Aromatherapy2

It is very important to learn how to test the response of your horse with essential oils. Below are some recommendations or guidelines to follow.

1. Offer each aroma that you have selected for your horse - not more than five aromas at one time. Wait approximately 20 minutes before offering others.

2. Make a note of the response:
* Smells with interest / flares both nostrils.
* Tries to nibble at the bottle.
* Curls lip (flehmen).
* Smells with just one nostril. (Each nostril connects to the opposite side of the brain.)
* Shows only slight interest, then turns away. This could indicate that the aroma itself is all that is needed to trigger a reaction, or that your horse may be suited to other oils.
* Turns head away / ears back. Do not apply oils.
Note: Some horses prefer to lick the oil off the hand using the back of the tongue.

If you are unsure of the preference of any two oils, allow your horse to smell the aroma of each, then hold the bottle approximately one to two feet apart. Your horse will turn to the oil for which he has the greater need. If both oils are going to be used in the blend, allow the preferred aroma to be slightly stronger. Do not touch nose with essential oil bottle, it may burn your horse's nostrils.

The cause of the problem must always be addressed. The oils can usually help release past issues and balance emotional states etc. but if the problem is on-going, such as an ill-fitting saddle or a stable without a view, the oils may help but they will not make the problem go away.
CAUTION: If you start to see small or big lumps on the neck, it might indicate an allergic reaction. Should this happen stop all essential oil application. If they do not disappear within a couple of days, call your vet.

Doses and Dilutions:
The practice of aromatherapy is a matter of understanding the oils and the individual treatment. The amounts suggested are, therefore, guidelines. Each horse's needs will vary depending on the degree and nature of the problem. The aim of blending is to select the correct oil or combination of oils that will suit the individual horse. Some essential oils are stronger than others, which is apparent from their aroma. Try not to blend more than three oils in one blend. Blend the oils so that the ones that have achieved the greatest interest have a stronger aroma.

Base oils / Carrier Oils:
Base (carrier) oils do not contain any essential oils. Grapeseed is a light oil, less oily than most other base oils. Apricot kernel have a high absorption rate. Jojoba is useful for mixing into essential oils that are to be pre-blended due to its non-oxidizing properties. Other suitable oils: avocado, hazelnut, kukui, passion flower, peach kernel and sweet almond.

Reactions:
Positive reactions from essential oils can normally be seen within the first three to seven days of treatment but can also occur immediately after each application. The length of time varies depending on the nature of the illness and the individual horse. The effects may be more immediate when treating acute conditions than when dealing with chronic (long-standing) ones. In most cases the oils will stimulate the body's own healing process.
Sometimes, however, a healing crisis may occur causing the symptoms to worsen. This is a cleansing process that may occur in the first few days of treatment and should last no longer than 2-3 days. Should symptoms appear to worsen for longer than this, stop application and seek professional help.
Since horses have different individual needs, some horses might choose only external application of the oils, whereas others may prefer to lick the blend off the hand and back away from the physical application. Be aware that his preferences may change. The horse guides the treatment as to which oils are needed, their application and how often.
While working with essential oils for your horse, it is very important to watch your horse's reaction to the oils. Just because your horse might be showing that he isn't interested in the oils chosen could mean one of two things - Either you chose the wrong oils or your horse's problem is not suited for aromatherapy and may benefit from another form of treatment such as homeopathy or herbal medicine.

Behavioral Problems:
Below are a list of problems and their appropriate essential oil to help treat your horse.

* Spooking -- Jasmine, Clary Sage, Violet Leaf, Roman Chamomile or Vetiver.
* Past Trauma, Resentment, Anger -- Rose or Yarrow.
* Fear -- Jasmine, Rose or Frankincense
* Crib Biting -- Jasmine, Seaweed, Violet Leaf, Carrot Seed or Vetiver.
* Seperated from Companion -- Neroli (Orange Blossom), Violet Leaf, or Rose.
* Headstrong, Bargy Horses -- Jasmine, Nutmeg or Vetiver.
* Windsucking -- Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Nutmeg, Voilet Leaf, Roman Chamomile, Vetiver or Frankincense.

For more aromatherapy remedies, please read the index of essential oils on Equine Aromatherapy - Next Page

DISCLAIMER: Naturally Equine does not make any medical or veterinarian claims to any of the recommendations, remedies or therapies listed on this site. This site is for informational purposes only.