Zoopharmacognosy: Nature?s Pharmacy Used by Animals
Zoopharmacognosy: Nature’s Pharmacy used by animals
Author’s name: Prof. Pradeep Mishra, Bhupesh C Semwal, Sonia SIngh*
Introduction: Self-medicating behavior is a topic of rapidly growing interest to behaviorists, parasitologists, ethnobotanists, chemical ecologists, conservationists, and physicians. Scientists from various disciplines are currently exploring the possibility that many species use plants, soils, insects, and fungi as ‘medicines’ in ways that guard against future illness (preventive medicine) and/or relieve unpleasant symptoms (curative or therapeutic medicine). It is important to note that the scientific study of animal self-medication is not based on an assumption that animals possess an innate ‘wisdom’ by which they flawlessly know what is good for them. Self-medication strategies are survival skills honed by natural selection. In most cases self-medication could be motivated by a desire to immediately reduce unpleasant sensations. Some species, particularly great apes, show an intention of purpose in their medication and in these cases the term ‘zoopharmacognosy’ was coined to describe the process by which wild animals select and use specific plants with medicinal properties for the treatment and prevention of disease1.
In other words we can say that, “Zoopharmacognosy” refers to the process by which animal self-medicate, by selecting and utilizing plants and soils and insects to treat and prevent disease. Coined by Dr.Eloy Rodriguez a biochemist and professor at Cornell University, the word is derived from roots zoo (”animal”), pharma (”drug”), and gnosy (”knowing”)2. Since ancient times people have recorded observations of animals apparently healing themselves with natural medicines. Many herbs still retain a common name that infers this use: dog-grass (Agropyron repens), catnip (Nepeta cataria), and horny goat weed (Epimedium sp.), to name a few. However, these observations remain largely unexplored by science. Many stories of animal self-medication are clearly designed to inform and communicate herbal lore rather than fact. Others are simply misinterpretations of animal behaviour.
Stress Management – Music Can be Used for Relaxation
According to research, music has an intense effect on the human body and mind. Music has healing properties that help ease muscle tension and lift depression. It has been used to help cancer patients, people suffering from post operative stress and even children with ADD. In recent years, music has been used as a powerful tool in therapy sessions to calm the mind and body of patients. Today music is one of the most effective tools for inducing relaxation.
In the current scenario as more and more people fall victims to negative stress, there is high demand for an effective stress management tool that people can use on a daily basis. This is where music comes in. Unlike other stress management tools like meditation, yoga, counseling or massage, listening to music does not require any special time or investment. This is one of the reasons for its popularity as an effective stress management tool.
According to doctors, relaxation music CDs and video can stimulate activity corresponding to its beats in the brain. That is why soothing music encourages contemplation and relaxation. The alterations in brain activity caused by music lead to widespread changes in other bodily functions. Thus music has an impact on breathing and heart rate. Listening to relaxation music CDs and video leads to the activation of relaxation response in the body.
Music effectively counteracts the damaging effects of extreme stress. It can reduce blood pressure, boost immunity and relieve tension in the muscles. Slower breathing and relaxed heart rate brings about relaxation in the body. It is even believed that music has the ability to reduce the risk of stroke and heart related problems. These healing properties of music explain the frequent use of relaxation music CDs and video in therapy and counseling.
Tools And Programs Used For Fine Art Majors
There are many tools used by fine arts majors as they finish their certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degrees. The programs and tools used by fine art majors really depend on the type of fine arts that one is going into. An undergraduate student working towards an art degree focused on painting will require a variety of brushes, canvases, paints and other miscellaneous tools. The tools used by fine arts majors working in graphic design mediums, on the other hand, will be geared towards computer programs and digital tools.
It is difficult to give a broad definition of the tools and programs used for fine art majors, because there are so many different types of degrees that a student might earn in this varied field. The term “fine art” describes any art form that was developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than utility. So, a Master of Fine Art degree in Creative Writing would be considered a fine art major. Notepads, pens, laptop computers and reference books are not typically considered tools used by fine arts majors, however – even though this is a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Most people think of visual and performing art such as painting, sculpture, music, dance, theatre, architecture, photography and printmaking when they think of the fine arts. Many of these visual art degrees require the use of computer programs, such as architecture, photography and printmaking. The tools for the visual arts can span a wide range of musical instruments, stage props and other devices. But when people think of the tools and programs used for fine art majors, they still think of paintbrushes and sculpting tools. There is clearly much more to it than that.
