Animal Naturopathy: serving the natural well-being of our companions

Introduction

Since the dawn of time, humans have sought resources in nature to heal their bodies and minds. Long before the advent of modern medicine, ancient civilizations—from ancient Egypt to Native American peoples, including Ayurvedic medicine in India and traditional Chinese medicine—used plants, minerals, food, and the energy of living things to maintain health or restore balance.

It was in the 19th century in Europe that the term "naturopathy" truly appeared, driven by doctors and hygienists who wanted to return to natural methods of prevention and care. Sebastian Kneipp in Germany, Benedict Lust in the United States, and Pierre-Valentin Marchesseau in France were among the pioneers who defined naturopathy as "the art of staying healthy, being an actor in one's vitality, and preventing illness by natural means."

Naturopathy is therefore based on simple but powerful foundations:

• Respect for natural laws,
• Self-healing of the body,
• The importance of overall hygiene.

Over the centuries, naturopathy has been enriched by ancestral knowledge and modern discoveries, today forming a true traditional Western medicine, recognized by the WHO as complementary medicine.

The birth of animal naturopathy

It was natural that this approach should not remain confined to humans.

Because our animals share with us this deep bond with life; they too are sensitive to imbalances in their environment, their diet, their emotions.

Animal naturopathy has therefore developed, drawing inspiration from the great human principles but adapting them to the specificities of each species: dog, cat, horse, NAC (new companion animals)...

It considers the animal as a whole — physical, emotional and energetic — and acts to prevent or support natural healing processes.

Through tools such as:

• physiological nutrition,
• herbal medicine,
• adapted aromatherapy,
• flower elixirs,
• lithotherapy,
• energy care,

The animal naturopath aims to preserve vitality, strengthen natural defenses, soothe emotional wounds and rebalance energies.

Animal naturopathy is not an emergency medicine; it is a supportive medicine, which places the wisdom of nature, respect for living things and deep listening to the animal at the heart of care.

By choosing to support our companions in this way, we are reconnecting with a thousand-year-old tradition: that of care imbued with gentleness, respect, and harmony.

1. Natural Food: The First Medicine

Nutrition has always been the cornerstone of health, both in humans and animals.

What we eat nourishes not only our body, but also our energy, our immunity, our emotional balance.

The same is true for our companions.

Hippocrates, father of Western medicine, already taught:

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

In animal naturopathy, this maxim takes on its full meaning: feeding your animal in an appropriate, natural and lively way is the first act of care and prevention.

Respect the original nature of the animal

Each species has a specific physiology, inherited from its natural evolution:

• The dog, a descendant of the wolf, is an opportunistic carnivore: it needs mainly meat, accompanied by a small portion of plants.
• The cat is a strict carnivore: its metabolism is entirely built to derive its energy from high-quality animal proteins.
• NACs (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, etc.) are often demanding herbivores, requiring specific fibers.

However, modern industrial food (ultra-processed kibble, low-end pâtés) is often poor in essential nutrients, and overloaded with cereals, sugars and chemical additives, far removed from the real needs of the animal.

Poor diet is the silent cause of many imbalances:

• Skin allergies,
• Chronic digestive disorders,
• Overweight,
• Fatigue, anxiety, irritability.

The fundamental role of the naturopath is therefore to reconcile the animal's diet with its deep nature.

The different natural nutritional approaches

a) Homemade physiological nutrition (household rations)

Homemade rations consist of preparing homemade meals every day or every week, adapted to the species and weight of the animal, balanced in:

• Quality proteins (meat, fish),
• Easy-to-digest vegetables (carrots, zucchini, pumpkin),
• Oils rich in essential fatty acids (rapeseed oil, salmon oil),
• Supplements if necessary (calcium, vitamins, trace elements).

Benefits :

• Total control of ingredients,
• Absence of chemical additives,
• Personalized nutrition according to the animal's needs (age, health, activity).

Please note: a home-cooked ration must be formulated or validated by a professional to avoid deficiencies!

b) Raw feeding (BARF)

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) aims to get as close as possible to the natural diet of carnivores:

• Raw meats,
• Offal,
• Meaty bones,
• Mixed vegetables,
• A moderate intake of fruit.

Benefits :

• Improved dental health,
• Easier digestion,
• Shiny coat, renewed vitality.

Precautions :

• Impeccable quality of meat (prevention of parasites),
• Perfect balance of contributions (risks of deficiencies or excess),
• Gradual introduction to avoid digestive problems.

c) The rigorous selection of natural kibble or pâtés

For those who cannot cook daily, there are natural kibbles or high-end pâtés:

Rich in animal protein,

Without unnecessary grains,

No colorings, preservatives or chemical enhancers.

Check the label:

The first ingredient must be meat (not “by-product” or “animal meal”),

No more than 20% carbohydrates if possible,

Omega-3 and natural antioxidant contributions.

Natural nutrition and naturopathy: going further

In a naturopathic approach, diet is also a means of acting in prevention or targeted support:

• In case of joint problems, we will favor natural anti-inflammatory foods (krill oil, turmeric).
• To support the liver after drug treatment, we will offer purifying vegetables (artichoke, black radish in adapted form).
• In anxious animals, a diet rich in tryptophan (turkey, banana) will promote the secretion of serotonin, the happiness hormone.

Some common mistakes to avoid

Feeding an unbalanced homemade diet: a simple "chicken and rice" is not enough!

Neglecting the intake of essential fatty acids, fundamental for the skin, brain and immunity.

Thinking that a "grain-free" food is necessarily of good quality: some are overloaded with poorly digested legumes.

Forgetting that every animal is unique: what suits one can unbalance another.

Practical tips for integrating natural food

Introduce any new food gradually (over 7 to 10 days),

Vary protein sources slightly to avoid food intolerances,

Regularly add small natural cures: salmon oil, spirulina, brewer's yeast,

Observe your companion: hair, stools, energy are valuable indicators of their nutritional well-being.

Summary :

In animal naturopathy, feeding well prevents 80% of future imbalances.

It is about providing your companion with the solid foundations of vibrant, balanced, lasting health.

Because before any other form of care, food is the very first medicine.

2. Phytotherapy: the soul of plants at the service of animal well-being

Since the beginning of humanity, even before the invention of chemical remedies, humans have observed wild animals instinctively turning to certain plants for healing.

A cat nibbling herbs to purge itself, a dog chewing chamomile to soothe its stomach...

Phytotherapy—the art of healing with plants—is an ancestral medicine deeply rooted in the living.

In animal naturopathy, herbal medicine is a valuable ally, because it supports vital functions while respecting the sensitive nature of our companions.

Understanding herbal medicine

Phytotherapy uses the whole plant or some of its active parts (flowers, leaves, roots, buds) in different forms:

• Infusion or decoction,
• Maceration,
• Powder,
• Liquid extract (sweet mother tincture).

Each plant has a specific chemical composition:

• flavonoids (powerful antioxidants),
• alkaloids (emotion modulators),
• tannins (protectors of the mucous membranes),
• natural essential oils.

These plant molecules act in harmony with the body, stimulating its self-healing abilities.

The main actions of plants in animal naturopathy

Depending on their properties, plants can:

• Soothe: calm emotions or pain (chamomile, linden, passionflower),
• Strengthen: boost immunity (echinacea, astragalus),
• Purify: cleanse the emunctories (liver, kidneys, intestines) (dandelion, burdock),
• Tone: restore energy during periods of fatigue or convalescence (ginseng, nettle),
• Balance: support digestive, respiratory or skin functions.

Some key plants in animal naturopathy

a) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Queen of appeasement, it is used for:

• Relax anxious animals,
• Relieve stress-related digestive disorders,
• Promote natural sleep.

Use : as a slightly warmed infusion in drinking water, or applied to a compress to soothe eye irritation.

b) Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Fortifying plant par excellence:

• Rich in essential minerals (iron, silica, calcium),
• Remineralizes aging or convalescent animals,
• Promotes the quality of hair and skin.

Use : in powder form mixed with food, or in infusion added to the bowl.

c) Harpagophytum (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Nicknamed "devil's claw," this powerful natural anti-inflammatory is used for:

• Relieve joint pain,
• Improving mobility in animals with osteoarthritis.

Caution: prohibited in case of gastritis or digestive ulcer.

d) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Recognized liver protector:

• Supports overworked liver (medicines, toxins),
• Promotes liver cell regeneration.

Use : dry or liquid extract, as a treatment after heavy drug treatment.

The different forms of animal phytotherapy

• Infusions: light, for calming plants,
• Plant powders: to be mixed with meals,
• Glycerine macerates (similar to gemmotherapy): gentle and well tolerated,
• Soft fluid extracts: pay attention to the dosage (always adapted to the weight of the animal).

Essential precautions

Some plants are toxic to dogs and especially to cats (e.g. green tea, St. John's wort, garlic).

• Doses should always be adjusted to the animal's weight.
• Prolonged use of certain plants requires naturopathic or veterinary supervision.
• Never force an animal to ingest a preparation if it refuses it (their instinct often protects them from excess).

How to integrate herbal medicine into daily life?

• As a preventative measure: give a few light treatments in the fall and spring to support the liver and kidneys.
• As an accompaniment: during occasional stress (travel, moving), use a calming infusion.
• As regular support: for seniors, remineralizing and anti-inflammatory plants provide valuable comfort.

Summary

Herbal medicine is a subtle medicine, respectful of the natural rhythm of healing.

It offers a huge range of solutions to help our companions achieve a sustainable balance, using what nature has to offer in its purest form: its age-old plant strength.

Used with discernment and love, the plant becomes a silent messenger between the Earth and the animal soul.

3. Aromatherapy: the subtle power of plant essences

Aromatherapy is one of the most valuable—and also most delicate—branches of animal naturopathy.

Here, it is no longer a question of the whole plant, but of its very essence, concentrated in a tiny drop: the essential oil.

Each drop is a living treasure, a true molecular symphony capable of supporting the physical, emotional and energetic health of our companions.

Understanding Aromatherapy

Essential oils are obtained by distillation or expression of aromatic plants:

• Flowers (lavender, chamomile),
• Leaves (eucalyptus, tea tree),
• Wood (sandalwood, cedar),
• Zest (orange, lemon).

They contain hundreds of natural active ingredients:

Terpenes,

Aldehydes,

Esters,

Ketones...

Their concentration is such that a single drop sometimes contains the equivalent of several kilos of fresh plant.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Animals

Used intelligently and carefully, essential oils can:

• Soothe emotions: stress, anxiety, fear, shock,
• Strengthen natural defenses: immune stimulation,
• Support the respiratory and digestive systems,
• Relieve muscle or joint pain,
• Clean up the environment naturally.

Some key essential oils in animal naturopathy

a) True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Queen of calming, true lavender is:

• Calming and sedative,
• Skin healing,
• Mild anxiolytic.

Use : in gentle diffusion or in diluted massage to relax a stressed or nervous animal.

b) Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora and cineole)

Great ally of immunity:

• Powerful antiviral,
• Respiratory expectorant,
• Immunostimulant.

Use : during epidemics, in controlled diffusion to strengthen natural defenses.

c) Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Very soft, it is perfect for:

• Soothe nervous tension,
• Relieve digestive disorders of emotional origin.

Use : massage diluted on the stomach or behind the ears, to calm deep anxieties.

d) Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Known for its properties:

• Antibacterial,
• Antifungals,
• Purifying.

Use : in dilution to locally treat skin infections (with great caution and never in cats without monitoring!).

Animal-friendly forms of use

Gentle atmospheric diffusion: a few drops in a cold diffuser, never imposed directly on the animal.

• Diluted local application : always diluted in a vegetable oil (sweet almond, fractionated coconut).
• Indirect olfactory route : place a drop on a cloth placed near the basket, never on the fur.

Essential precautions

Aromatherapy is powerful, but requires a lot of respect and caution in animal naturopathy:

• Never use pure essential oils directly on the animal,
• No essential oils for cats without strict supervision: their liver is incapable of metabolizing certain molecules,
• Always dilute (generally 1 to 3% maximum in a vegetable oil),
• Observe the animal carefully: if it runs away or shows discomfort, stop immediately.

How to integrate aromatherapy into daily life?

• As a preventative measure : a few days a month, diffuse true lavender to relax the general atmosphere of the house.
• For emotional support : prepare a small personalized blend (lavender + chamomile) during times of change (travel, moving, arrival of a new animal).
• In natural hygiene : gently disinfect the living space with hydrosols (floral waters) based on tea tree or lavender.

Summary

Aromatherapy is the fragrant soul of plants, a subtle art where each drop contains the memory of the living.

For our animals, it is an invisible hand reaching out to provide calm, protection and vitality, provided it is used with infinite gentleness and great knowledge.

Used wisely, essential oil becomes an invisible bridge between nature and the hearts of our companions.

4. Gemmotherapy: the embryonic power of buds

Gemmotherapy is a subtle and powerful form of herbal medicine, sometimes called "bud medicine."

It is an approach based on a fundamental principle:

The bud contains all the potential of the entire plant, concentrated in an embryonic state vibrant with vitality.

In each bud lies the complete cellular memory of the flower, fruit, leaves and trunk.

It is this energy of growth, regeneration, rebirth that gemmotherapy captures to support the living.

Understanding gemmotherapy

The extracts used are bud macerates:

• macerated in a mixture of water, alcohol and vegetable glycerin,
• allowing all the active ingredients contained in the young plant tissue to be kept intact.
• These macerates are true concentrates of biological information, acting in depth:
• Cellular regeneration,
• Drainage of the excretory organs,
• Immune support,
• Energy rebalancing.

Special feature :

Gemmotherapy often acts more quickly and more subtly than classic herbal medicine, by stimulating major vital functions.

The benefits of gemmotherapy in animal naturopathy

It allows you to act:

• On the physical level: detox, joint support, toning of the metabolism,
• On an emotional level: helps to get through periods of stress or change,
• On overall vitality : gentle fortification of weakened or aging animals.

It is a gentle approach, perfectly suited to sensitive, young, old or convalescing animals.

Some key buds in animal naturopathy

a) Linden bud (Tilia tomentosa)

• Powerful nervous system calming agent,
• Helps reduce anxiety, agitation, insomnia,
• Promotes emotional calming.

Use : in nervous, stressed animals, or in life transition (adoption, separation).

b) Blackcurrant bud (Ribes nigrum)

• Natural anti-inflammatory,
• Stimulates the adrenals (natural tonic),
• Relieves joint and muscle pain.

Use : for older animals, those suffering from osteoarthritis or chronic inflammation.

c) Sequoia bud (Sequoia gigantea)

• Deep remineralizing,
• Stimulates general vitality,
• Strengthens animals during aging.

Use : Revitalize senior dogs and cats, strengthen bone strength.

d) Rosemary bud (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Powerful liver drainer,
• Stimulates digestion,
• Promotes natural liver detoxification.

Use : after drug treatment, or as a gentle detoxification treatment.

Animal-friendly forms of use

• Diluted mother macerates: to be administered in drinking water, on a little food or directly on the tongue (a few drops are sufficient).

Duration: 21-day courses generally recommended, sometimes interspersed with breaks.

Essential precautions

• Always adapt the dose to the animal's weight: animals need much smaller quantities than humans.
• Use alcohol-free or very low-dose macerates for sensitive species.
• If you are currently taking medical treatment, seek professional advice to avoid any interaction.

How to integrate gemmotherapy into daily life?

As a support treatment : twice a year, in spring and autumn, to boost energy and cleanse the body.

Targeted support : during convalescence, seasonal changes, or after periods of intense stress.

As a preventative measure : supporting aging animals to preserve their mobility and comfort of life.

Summary

Gemmotherapy is the silent promise of renewal, an intimate dialogue between the wisdom of plants and animal vitality.

Through the vibration of the buds, all the power of natural regeneration is offered to our companions, while respecting their rhythm and their uniqueness.

5. Lithotherapy: the silent energy of stones

Since the dawn of time, stones and crystals have accompanied human civilizations: talismans, amulets, energy healing tools...

Ancient peoples already knew that each stone carries within it a specific vibration, a subtle frequency capable of interacting with our own vital energy.

In animal naturopathy, lithotherapy suggests using this natural energy to rebalance, soothe or strengthen our companions in a gentle and non-invasive way.

Understanding lithotherapy

Each stone is formed underground over millions of years, under unique conditions of temperature, pressure and mineral composition.

This gives it its own energetic vibration, capable of influencing:

• Electromagnetic fields,
• Emotions,
• The body's energy balance.

Animals, naturally very sensitive to variations in subtle energy, often react quickly to the presence of stones, sometimes even more than humans.

The main effects of lithotherapy on animals

Depending on their composition, color and crystalline structure, stones can:

• Soothe fears,
• Promote inner calm,
• Strengthen vitality,
• Stimulate anchoring and confidence,
• Protect from negative influences.

Lithotherapy does not work by "forcing" it, but by supporting the body in its natural movement of rebalancing.

Some key stones in animal naturopathy

a) Rose quartz (pink)

• Stone of unconditional love,
• Soothes stress, separation pain, emotional trauma.

Use: near the bed for fearful animals, recently adopted, or those who have been abandoned.

b) Amethyst (purple)

• Stone of inner peace,
• Helps reduce mental agitation,
• Promotes deep, restorative sleep.

Use : to accompany anxious, nervous, or hyperactive animals.

c) Carnelian (orange)

• Stone of anchoring and vitality,
• Stimulates confidence, joy, vitality.

Use : in young animals lacking confidence or in seniors needing a boost of energy.

d) Tiger's Eye (brown)

• Energy protection stone,
• Strengthens anchoring, emotional stability,
• Protects against negative environmental energies.

Use : for animals that are very sensitive to the environment or living in places with high energy loads.

Animal-friendly forms of use

• Rough or rolled stones placed near the basket or living space,
• Natural stone necklaces (with precautions: solid stones, no risk of ingestion, light weight),
• Energy healing sessions by gently placing the stone near the animal during a calm time.

Important :

The animal must always be able to move away from the stone if it wishes.

Respecting your energetic free will is fundamental.

Essential precautions

• Choose authentic stones (avoid artificial or tinted stones),
• Regularly purify the stones (spring water, sage fumigation, or moonlight),
• Adjust the size and weight of the stone to the animal to avoid any discomfort.

How to integrate lithotherapy into daily life?

• Create a “sacred space” near your basket by placing a few calming stones there,
• Use transition stones during major changes (new home, travel, arrival of another animal),
• Accompany an energetic treatment with the simple presence of a targeted stone.

Summary

Lithotherapy is a silent language between the mineral and the living, a subtle communication made of frequencies, feelings and natural harmony.

By offering our companions the energy of stones, we offer them an invisible caress, a vibrational protection, an invitation to calm and confidence.

9

There are injuries that cannot be seen.

Buried fears, silent sadness, contained anger, old traumas...

It is these emotional imbalances that flower elixirs, in particular the famous Bach Flowers, respond to.

Created at the beginning of the 20th century by Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician and great humanist, these elixirs are designed to gently reharmonize disturbed emotional states, without forcing or masking, but by helping the living being to regain its natural inner balance.

Understanding Flower Essences

A flower elixir is an energetic imprint of a flower, obtained by solarization:

• Fresh flowers are placed in pure water exposed to sunlight, allowing the plant's vibrational energy to infuse into the water.
• This water is then stabilized with a small amount of alcohol or vegetable glycerin.

Unlike essential oils or medicinal plants, flower essences do not act on the physical body, but on the emotional state which can be the cause of bodily imbalance.

They are completely harmless, without side effects, and can be used safely in animals.

The benefits of Bach flowers in animal naturopathy

Flower elixirs allow:

• To calm occasional stress (travel, visit to the vet, change of environment),
• To support old traumas (abuse, abandonment),
• To reduce defensive aggression,
• To support a bereavement (loss of an animal or human companion),
• To help build self-confidence in fearful or hypersensitive animals.

Some key flower essences for animals

a) Rescue Remedy (emergency mix)

• Association of 5 flowers,
• Calms immediately in situations of shock, intense fear, panic,
• Can be used before a stressful event or after a trauma.

b) Mimulus (Mimulus)

• Flower of courage,
• For known and identified fears (fear of cars, fear of other animals, fear of noise).

c) Star of Bethlehem (Eleven o'clock lady)

• Flower of consolation,
• To heal old undigested shocks, grief, emotional trauma.

d) Walnut

• Flower of transition,
• Helps adapt to changes: moving, adoption, arrival of another animal.

e) Aspen

• Flower of diffuse fears, without apparent reason,
• Ideal for very sensitive animals, who seem anxious without visible cause.

Animal-friendly forms of use

• Directly in the water bowl: 4 drops diluted several times a day,
• On a treat or in food,
• Gently placed on the nape of the neck or pads (especially in emergency situations).

Important :

It is best to use alcohol-free or glycerin-stabilized flower essences for animals.

Adapt the doses to the behavior and size of the animal (but no risk of overdose).

How to integrate Bach flowers into daily life?

• Before a stressful event: start a treatment 3 to 7 days before (travel, moving, veterinary visit).
• In support treatment : over several weeks to support a hypersensitive or grieving animal.
• In one-off intervention : Rescue Remedy in the event of an accident, sudden fright or sudden change.

Summary

Flower essences are subtle messengers, capable of reaching the deep layers of the animal soul without forcing, without offending.

By using them, we offer our companions invisible but powerful support, a helping hand towards their inner freedom and emotional well-being.

Inspirational quote

“Healing a person is not about fighting their illness, it is about awakening their light.”

In conclusion, by choosing to turn to animal naturopathy, we are doing much more than adopting natural care:

We are reconnecting with an ancient philosophy, one that considers each living being as a whole — a body, a heart, a soul — and which deeply respects its inner nature.

Through live food, we nourish the very essence of our companions.

Through phytotherapy and gemmotherapy, we support their vital forces with the age-old wisdom of plants.

Thanks to aromatherapy, we communicate with their energetic subtlety, very gently.

By using stones and flower essences, we caress the invisible, we soothe silent wounds, we promote emotional resilience.

Animal naturopathy is neither a miracle cure nor an act of blind faith.

It is a path of complicity, observation, and deep listening.

It is honoring the living in all its forms.

It is recognizing that our animals are not only physical beings to be cared for, but sensitive souls to be accompanied with kindness and humility.

By returning to the essentials, by respecting natural laws, by listening to the life that pulses in the slightest glance of our companions, we become the conscious guardians of a sacred bond, one that unites man and animal in a silent dance of love and mutual respect.

Animal naturopathy is not just a set of techniques.

It is a philosophy of the heart, a commitment to a purer, truer, more luminous relationship with those who give us the immense gift of their trust.

Little +

Trained with passion and commitment, I had the chance to follow in-depth training in animal naturopathy, leading to obtaining my certificate.

This learning reinforced my deep conviction: every animal deserves a respectful, natural and holistic approach to preserve its health and well-being.

Today, I am happy to put this knowledge at the service of your companions, accompanying them with gentleness, listening and kindness, while respecting their deep nature.