Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves

De Roode (biology, Emory Univ.) posits that animals are experts at medicine and that through observation and science, humans can realize the benefits of this expertise. A range of scientists around the world are studying interactions between animals and medicinal cures—such as how cats rub themselves with catnip to deter mosquitoes and how birds collect cigarette butts to protect their nests from parasites. The difference between a helpful drug and a harmful poison is often how much is used, and animals learn how to treat themselves through trial and error and observing each other. This behavior is not just anecdotal; de Roode notes that 25 primate species from 26 countries treat themselves with medicinal plants. In addition to primates, birds and insects commonly practice self-medicating behaviors. De Roode argues that humans can help in different ways—for instance, growing herb gardens to assist pets, bees, and domestic livestock with their ailments. There are benefits for people too, as studies of animal behaviors aid human health, and the lessons of the animal world can further the search for new medicines and treatments.