Hydrosols and clays are other ways that animals can reap the rewards of healing by nature. Whether the animal we are caring for is a home companion or in the zoo, we are attempting to create their natural environment for them. This offers the chance for animals to self-medicate by being offered a range of plant and natural substances.
Just as any other form of plant-based and natural substances, Hydrosols and Clays can help with:
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Physical Health Issues
- Expel Parasites
- Detoxify The Body
- Pain and Inflammation
- Itching
- Emotional Issues (Boredom, Anxiety, Anger or Frustration
Hydrosols
Hydrosols are also known as floral waters which are a by-product of the steam distillation process used in the making of certain types of essential oils. Hydrosols are mostly water but also contain some volatile and aromatic molecules from the plant. This is a very mild product that is typically safe for internal use in most cases and depending on the hydrosol. They are also suitable to be used as an undiluted option for external use on animals.
Hydrosol’s therapeutic actions are gentle and mild, their delicate aromatic scents are very appealing to many animals. They are known to be a gentle and healing antiseptics for the skin. There are a number of hydrosols that are used for animals with great benefits.
Common Animal Hydrosols:
- Elderflower Water
- Lime Blossom Water
- Orange Blossom Water
- Rose Water
Clays
Animals in the wild have used clays for various things, internally and externally. There are many different types of clay powders available to animals to help aid them with what is ailing them. It is important that practitioners and animal parents are educated in knowing the source of the clay and its nutrient profile. It is interesting to observe that animals in the wild who have access to the seashore and the sea are at times drawn to Dead Sea and green sea clays. If you have an animal whose wild relatives use clay on a regular basis, think about where in the world they come from and what sort of clay they would have available to them to consume. Parrots are an excellent example of this and it is important to consider for the well-being and vitality of your animals.
Animals will self-select clay when they need to absorb toxins within their gut which they would consume internally. This is known as geophagy. It is extremely important, just like herbs, that you purchase a high-quality clays to avoid contaminating our animals which would worsen any gut irritation. Seek a professional if you are unsure how to utilize and choose these natural alternatives.
As we can see hydrosols and clays can also offer animals an opportunity to seek out what is most appropriate for them at any given time to help them.