Page 62 - Speedhorse, October 2021

EQUINE HEALTH
The way the oils are made is important, since the essential oils obtained through chemical processes rather than more natural extraction methods are not considered true essential oils.
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment using natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being, both physically and emotionally.
Aromatherapy for horses is not new; it also goes back several centuries and was utilized by trained herbalists and equine naturopaths, but this practice is being used again in recent years due to the increased in- terest in more holistic, non-invasive methods of treating various situations.
The important thing to remember is that the products are for external use (topically, on the body) or inhaled, but never swallowed. Essential oils are not safe to eat so do not add them to a horse’s feed or water.
The chemicals in essential oils can in- teract with the body in several ways. When applied to the skin, some of these plant chemicals are absorbed and can act similar to a liniment to ease sore muscles or increase circulation. When combined with other ingredients, some of these essential oils can be used for relaxation, as fly sprays, and for a variety of ailments.
Some essential oils are considered very safe and some are more volatile and should only be used in very small amounts or not at
all. Essential oils that are considered safe for horses include basil, bergamot, chamomile, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, tea tree, and several others, though some people feel that tea tree oils should be avoided.
Tea tree oil has been used by horsemen for a long time as a topical antiseptic due to its ability to inhibit bacteria, insects, and fungi. It has been used for treating skin abrasions, cuts, infections, insect bites, ringworm, and other skin ailments. Some horse owners have used tea tree oil, or products that contain it, to treat sweet itch, mud fever, rain scald, and thrush. But it should be used with caution because tea tree oil is very toxic if ingested and can lead to lethargy, confusion, diarrhea, coma and death. If you use it topically on your horse, be sure it is formulated correctly and make sure that he won’t lick the area of his body where you applied it.
Other oils to avoid include Anise, Birch, Blue Tansy, Camphor, Clove Bud, Garlic, Oregano, Wintergreen, and Yarrow because they can also be toxic. Always keep in mind that most essential oils you purchase are
concentrated and must be diluted before use, and that horses are generally more sensitive to foreign materials than are humans and may develop more severe reactions.
When applied topically, essential oils are readily absorbed by the skin. Some people apply essential oils topically, to themselves and their horses, to relieve muscle pain or spasms, but before applying any oil directly to your horse’s skin, make sure he isn’t overly sensitive or allergic to that one by applying just a tiny amount first and waiting to see if there’s a reaction.
Most people recommend that you always use essential oils in small amounts and mixed with other carrier ingredients such as water, carrier oils, or aloe vera gel. Essential oils are very potent, so a little goes a long way.
Some people feel that “natural” products are less likely to cause a reaction than prod- ucts containing synthetic man-made chemi- cals, but there are many dangerous poisons
in nature - and even something that might be relatively harmless to one horse might be toxic to another. Certain individuals may be more sensitive to one or more natural ingredients
in any product. It is always a good idea to do a patch test before applying a larger amount of any new product that you decide to use on a horse. Just apply a very small amount of the product and evaluate that spot for 24 hours to see if there is any skin reaction.
Some essential oils that are considered safe for horses include:
Basil
Bergamot
Lavender
Some horsemen let their horse breathe in the scent by lifting their hands to the horse’s face.
60 SPEEDHORSE October 2021
Tea tree oil has been used by horsemen for a long time as a topical antiseptic due to its ability to inhibit bacteria, insects, and fungi as well as many other ailments, but should be used with caution as it is toxic when ingested.