Our closest cousins have been observed applying insects to their wounds, without it being known whether the therapeutic effects are real.
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These are completely natural gestures for us… A small scratch? We take out the medicine kit, the disinfectant, the bandages or even a little ointment to heal faster. Chimpanzees seem to have the same ritual when injured. Scientists have observed it in a forest in Gabon for more than a year, they have noticed unusual behavior. Each time, the gestures are the same: the chimpanzee catches a small flying insect which he tries to immobilize by placing it between his lips, then he places it on his wound with his fingers or his mouth before removing it. This gesture can even be performed several times, as if the chimpanzee was trying to heal itself.
Researchers cannot yet find out which insects the monkeys use. Indeed, these observations were made in the natural environment and about ten meters from the animals. What is interesting is that in some cases, as doctors would do, chimpanzees apply these insects to the wounds of other members of their group: their children, but not only. It remains to identify these insects to determine if they really help relieve pain.
This is not the first time we have observed healing techniques in monkeys. If pharmacists are well aware of the virtues of certain plants, chimpanzees, too, consume tree bark or vegetation when they are sick. Sabrina Krieff, a French primatologist, observed it and succeeded in proving that certain monkeys know how to identify effective plants in case of digestive disorders. Sometimes they even ingest soil, which has the effect of optimizing the action of the plant.
Chimpanzees are far from the only animals to practice what is called self-medication. Some birds, such as crows, jays or starlings sometimes take ant baths. They rub their feathers against these insects which produce formic acid. A good way to get rid of certain parasites.