Aromatherapy As A Form Of Treatment For Horses

 

More and more we are finding a place in our daily routines for alternative therapies. Aromatherapy has been used on humans for many, many years as a complimentary therapy for a large range of ailments. Horses too can also reap the benefits. Here are some common ailments that have been seen to benefit from complimentary aromatherapy.

Behavioural troubles

Fear, crib biting, spookiness and worry are all common behavioural problems that can be soothed the negative effects they have on the horse can be reduced with the use of essential oils. Different scents can be used for different causes/effects. Each horse is different so it is advised that you consult a qualified aromatherapist in order to have them work with you on the behavioural problems present.

Heat in the legs

There is a commonly used mix that can be made in large quantities, making it very useful on competition yards or when eventing in teams. It is very versatile due to this. 4 parts peppermint, 2 parts juniper berry and 1 part yarrow and calamintha should be mixed and stored in a dark glass opaque bottle with dipper ready for use.

This oil mixture can be added to a base gel to make a cooling preparation for application to legs etc. It can also be added to water to dilute and soak bandages or leg wrap in. When these are then applied to the horses legs they will provide cooling properties to tired legs. This is very rewarding and therapeutic after a long days exercise. The amount of oil to dilution depends on the quantity you have made etc. An hour applied to the legs in this way will be just what the horse�™s legs need after a strenuous days competing.

Muscle Aches

2 parts peppermint and 1 part rosemary, sweet marjoram, ginger, yarrow and lavender should be blended with a base gel. Do not apply this to broken skin. This mixture when applied to an arnica base gel is a wonderfully soothing and beneficial topical application when applied / massaged in when tired and hard worked.

Mud Fever

As most of us will be aware there are many products out there out there that can be used in the treatment of mud fever. These, whilst proven and often effective still apply chemicals in one form or another that are usually man made. Aromatherapy offers a way of treating mud fever with solely natural ingredients. 2 parts tea tree, 1 part lavender and yarrow and half part garlic, applied to (ideally) aloe vera or seaweed base gel. This can be applied twice a day for two weeks. Any longer than this and a qualified aromatherapist should be contacted.

There are so many more uses for aromatherapy, a more natural approach for the treatment and support of ailments. It is important to mention that aromatherapy should not be used as a replacement for any treatments suggested by your veterinarian.