gulf antibacterial leaves Reducing diarrhea and digestive system. Blini noted that black birds, pity, gais and bathrooms also eat laurels for digestive problems.

It was said that the April rolled on the vegetative plant street to counter wounds and diodes. fresh street Pasta. Its medicinal value is unclear, but dried plants are included in many traditional folk medicines. Swallows collection of another toxic plant, celandineTo make the poultice for their chicks. Snakes fire from hibernation rub their eyes on fennel. Fennel It contains compounds that promote tissue repair and immunity.

According to nature IlianWho lived in the third century BC, the Egyptians followed many of their medical knowledge to the wisdom of animals. Illian description of the elephants that treat the spear wounds Olive flowers and oil. The vaccine, cabinets and turtles were mentioned Orangeo leaves And apply the paste to wounds.

The study of animal treatments continued in the Middle Ages. An example of the English summary of the twelfth century of animal traditions, Aberdeen BastariIt tells the bears paint sores with mullein. Folk medicine describes this flowering plant to calm pain and heal burns and wounds, thanks to the anti -inflammatory chemicals.

Ibn al -Durihim manuscript in the fourteenth century “The benefit of animalsI mentioned that the Almighty swallowed the eyes of nesting with turmericAnother anti -inflammatory. He also indicated that wild goats chew and apply SPHAGNUM to wounds, just as Suman Orangean did with Liana. SPHAGNUM Neutralizing bacteria and combat infection.

Pharmaceutical

Of course, these preceding notes of popular knowledge, not the official science, were. But the stories reveal a long -term observation and imitate various animal species with biologically active plants. Just like traditional indigenous people Ethnobotany leads to life -saving medications todayThe scientific test of the demands of ancient centuries and the middle centuries can lead to discoveries of new therapeutic plants.

Animal self -treatment has become a growing scientific discipline quickly. Observers report animal notes, From birds and rats to tissue and chimpanzeesI intentionally employ a wonderful collection of medical materials. One of the amazing observation is that fins and birds Cigarette butts. Nicotine mites kill the nests of birds. some Even veterinarians allow the disease Dogs, horses and other pets to choose their medical prescriptions by inhaling many vegetables.

The puzzles remain. Nobody knows how animals feel the disease that treats the disease, healing wounds, repelling parasites or promoting health in another way. Do they deliberately respond to certain health crises? How do their knowledge transmit? What we know is that we were humans Learn the secrets of healing By watching self -timing animals for thousands of years.

This article has been republished from ConversationAn independent, non -profit news organization brings you facts and trusted analysis to help you understand our complex world. Written by: Adrian mayorand Stanford University

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The mayor of Adrienne does not work with shares, consulting, or receiving them from any company or institution that will benefit from this article, and did not reveal any related affiliations that exceed its academic appointment.