Essential oils can produce the desired result faster than herbs. One drop of peppermint oil is equivalent to 26 cups of peppermint tea. Essential oils have multiple effects where many drugs generally have only one medical property plus negative side effects.
Some health professionals do not recommend applying essential oils to their paws. Pets lick their feet and this could cause possible irritation as saliva is similar to water. Essential oils enter the skin quickly. Compounds like fertilizer, antifreeze, and other toxins may be absorbed more quickly when essential oils are applied to their paws.
I followed the advice of Dr. Nancy Brandt, DVM and used the knowledge in my dog breeding business. She is a holistic veterinarian located in Las Vegas, NV and she uses Young Living essential oils in her practice. Most essential oils need to be diluted with a base or carrier oil before applying to your pet. For dogs, the recommendation is 1 drop of essential oil per 10 drops of base/carrier oil and for cats, rabbits, and ferrets, 1 drop of essential oil per 25 drops of base/carrier oil. You can listen to Dr. Brandt’s 01/29/2009 lecture online on 16 Young Living Essential Oils for Pet Owners to Keep on Hand.
In my opinion, the best base or carrier oil is organic cold-pressed olive oil, grapeseed oil, or fractionated coconut oil. Avoid nut oils if your pet is allergic to nuts. I recommend using Young Living’s V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex as a base/carrier oil. V-6’s ingredients are Fractionated Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (wheat), Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) seed oil and Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil. Cold-pressed olive oil and grapeseed oil are other options to use as a base/carrier oil.
Oil and water don’t mix; the water causes the oil to irritate your pet’s skin. If your pet has a sensitivity to any essential oil, dilute the oil with base/carrier oil or add more base/carrier oil where she applied the essential oil. If any essential oil gets into your pet’s eyes, rinse with base/carrier oil, never water.
I like the essential oils made by Young Living. They are therapeutic grade and processed correctly. They are organic and do not contain toxins, such as pesticides. Not all essential oils can be taken internally. Young Living essential oils are one of the few essential oils that can be safely taken internally. There are 42 species of frankincense, but Young Living chooses the 2 species with the greatest therapeutic benefits, not the cheapest to make and process. The oils are processed at a low temperature by steam distillation or cold pressing. This makes more of the natural properties available. Some of the essential oil brands process their products with a higher temperature and as a result their essential oils do not have all the properties and may contain toxic substances. They cost less and are not as effective.
Balsam fir (Idaho) essential oil is anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant (prevents blood clotting), and acts like cortisone. It is used for respiratory problems and pain. For respiratory problems rub on the chest. For pain issues, rub at the source. I diffuse it in my kennel if I see or hear signs of a cold or cough. You can combine 2-3 essential oils together and diffuse to get the desired results.
Eucalyptus Radiata can be used as a smelling salt and helps to open up the lungs when there is an upper respiratory tract infection. Its medical properties are antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant and anti-inflammatory. Like a scented salt, the bottle is held briefly under the nose. For respiratory problems, rub on the chest. I use eucalyptus in my dogs’ cloth collars and it works as an insect repellent. I spray eucalyptus on my base cap while fishing and the bugs leave me alone.
Frankincense can cross the blood-brain barrier and help increase oxygen to the brain. Frankincense is used for infections and tumors, it dissolves lumps and bumps. Frankincense is antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant and anti-inflammatory. It can be applied topically, diffused, or simply inhaled. I have applied frankincense to lumps on my pets and the size of the lump decreases rapidly.
Helichysum is great for bruising or bleeding. I use it for when dewclaws are removed or tail docked. Speeds up the healing process. This essential oil is not diluted but rubbed directly on the bare belly, be sure to avoid the sexual organs. Apply 1 drop per 1 inch of bare belly to the center of the pet’s belly. Helichrysum’s medical properties are anticoagulants, anesthetics, antispasmodics, antivirals, liver detoxifiers; Quela chemical products and toxins, also regenerates the nerves. Choose Helichysum if rat poison is suspected. This will help control internal bleeding while traveling to your vet.
Lavender is the universal essential oil and can be used for almost anything. This essential oil is applied pure (not diluted). Lavender is excellent for healing burns, including sunburn. Lavender has great calming effects. Here’s a recipe that can be sprayed into the air: Add 2 drops to 1 oz. of steam distilled water put in a spray bottle, shake before each use. Its medical properties are antiseptic, antifungal, antitumor, anticonvulsant, vasodilator, relaxant, anti-inflammatory, reduce blood fat/cholesterol and combat excess sebum on the skin. I use lavender to clean tear stains on my puppies while they are teething. Apply just once a day put a drop on your finger and rub on the nose and under the eyes (avoid the eyes). I like to use it at night as lavender has calming properties.
Peppermint is wonderful for treating diarrhea and vomiting. Be sure to dilute with the base/carrier oil formula. The medical properties of peppermint are anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiparasitic (worms), antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, gallbladder/digestive stimulant, analgesic, and helps control appetite. I use diluted mint and rub it on my gums or belly to stop diarrhea.
Pine works for respiratory problems and works even better when mixed with eucalyptus. This is a great blend to diffuse during the winter months and it smells great. Or it can be rubbed on the chest between the front legs. The medical properties of pine are hormone-like, anti-diabetic, cortisone-like, antiseptic, and lymphatic stimulant.
Essential oil blends are a combination of various essential oils that have a broader spectrum of beneficial medical properties. Di-Gize helps relieve diarrhea and vomiting. It works better than mint. Apply the oil on the bare belly and rub it in a clockwise direction, in the same way that the colon is moved. Egyptian gold helps the immune system and is used for open wounds (cat and dog fights). It is applied on the chest and between the shoulder blades on the back. Joy helps the heart and circuitry. Apply to the chest and the side of the ribs. GLF should be used if your pet ingests anything toxic like fertilizer or advid. Rub on the liver. The liver is located just below the ribs on the right side. Melrose is ideal for chronic infections such as abscesses (wounds) that are difficult to heal. Panaway is for dog bites, bruises, cuts and scrapes. Purification is used undiluted on insect bites. Purify the air and kill the virus, Pavo. Balances electro energies. Use it on your pet’s bedding as a broadcast. Mix 1 drop to 1 oz. of steam distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake before use and spray the room, bedding and toys, anything your pet touches to disinfect. I recommend this essential to my clients if they plan to board their pets to keep their pets germs free. Thieves kills bacteria and can be used as a natural antibiotic. The crooks should be used to keep your pet’s teeth clean. This is a healthier option than taking your pet to the vet for teeth cleaning. Apply a drop to your finger and rub your pet’s upper gums once a week or daily if you notice problems. Thieves is not recommended for use in cats due to its sensitivity to the liver. Valor is chiropractic in a bottle. Aligns the body by balancing the energy centers (chakras). Apply to the spine. This is a wonderful essential oil blend for pets that lead active lifestyles such as hunting or testing.
Young Living products can be ordered from my website on the Essential Oils Products Page – http://www.ardyweb.com/-.html
DISCLAIMER Information and opinions are provided by the author, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended to consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone. Your vet can provide advice on what is considered safe and effective for your animal’s unique needs or diagnose your animal’s particular medical history.