Equine Melanoma Case Study

Romeo showed imbalances of his Conception Vessel, Governing Vessel, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Heart Protector, Triple Warmer, Liver and Large Intestine meridians. His priority imbalance was within his Triple Warmer meridian, therefore the aromatics and botanicals being offered for selection are those that support the Triple Warmer meridian. 

• Angelica root (Angelica archangelica) in sunflower oil: commonly selected for animals who have shut down due to chronic pain or stress, Cushing’s syndrome, loss of appetite, stress related digestive conditions, chronic anxiety, and nervous exhaustion. 
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) in sunflower oil: commonly selected for endocrine balance, tumours, depression, frustrated irritability and withdrawn behaviours.
• Carrot seed (Daucus carota) in sunflower oil: commonly selected for loss of appetite, flatulence, malnutrition (past or present), poor skin/hooves, slow healing wounds.
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium) in sunflower oil: commonly selected for shock, anxiety, sadness taken to heart and stress related digestive conditions.
• Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) in sunflower oil: commonly selected for hair loss, fear, timidity and unsettled animals. 
• Frankincense (Boswellia sacra/carterii) in sunflower oil: commonly selected for stress related digestive conditions, wounds, anxiety, restlessness, and tumours. 

Sunflower oil is selected as s neutral base oil for the essential oils to be diluted it.

• Crab Apple (Malus pumila): commonly selected for cleansing, obstruction/constipation.
• Water Violet (Hottonia plasters): commonly selected for connecting with others.
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium): commonly selected for regression and living in the past.

• Plantain: commonly selected for digestive, wound healing, inflamed nervous, inflammation and bleeding.
• Cleavers: commonly selected for lymphatic, structural, hoof, skin, coat support. It is also a great blood cleanser. 
• Dandelion Leaf: commonly selected for liver and immune support, it is also high in vitamin C.

1st Topical: for closed Melanoma.

• Aloe vera (Aloe vera barbadensis) gel: selected for soothing skin, wound healing and skin protective. It is also used as a carrier for the aromatics in the topical.
• Angelica root (Angelica archangelica) hydrosol: selected for skin healing and tumours.
• Angelica root (Angelica archangelica) essential oil: selected for skin healing and tumours.
• Calendula (Calendula offincinalis) macerated oil: selected for slow healing wounds.
• Flower essence mix: crab apple, water violet, Honeysuckle.  

2nd Topical: for the wound after the Melanoma burst.

• Bentonite clay: selected for its highly absorptive, skin protective, and hydrating properties. It also helps to sooth and strengthen the skin. 
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) hydrosol: selected for its anti-bacterial, anti-septic properties, oozing wounds and excessive moisture. 
• Distilled water: to get the topical to the right consistency for application to wound.
• St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) macerated oil: selected for skin inflammation, wounds, balancing, cooling, and soothing wounds. 
• Angelica (Angelica archangelica) essential oil: selected for skin healing and tumours.
• Frankincense (Boswellia sacra/carterii) essential oil: selected for scars, wounds, and tumours.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia/officinalis) essential oil: selected for wounds, proud flesh, swellings. 

• Governing Vessel 4: selected as an ‘emergency’ support point to strengthen the Water element. It is also beneficial for prolapses and fear.
• Governing Vessel 20: selected as an ‘emergency’ support point to strengthen the Water element. It is also beneficial for prolapse and anxiety. 
• Triple Warmer 3: selected for strengthening the Fire element by using energy from the Wood element.
• Small Intestine 3: selected for strengthening the Fire element by using energy from the Wood element.
• Large Intestine 11: selected for strengthening the Metal element by using energy from the Earth element.

In typical Metal element style Romeo is very precise in what he will interact with and select. Out of the six aromatics offered to him, he only selected Angelica root via inhalation. He also selected his flower essence mix that was put in a small bucket for him to select as and when he needed. His guardian reported that he would drink the entire small bucket in which the flower essence was put every day. He also selected cleavers, plantain and dandelion leaf via ingestion.

Romeo's guardian has done a fantastic job of keeping the wound clean (which is key for a wound healing in this tricky and dirty areas of the body) and offering and applying his topical daily (sometimes up to four times a day, depending on his level of interest). While the melanoma was closed Romeo was offered the Angelica gel topical for application multiple times day for 10 days. During the night on the 15th of February the melanoma burst. So a new clay topical was made and offered to support the drawing out of the melanoma fluid and aid wound healing. A few days after the melanoma had burst, and the pain and swelling had reduced, Romeo was able to pass stool with less difficulty and regained his appetite. The wound was cleaned  daily with diluted iodine solutions (as advised by his vet) and the topical clay offered and applied when selected until the wound is completely healed. 

Romeo was also accepting of the above mentions AcuAromatics-points being worked to strengthen his meridian imbalances.  He is still currently selected Angelica root, cleavers, plantain, dandelion leaf and topical during this on-going case study. 

Romeo showed imbalances of his Stomach, Heart, Heart Protector, Triple Warmer and Large Intestine.  His priority imbalance is still within his Triple Warmer meridian, therefore the aromatics and botanicals being offered for selection are those that support the Triple Warmer meridian. 

• Angelica root (Angelica archangelica) in sunflower oil: commonly selected for animals who have shut down due to chronic pain or stress, Cushing’s syndrome, loss of appetite, stress related digestive conditions, chronic anxiety, and nervous exhaustion. 
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) in sunflower oil: commonly selected for endocrine balance, tumours, depression, frustrated irritability and withdrawn behaviours.
• Frankincense (Boswellia sacra/carterii) in sunflower oil: commonly selected for stress related digestive conditions, wounds, anxiety, restlessness, and tumours. 

Sunflower oil is selected as s neutral base oil for the essential oils to be diluted it.

• Plantain: commonly selected for digestive, wound healing, inflamed nervous, inflammation and bleeding.
• Dandelion Leaf: commonly selected for liver and immune support, it is also high in vitamin C.
• Calendula: commonly selected for slow healing wounds, indigestion, ulcers, capillary damage. 
• Chickweed: commonly selected for constipation, digestive tract inflammation, picky with food and anxiety manifesting in the digestive system.
• Meadowsweet: commonly selected for tumours, urinary support, digestive/gastric support, respiratory support and mobility support.
• Nettle: commonly selected for skin/coat conditions, detoxing, laminitis and hormonal support.

Still offering the topical clay for application for  wound healing after the Melanoma burst.

2nd Topical :

• Bentonite clay: selected for its highly absorptive, skin protective, and hydrating properties. It also helps to sooth and strengthen the skin. 
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) hydrosol: selected for its anti-bacterial, anti-septic properties, oozing wounds and excessive moisture. 
• Distilled water: to get the topical to the right consistency for application to wound.
• St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) macerated oil: selected for skin inflammation, wounds, balancing, cooling, and soothing wounds. 
• Angelica (Angelica archangelica) essential oil: selected for skin healing and tumours.
• Frankincense (Boswellia sacra/carterii) essential oil: selected for scars, wounds, and tumours.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia/officinalis) essential oil: selected for wounds, proud flesh, swellings. 

• Triple Warmer 6: selected for unblocking the stagnate energy within the Fire element.
• Large Intestine 5: selected for strengthening the Metal element by using the energy from the Fire element.
• Stomach 43: selected for strengthening the Earth element by used the energy from the Wood element. 

Romeo's wound is healing up nicely (with his topical clay), whilst still allowing the melanoma fluid to keep draining. He has been selected his herbs daily and is most keen on the dandelion leaf. After his finished selecting his herbs we moved on to offering him his aromatics. I offered him his angelica root, bergamot and frankincense essential which he showed a slight response too by taking a few inhalations. 

I was drawn back to re-offer him the angelica root . He stood inhaling whilst coming in and out of a trance-like state, 3 times he turn around to chew his flank area. He then moved away to process and then came back and went in to a full trance, softening his eyes and breathing deeply. He moved away again to process, then came back and really relaxed in to the oil, he stood very grounded with very soft closing eyes and did 4-5 massive yawns, with is a sign of an emotional release! I then moved on to offer him some acupressure (with the acu-points noted above), he happily allowed me to work all those points with the Angelica root essential he had selected. This is a huge progress for Romeo, who had previously been closed off to fully processing aromatics. 

Romeo's case study highlights the remarkable potential of botanical self-selection in addressing equine health challenges. Through the unique approach of Zoopharmacognosy, we empowered Romeo to take charge of his healing journey, tapping into his innate wisdom to choose the plant extracts that his body needed most.

With the power of aromatics and natural care protocol to reduce his stress levels, we delved deep into the root causes of Romeo's melanoma, leading to a significant improvement in his condition. The above photos vividly demonstrate the incredible transformation he experienced throughout the healing process.

No longer suffering from pain, discomfort, or constipation due to the melanoma causing an obstruction. Witnessing him return to his old self fills our hearts with joy and gratitude.

I am dedicated to supporting animals like Romeo on their path to holistic wellness. Our commitment to nurturing their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being drives us to continue exploring and harnessing the wisdom of nature for the benefit of all.

As we celebrate Romeo's success story, I extend my deepest appreciation to his devoted guardian, whose trusted in the process and her dedication to the process played a vital role in his recovery.

If you have an animal facing health or behavioural challenges, I invite you to discover the possibilities of botanical self-selection. Together, we can create a world where animals thrive, finding balance and well-being, naturally.

Kirsty x