Essential oils destroy pathogens when they enter the respiratory tract and that is why they are so beneficial when inhaled.
The potential of essential oils in equine care has not yet been fully exploited. They can affect a horse's health in many ways. In this article, we will focus on the potential role of aromatherapy in horses suffering from respiratory problems.
Essential oils treat ailments and inflammations of the nostrils, throat, and lungs.
Essential oils are most beneficial when inhaled, as when inhaled directly into the lungs they can increase the horse's protective lung secretions, which is beneficial for many lung conditions. When inhaled, they are also absorbed into the bloodstream even faster than oral use and can also be more effective and safer for the horse.
Essential oils intended for inhalation loosen mucus, prevent cramps, and contain balsamic and/or antiseptic substances.
Slime removers
Expectorants are useful in treating conditions that involve catarrh (phlegm). These can include sinusitis, coughs, bronchitis, etc.
Eucalyptus , pine, thyme, chervil, sandalwood, and fennel are expectorants that promote the movement of phlegm and other lung material up the airways. In many respiratory conditions, the ciliary “mucus elevator” that clears the lungs can become blocked or overloaded, and in this situation, essential oils can be of considerable benefit.
Spasmolytics
Antispasmodics treat croup and dry cough in horses, and include hyssop, cypress, Atlas cedar, bergamot, chamomile, lavender, and tea tree oil. They can reduce spasms and tension, especially in the smooth visceral muscles of the bronchi.
Antiseptic agents
Antiseptics are used to help relieve more severe flu and viral infections. Examples of antiseptics include thyme,
eucalyptus, hyssop, pine, tea tree (cajeput), and borneol. Antiseptics are often described as fighting infections, although more specifically they kill pathogens. This is why they are so effective when delivered directly to the respiratory tract. They are useful as negative ion generators in a horse stable where you want to reduce the risk of infection.
Balsamic agents
Balsamic agents are effective remedies for colds, chills, and mucous membrane infections, and are often found in traditional inhalations that were previously inhaled under a towel. They include benzoin, frankincense resin, balsam of Peru/balsam of Tolu, and chervil.
Your horse can also benefit in many ways from the use of essential oils, both to combat this condition and to help the body rebalance as it recovers. It is not wise to use a candle holder in the stable, as unattended candles can lead to disaster. So don’t do this. You can buy an electric nebulizer with a protective cover to keep it dust-free in the stable. Add your pure essential oils to the dome, and a small motor will spray fine droplets into the air. It can be timed, and if you include an essential oil from each of the expectorant, anti-cramp and antiseptic groups, either together or separately, you may be able to drive out all the bacilli. Balsamic resins will clog the filter, so avoid them in nebulizers. An alternative to this type of nebulizer is an electroceramic dome, which is heated to promote the evaporation of the essential oils, although the essential oils will be slightly chemically altered when the evaporation is aided by heating.
This inhalation principle can also be extended with warm hands. Warm your hands and apply a few drops of your chosen essential oil to your palms. Then place your hands cupped under the horse's withers.
If your horse has a respiratory problem, chest massage is a great way to support the airways. It can be done daily. Use a gel as a carrier rather than a vegetable oil, which can become sticky and rancid if not washed off occasionally. You can use any suitable essential oil. As you research the specific functions of each, you will understand which ones are suitable for the respiratory tract and learn how to choose. Essential oils are highly volatile and effective, so you only need to use a 2.5% mixture to achieve results.
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However, it is important that you do not replace veterinary care with essential oils. Some horses will need veterinary attention anyway.
About the author:
Catherine Bird is an aromatherapist, herbalist and massage therapist specializing in horses. She lives in Sydney, Australia and advises both in person and via the Internet worldwide. She is the author of the books A Healthy Horse the Natural Way and Horse Scents. Catherine also offers equine aromatherapy correspondence courses and can be reached through her website www.happyhorses.com.au. She held an aromatherapy clinic at Equinology, Sonoma County, Northern California, USA, from 29 April to 1 May 2005.
