Tuesday 17 April 2012

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ANIMALS

Stress is one of the main causes of health and behavioural problems in animals and Essential Oils are an ideal holistic way to reduce this stress as animals respond very well to them.

Essential oils are highly volatile, which means they evaporate and disperse as soon as they are exposed to the air.


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When the oils are breathed in by the animal, the molecules are absorbed into the moist lining of the nose, from where they pass quickly into the blood and brain and affect the nervous system. The olfactory area of the brain – the one that receives and processes smells – lies within the limbic system, one of the earliest parts of the brain to evolve. The limbic system is the part concerned with INSTINCTS, MOODS, EMOTIONS and MEMORY. These can be transformed into physical responses through the hypothalamus via the autonomic nervous system. As essential oil molecules are very small, they pass easily through the skin when applied topically and enter the blood stream – although this is the most common way for humans, animals prefer to smell or lick the oils.


Essential oils vary in quality so always make sure you buy from a reputable company like Aroma Natural. Always keep them in a dark glass bottle in a cool dark place.


Animals know instinctively what they need for their health and maintenance and have an innate ability to self-medicate when left to their own devices. Domestic animals and horses still do have this instinct but as we control their diet and way of life this makes it extremely difficult for them to do. We have all seen our dogs drink from a muddy puddle rather than their clean water bowl or eat grass, horses eating the wood from a fence or stripping branches from hedges – this is their way of self-medicating.


If you think your pet or horse needs healing, first establish what you think is wrong. Then look closely at your animal to determine what ‘type’ the animal is i.e highly strung, laid back, a leader of the pack or follower, nervous or excited etc. as this will help you decide what oil to offer to them. If you know your animal well you will soon  be able to pick out several oils that you think will help.


Animals will always smell with each nostril – its harder to see this in smaller animals but with horses you will notice them move from one nostril to the other as the inhale the oils.


DOGS



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Once you have your chosen essential oils, with the tops still on the bottles offer them to your dog to see if he shows an interest in any of them. Often dogs will sniff and then walk away, sometimes still looking at you or turning back towards you. So long as he stays in the same room as you it should count as a positive response. If they do not want or need an oil they will walk right away from you. Be patient and see if he comes back again and watch to see if his nostrils are twitching. Some dogs will immediately show a positive response by inhaling – never try to push the bottle to near to the face. Sometimes they will try to lick the bottle which is a definite positive response.

HORSES



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When trying the essential oils on a horse it is vital that you take away any other distraction, like food, haynets and other horses. Choose your oils. Remove the cap and hold your arm out towards the horse and watch the nostrils. Do not push directly into his face. If he is interested he will inhale deeply or even try to lick the bottle and even follow your arm if you move it away from him. If he shows no interest at all, replace the cap and try another oil.

CATS

Cats are very different animals and essential oils are to strong to use undiluted, it is best to either use hydrosols or highly diluted into another carrier oil. Always make sure the cat has a way of escaping the smell.

SMALL ANIMALS

The same applies to smaller animals – always use highly diluted or use a hydrosols. Its so much harder on small animals to see if they are inhaling the oils.

SELECTION OF OILS TO USE


Angelica Root
                      
Loss of appetite, fungal infections, immune problems, hysteria, fearful


Basil                                     


Muscle pain, indigestion, nerve tremors, lack of concentration
                                              
Bergamot     
                      
Growths, warts, hormone imbalance, viral infections, depression, mood swings
                                         
Chamomile – Roman        
Nervous stomach, irritable skin, runny, red eyes, highly strung, nervousness, tantrums


Clary Sage                          


Dry skin, short of breath, hormonal imbalance, fearful, hyperactive


Eucalyptus                          


Breathing problems, muscle pain, fungal infections, claustrophobia, frustration


Ginger                                


Arthritis, muscle stiffness, lung congestion, digestive problems, depression, no confidence


Lavender                           


Sensitive skin, heart palpitations, anxiety, mood swings


Lemon                               


Run down, arthritis, immune problems, slight depression, lack of trust in others, confusion


Neroli                                 


Digestion problems, antidepressant, sadness, anxiety, loss of the will to live


Rose                                  


Hormonal problems, loss of appetite, past abuse, resentful, self hate


Rosemary                          


Muscle pain, poor coat, hard to connect with


Tea Tree                             


Run down, prone to infections, withdrawn


Yarrow                                


All injuries, allergies, irritated skin, past trauma, fearful, anger, unknown past            


Ylang Ylang                       


 High blood pressure, loss of libido, sensitive skin, loss of hair, nervous, insecure, no life


N.B  You should always consult your vet if your animal is ill and before you use Essential Oils


RECIPES



Flea Repellant :


Lavender Hydrosol
Neem Oil
5 drops Cypress Oil
4 drops Lemongrass
1 drops Patchouli


Dog Shampoo :


200ml x Mild gentle base shampoo – SLS free and unscented
20 drops of Essential Oil i.e. Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Lemon, Lemongrass


Wash for Cuts and Wounds :


Tea Tree Hydrosol
1 tspn Sea Salt


Fly Spray for Horses :


100ml x Lavender Hydrosol
100ml x Neem Oil
40 drops of Essential Oils i.e. Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass,
Geranium, Marjoram, Peppermint, Thyme, Vetivert, Patchouli, or Ylang Ylang


If you would like to know about Essential Oils and Animals or  buy any of the Essential Oils please go to the Aroma Natural
website :


AROMA NATURAL


OR


ESSENTIAL OILS - AROMATHERAPY








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