Where nature, medicine and education combine.
Herbal Shenanigans:
For owners looking to support their animals naturally with botanicals.
For practitioners looking to improve their herbal knowledge.
Join us where it all began on our fully online herbal immersion programme.
We are passionate about the transformative power of herbs and their ability to enhance the lives of both animals and their human companions. Our platform, Herbal Shenanigans, is not just a resource for information, but a gateway to a world of healing and connection with nature.
With Herbal Shenanigans, you embark on a journey of seasonal animal health, herbal medicine heath, interconnectedness, enrichment and empowerment for you and your animals
Trust in the magic of herbs and let Herbal Shenanigans lead the way.
Our entire ethos is INTERCONNECTEDNESS.
Do you want to join the movement?
Inside 'Herbal Shenanigans' you learn how free and commonly available SEASONAL HERBS HEAL OUR ANIMALS. You discover the disorders that our animals typically suffer from can be healed by following a seasonal plan. Mother nature's design.
The training shows how the NATURAL CYCLES help to bring in health, facilitate repair, reverse short term and chronic health conditions, support emotional release and provide masses of enrichment.
We work primarily with innate and intuitive medicine and combine this with western herbal medicine.
Our course is divided between the 4 seasons, with weekly lessons, live sessions, webinars, materia medica and community woven within.
Herbal Shenanigans provides amazing guest speakers, energetic and immersive herbal tasting sessions, seasonal challenges and tasks, awards, badges and the knowledge to become a safe herbal facilitator for your animals.
All lessons traverse through the seasons, building week on week and month on month your animal, herbal and herbal energetic skills. All lessons are available on catch up and on demand.
There is much emphasis on product making, intuitive selection, production, storage and drying of herbs.
Enabling you to understand herbs how your animals do.
Immersive & interconnected.
We are wholly centered on training you in Northern hemisphere forage with the addition of some non native species. We look into the energetics and interconnectedness of these herbs and there are over 60 to learn
Our training encourages empowerment in animal herbalism. Choice, freedom and confidence in our animal offering space.
We undertake plant tastings diving into plant spirit and meditation twice within a given season.
Each season we deconstruct case studies so that should you come across similar cases you will have a strong foundation to start your research and planning.
Each season we undertake tasks and challenges to cement the learning. Creating products, offering herbs, discovering herbs and more
Unlock the Healing Power of Nature:
Empower Your Animals with Medicinal Herbs.
Botanical Health for All
Herbal Shenanigans
You may choose too;
We offer our training on a monthly rolling subscription. You choose the offer with a seasonal ' Herbal Box of Goodness' - sent direct to you every season. Or you may choose the offer without herbs.
Our Herbal Boxes of Goodness have been specially selected to provide you with the herbs relevant to the season and conditions presenting. We change these yearly so as you don't receive replication and your animals get to experience as many herbs as possible
We learn with our animals.
Herbal Shenanigans Was Birthed
I developed a deep love for using botanicals as a child and began using them with my animals after completing a Herbal Choices for Animals Training. I witnessed incredible results in aiding and supporting my own dog Tiz, and my horses Finn, Jasper and Patch. The journey also led me to become a Clinical Medical Herbalist accredited with NIMH.The modalities blended so well with my existing equine chiropractic and energetic healing business, my previous career in horticulture and my driving passion to teach and educate.
Through Herbal Shenanigans, we aim to train and empower owners, practitioners, therapist, para professionals, vets and vet nurses to work with herbs and support herbal health for animals.
We are all seeing the results of resistant pathogens, side effects from drugs, toxin over burden and environmental contaminants. There is an answer and It's a delightful herbal feast for both animals and their humans.
We provide herbs for animals and have witnessed remarkable and profound changes, both gradually and rapidly. What's truly remarkable is that animals know how to use this medicine when given the opportunity to do so. Herbs work on the physical, emotionally, and spiritual planes. They provide enrichment, they are preventative and they are FREE. You can ditch the costly supplements to bring your animal in line with their natural physiology.
It's truly a blooming amazing experience.
Here is the breakdown
Spring Detoxification
Dive into the season of detoxification, exploring the profound significance of the liver and digestive systems in herbal health for animals. Discover why detoxification is crucial for animal wellness and vitality. Week by week, we look deeper into the many herbs that support elimination. We study the anatomy and physiology that underpins the detox process. Watch captivating case studies, learn about ulcers, immune and gut connection, make herbal powders and discover some tips on iridology. We research and create topical applications, we look at worm burden, apple cider vinegar, all the time deepening our understanding of the innate wisdom of herbs for animals. Spring is a journey of elimination, trauma release and transformation. spring detoxification from a holistic stance
Summer Abundance.
Welcome to a season of abundance, where we focus on soothing the fires of digestion, supporting the central nervous system, and embracing the breath of life and respiratory system. Here is where we discover why respiratory conditions are worse in summer and we find the very herbs that help our animals. In summer you discover the art of making and using herbal essences for your pets. Our animal case studies remain significant, as we show you how to support dogs with kennel cough, hayfever and equine asthma. We uncover the transformative effects of the nervine, anxiolytic, and stress-reducing botanicals. Great fro reactive dogs, stressed out horses and in summer we afford our animals the time they need to connect to the natural environment. Get stuck in on this journey of healing for your own animals if they have behaviour, neurological or digestive conditions associated with stress, like irritable bowel, PPID, trauma and more.
Autumn Catabolism.
If your animal has a condition associated with the urinary system, metabolism or immunity, autumn is when we work to support these systems fully. Nurturing animal health during the approaching winter but also resetting and rebalancing those tricky problems like EMS, diabetes, urinary stones or infections. You look into the processes of catabolism and breakdown, discovering herbs that truly support what our animals need. Immerse yourself in lessons that uncover the power of rooty and fruity herbs. You will also learn how to address and manage the fear of fireworks and loud noises, with our Fear and Fireworks plan! You will discover the art of drop dosing and unlock the secrets of creating autumn-associated products like fruit leathers and decoctions. Autumn brings in the very herbs needed for a complete animal healing system of repair.
Winter Stasis
Winter, the time of stillness and internalisation, when we at Herbal Shenanigans care for the heart and cardiovasulaE system. We support our animals need and changes in digestion. Everything slows as we as we support them through the hardest season of all. We cover the basics of phytochemistry and its role in herbal health. Dive deep into the realms of the physical heart and circulatory system, where you will learn which herbs can cleanse the blood of toxins, which herbs repair peripheral vessels, which herbs assist laminitis, and which herbs help our animals deal with the emotional heart too. We unravel the mysteries of a trauma based equine metabolic syndrome case, and discover how winter can positively influence such conditions. Winter might be helpful if you have animals with lymphatic conditions like cellulitis or CPL, winter will be for your animals if they have damaged vasculature, are elderly, suffer from dementia or if they have degenerative conditions like arthritis.
Plus you get ...
The interconnectedness of everything.
Woven throughout the course and membership we teach deeply immersive techniques to enhance connection with the herbs and animals. These sessions are engaging and at times releasing while also providing a safe space for exploration of the self. The web of plant and animal energies showing up frequently. Herbal energetics and impression on the senses is a central theme underpinning our core value. Interconnectedness.
Rules and guidelines in offering herbs.
Rules & procedures. Types & breadth of botanicals. Joining & succession of botanicals and Finding the favourites. This module introduces the key concepts of animal self medication and herbalism.
We provide a full introductory module teaching you the practical application of providing herbs. What to watch, how to know what your animal need and how you can support your animal fully.
Tasks, Challenges and Seasonal Themes!
Undertaking our tasks and challenges for herbal immersion. They are so much fun, engaging and add a practical making element to the course. You deepen your understanding of herbal remedies. By embracing these activities, you embark on a journey of personal growth and empower yourself to make informed decisions about herbal wellness for all the family. Each season we theme the training and this summer is Alice in Wonderland!
Hey Herby Folks,
This is Animal Botanical.
I am Rachael
I am all about the herbs and the animals.
Herbal Shenanigans came to be after a whirlwind romance with biophilia and a long career in the healing animal industry.
I have 3 children, 2 dogs, 3 cats and 5 chickens.
I created Animal Botanical with the purpose of showing you how you can work with herbs and your own animals in a safe, empowering and supportive environment.
Always let the herbs guide you, our animals know this instinctively, it is our job to listen so we can facilitate healing.
Here’s Why You'll Love the 1st Four Weeks of Each Season Inside Herbal Shenanigans
Interconnected Physiology
Get ready for an energetic journey with Herbal Shenanigans! Each season, we kick off with the webinar "Interconnected Physiology," diving into the amazing world of herbs and their impact on animals during that specific time of year. Spring will teach you how herbs can support your animals' elimination pathways, while Summer focuses on their lungs and respiratory system. Autumn is all about boosting metabolism and immunity, and Winter brings the spotlight to the heart and circulatory system.
Systems & Connections
In Spring, we delve into the herbs that can be foraged and explore liver health, emphasizing the importance of elimination and detoxification. As Summer arrives, we shift our focus to herbs for allergies and hayfever, offering relief to your animals during the warmer months. In Autumn, we explore endocrine herbs, helping to maintain balance and vitality in your animals. Finally, in Winter, we study the heart and circulation, uncovering additional herbs for each system.
Herbal Approaches to..
Spring explores 'Dying to detox', a case study focusing on liver dysfunction in a horse. In Summer we dive into 'The breath of life' featuring a dog with Kennel Cough. Autumn we learn from 'In a Tiz', a case study involving my dog with immune dysregulation. Winter introduces 'Tying up for winter', a case study that explores a pathway to EMS. In addition to these you will also have the chance to learn how to make essences, discover herbs for fireworks fear and loud noises, and explore herbs for the lymphatics.
Forage & Making
In Spring, you will delve into the world of herbal topical applications, discovering the richness of nature's offerings. Summer brings a focus on abundance, foraging herbs, and herbs that support the central nervous system. As Autumn arrives, you will learn about rooty and fruity herbs, gaining knowledge on making decoctions for your animals. Finally, Winter learning centers around phytochemistry and carbohydrates, understanding how these plant constituents can positively impact and aid your animals.
Testimonials
Laura & Sam
"I love what we're doing with you, I love its depth and I know the more you get out there and do it, the more it will just flow. But I think I want to go further with it all. You just inspire me so much! Doing this with you has made me want to change as a person, become more at one".
Louise & Callie
“it’s like you’re part of something so special and spiritual almost
You really feel that you’ve helped them help themselves. They trust you, connect with you and are content. It’s a gift to offer them and to share with them”
Daisy & Ralph
"It's been an amazing journey so far and I can't wait to continue. My thirst for all things herbal has certainly been ignited.
I just want to say a massive thank you to you, for your knowledge and inspiration and all your hard work getting us all this far.
I have honestly loved every second of it".
Kirstey, Monty & Shilo
Ah thank you so much.
Im absolutely loving every minute of this journey with you and the HS team.
I'm leaning so much! You are an amazing teacher Rachael!!! .
Auriol, Huck & All the animals
I would like to say a huge big THANK YOU to you! Your beautiful energy, enthusiasm and knowledge make this a lovely nurturing safe space for us to learn and connect with other like-minded people ….and it is so much FUN! Roll on Summer..
Asten & the Girls
Feeling super excited for the summer season, Alice in wonderland is just the most magickal theme ever. Thank you for all the hard work you've put into making the spring season as wonderful as it has been xx
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time commitment is needed?
Do I have to attend the live sessions?
Will I be able to access material on the go?
When does the course start?
The Opinion Of Industry Experts
Herbal Shenanigans for Everyone!
Each beautiful season you get.
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Industry Specialist coming into talk about their successes. In the past we have had amazing guest join us talking; trauma herbs. muscle testing, aromatherapy, vitalism, transforming paddocks to wild flower meadows, Cat care, tasting herbs and so much more!
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As we progress through the year we set gorgeous challenges and tasks. Your opportunity to immerse yourself in the herbs and discover exactly how they impact you and your animals. Earn badges, awards and certificates.
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At the end of each season we celebrate. We hand out awards to reward you own successes, your own growth and heartfelt moments through the 12 week season.
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Twice per season you undertake a meditation and tasting of a specific herb, one you forage the other is sent through the post. You never know what will arrive. These sessions provide connection and spiritual awakening, a safe space to release and grow. Organoleptic tastings provide a safe container space for personal release. You get to experience the herbs the way our animals do. Interconnected.
Interconnectedness
Together we learn how botanicals, the seasons and our animals connect. We look to nature to find support in the herbal healing circle.
We show how you can use herbs to enrich and heal our animal partners.
We specialise in teaching an in depth and energetic understanding of the botanicals we can use daily. How they act in the body, how they benefit our animals and why.
We combine the energetic and the scientific in weekly sessions, we are a community, we are connected.
Join us to find out
Love Rachael xx
