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BASIC AROMATHERAPY FOR PEOPLE & ANIMALS WORKSHOP

Table of Contents

1. What is Aromatherapy? 2. How Aromatherapy Works 3. Benefits & Properties of Aromatherapy 4. Animal Aromatherapy Precautions 5. Administration of Animal Aromatherapy 6. Aromatherapy Resources

www.TheLightfootWay.com 2009 Copyright

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a therapy where essential oils are extracted from the flowers, leaves, , , stems, seeds, or fruit of a plant. The oils are then either inhaled (from the bottle or a diffuser) or diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed into the skin. The same method is used for animal aromatherapy. The use of aromatherapy dates back to Egypt, over 5,000 years ago. Documented veterinary remedies date back to the 18th century.

Some holistic vets and animal communicators recommend or create custom blends for their clients. Many practitioners offer aromatherapy by applying the oils to your body during a massage. Some animal massage practitioners offer this option for dogs and horses. A growing number of pet owners are learning about the benefits of aromatherapy.

How Aromatherapy Works

Aromatherapy can affect people and animals mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The essential oil or hydrosol is inhaled by you or the animal or rubbed into the skin. When the nose senses the oil, the molecules of the oil are sent as electrical impulses which are processed in the part of their brain where memories and emotions are stored.

Because of this, the body releases chemicals such as:  serotonin, which has a calming effect  noradrenaline, which stimulates and rejuvenates  endorphins, which help relieve pain

After the molecules are processed by the brain, they enter the bloodstream and make their way throughout the body. If the oils are rubbed in, the molecules are absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream that way.

BENEFITS & PROPERTIES OF AROMATHERAPY FOR PEOPLE Essential oils are commonly used in products such as soaps, shampoos, sprays and during massage. Caution needs to be taken with children, during pregnancy, or those with a medical condition. If wanting to apply topically, oils can be tested on a small area of skin to make sure the person is not going to be sensitive to them. It is not recommended to take them orally.

Common Essential Oils for People Basil – respiratory and sinus conditions, constipation, insect bites, migraines, nervous tension, mental fatigue, (not during pregnancy; may irritate skin)

Bergamot – acne, skin conditions, cystitis, flatulence (not during pregnancy; skin can be sensitive to light)

Black Pepper – respiratory and sinus conditions, digestive problems, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, muscle aches (not during pregnancy; may irritate skin)

Chamomile – acne, skin conditions, blisters, depression, digestive problems, headaches, nervous tension, colitis, arthritis (not in early pregnancy; may irritate skin)

Clary Sage – asthma, respiratory conditions, depression, digestive problems, fatigue, muscle cramps, PMS (not during pregnancy; can act as sedative)

Eucalyptus – respiratory and sinus conditions, insect repellant, burns, wounds, headaches, muscle aches, arthritis (not for those with epilepsy or high blood pressure; fatal if ingested)

Frankincense – respiratory conditions, nervous tension, skin conditions, wounds

Geranium – burns, edema, PMS, circulation, arthritis (not during pregnancy; may irritate skin)

Ginger – arthritis, respiratory and sinus conditions, circulation (may irritate skin)

Jasmine – anxiety, coughs, headache, mental tension (not during pregnancy; may irritate skin)

Juniper – skin conditions, cellulite, muscle aches (not during pregnancy or for those with disease)

Lavender – skin conditions, wounds, respiratory conditions, headaches, muscle aches, insect bites, anxiety, insomnia, PMS (not during early pregnancy; caution with low blood pressure)

Lemon – circulation, constipation, corns, headaches, migraines, insect bites (skin can be sensitive to light; don’t directly inhale)

Lemongrass – colic, indigestion, fatigue, low appetite, stress

Marjoram – anxiety, respiratory conditions, colic, constipation, muscle aches, PMS, arthritis, insomnia (not during pregnancy)

Myrrh – arthritis, respiratory conditions, digestive problems, immune problems (not during pregnancy)

Neroli – depression, stress, panic attacks, nervous tension, digestive problems, headaches, insomnia, IBS (not during pregnancy)

Orange – anxiety, depression, stress, nervous tension, insomnia, digestive problems, muscle aches, respiratory conditions (not during pregnancy; may irritate skin; skin can be sensitive to light)

Patchouli – anxiety, skin conditions, depression, PMS

Peppermint – respiratory conditions, headaches, migraines, , indigestion, nausea, muscle and joint pain, sore feet, insect repellant (not during pregnancy)

Rose – depression, skin conditions, scar tissue, stress, headaches, insomnia, PMS (not during pregnancy)

Rosemary – burns, cellulite, wounds, respiratory conditions, digestive problems, fatigue, circulation (not during pregnancy or for those with high blood pressure)

Sandalwood – anxiety, stress, respiratory conditions, skin problems, fatigue, urinary infections, impotence (not during pregnancy or for those who are depressed)

Tea Tree – skin conditions, fungal infections, urinary infections, respiratory conditions (may irritate skin)

Ylang-Ylang – anxiety, stress, intestinal problems, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction (may irritate skin)

Benefits & Properties of Aromatherapy for Animals

Aromatherapy can help you prevent and treat illness in people and animals. Essential oils are never a substitute for proper veterinary care. If there are signs of illness, seek proper veterinary attention.

Essential oils:  are considered antiseptic, antimicrobial, detoxifying, and rejuvenating  can help with emotional issues such as anxiety, nervousness, fear, stress, grief, and those that are hormone related  can help with physical issues such as allergies, burns, hot spots, skin infections, cuts, itchy skin, mange, insect bites, cracked paws/pads, pain, joint conditions, digestive problems, respiratory conditions, circulatory problems, parasites and pests  can help to improve the immune system and resistance to disease

Oils for Dogs

Top Essential Oils for Dogs Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Carrot Seed Daucus carota Green Mandarin Citrus reticulate Atlas Cedarwood Cedrus atlantica Sweet Marjoram Origamum marjorana German Chamomile Matricaria recutita Myrrh Roman Chamomile Anthemis nobilis Niaouli Melaleuca guinquenervia viridiflora Clary Sage Salvia sclarea Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis Eucalyptus Radiata Eucalyptus radiata Peppermint Mentha piperita Geranium Pelargonium Ravensare Cinnamonum graveolens camphora Ginger Zingiber officinale Rose Rosa damascene Helichyrsum Helichrysum Linalol or Thyme vulgaris ch italicum Thyme Thujanol linalol/thujanol Lavender Lavandula Valerian Valeriana officinalis angustifolia

Appetite Stimulant Oils Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lemon, Lime

Calming Oils Clary Sage, Lavender, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum, Green Mandarin, Sweet Marjoram, Sweet Orange, Valerian, Ylang Ylang

Circulatory Oils Cedarwood, Juniper , Peppermint

Ear Oils Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender, Niaouli, Roman Chamomile

Fear/Anxiety Oils Sweet Basil, Bergamot, Lavender, Green Mandarin, Neroli, Petitgrain, Ylang Ylang, Valerian

Flea Repellent Oils Cedarwood, , Clary Sage, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemon, Lemongrass, Sweet Marjoram, Sweet Orange

Tick Repellent Oils Geranium, Rosewood, Lavender, Myrrh,

Joint/Mobility Oils , Carrot Seed, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Helichrysum, , Peppermint, Spearmint

Injury Oils (other than wounds) (injuries or surgery) Peppermint

Respiratory Oils Eucalyptus, Myrrh, Ravensare

Mange Oils Helichrysum, Lavender, Niaouli, Sweet Marjoram

Muscle Oils Basil, Roman Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Marjoram, Lemongrass, Black Pepper, Rosemary

Skin Oils Carrot Seed, Cedarwood, German & Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemongrass, Sweet Majoram, Myrrh, Niaouli, Ravensare, Rose, Rosewood, Clary Sage, Thyme

Travel Sickness Oils Ginger, Peppermint

Wound Oils Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Labdunum, Lavender, Niaouli, Sweet Majoram, Ravensare

Oils for Horses

Top Essential Oils for Horses (*Also used with dogs) Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name *Bergamot Citrus bergamia *Juniper Berry Juniperus communis *Carrot Seed Daucus carota *Lavender Lavandula angustifolia *Atlas Cedarwood Cedrus atlantica *Lemon Citrus limon *Roman Chamomile Anthemis nobilis *Lemongrass Cymbopogon citrates *Clary Sage Salvia sclarea Mandarin Orange Citrus reticulata Eucalyptus Globulus Eucalyptus *Myrrh (can use *Radiata) globulus *Frankincense Boswellia carterii *Sweet Marjoram Origamum marjorana *Geranium Pelargonium *Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis graveolens *Ginger Zingiber officinale *Black Pepper Piper nigrum *Grapefruit Citrus paradisi *Peppermint Mentha piperita

Appetite Stimulant Oils Bergamot, Cardamon, Ginger, Marjoram, Black Pepper, Yarrow

Calming Oils Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense (considered the “Rescue Remedy” of oils), Lavender, Mandarin, Marjoram, Patchouli, Peppermint

Cleansing/Tonic Oils Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Lemongrass, Black Pepper, Yarrow

Digestion Oils Cardamon (issues from nervousness), Lavender (gas), Yarrow (colic)

Feel Good/Harmony Oils Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange, Sweet Orange

Fly Repellent Oils Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Citronella, Cedarwood

Hormonal Oils Chamomile, Geranium, Yarrow

Injury Oils (other than wounds) Frankincense (injuries or surgery) Peppermint

Muscle Oils Basil, Roman Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Marjoram, Lemongrass, Black Pepper, Rosemary

Pain/Arthritis Oils Geranium, Ginger, Lemon, Marjoram, Orange, Pepper, Rosemary

Respiratory Oils Basil, Carrot Seed, Cardamon, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang

Skin Oils Bergamot, Carrot Seed, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Patchouli, Yarrow

Travel Sickness Oils Ginger, Marjoram, Peppermint

Wound Oils Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Frankincense, Lavender, Patchouli (also good for old scar tissue), Yarrow

Animal Aromatherapy Precautions

Specific Precautions

Light/Sun Sensitive Oils: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Peppermint

May be Sensitive to some Animals Skin: Basil, Cardamom, Eucalyptus, Ginger

Not all over Body in Animal Massage Peppermint

Not with Pregnant Animals: Basil, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Niaouli, Peppermint, Ravensare, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Ylang Ylang, Tea Tree, Thyme

Not when Using Medication: Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Lemongrass, Pepper, Yarrow

Not with Homeopathy: Eucalyptus, Black Pepper, Peppermint

Not Before a Competition: Bergamot, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, , Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme

Not in Water Cardamon

Using with Small Animals It is best not to use essential oils directly on birds, small dogs, and small animals because their bodies are unable to handle them. Using oils on these animals can cause them to be sick or possibly die. Using oils in a spray bottle and spraying them in the area of the animal is different than applying directly to the animal.

Using with Cats There are concerns about using essential oils on cats. Many people feel that they should not be used with cats because they believe a cat's body is unable to process the oils; their skin is sensitive and their bodies can't properly excrete the oils through the liver. There is concern that using the oils on cats, especially multiple times, can cause the build up of the oils in the liver, causing them to be sick or even die. There is even concern that the inhalation of oils can harm cats, so if you choose to let your cat just smell the oil, it is best to make it brief. On the other hand, there are those that say they have used oils successfully on their cats without any harm. When it comes to applying directly to their skin, I believe it is best to be safe than sorry. Some people choose to rub the oils onto their cat's hair, instead of the skin. This could be risky, though, if the oils come in to contact with their skin.

An alternative to animal aromatherapy with essential oils is hydrosols (also called hydrolates, floral water, distillate water), a by-product of essential oils that are created from the water that is left after producing the essential oil through water distillation or steam. Hydrosols are thought to be the safest to use on cats, small dogs, puppies, young horses, and animals that are ill. Even though they are diluted, they still have wonderful healing properties because they contain the essence of the plants. They are also more affordable than essential oils, making them a great choice for animal aromatherapy.

Recommended to Not Use Anise, Birch, Bitter Almond, Boldo, Calamus, , Cassia, Chenopodium, Clove Leaf and Bud, Crested Lavender, Garlic, Goosefoot, Horseradish, Hyssop (decumbens variety ok), Juniper (j.berry ok), , Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Red or White Thyme, Rue, Santalina, , Savory, Tansy, Terebinth, Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormwood, Yarrow (used with horses)

General Precautions  Keep the oils away from your animals’ eyes or sensitive body parts.  Some oils such as mint and eucalyptus are very strong so use caution when using inside your home.  Some people are concerned about using essential oils on pregnant animals because of hormonal changes, especially during their 1st and 3rd trimesters. Also, some oils may cause a miscarriage due to the properties of those oils, such as clary sage, juniper, frankincense, rosemary, myrrh, sage, majoram, cinnamon, basil, niaouli, fennel, ylang ylang, peppermint, spearmint, ravensare, eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme. Many people believe hydrosols should be used instead.  If you have an animal that is involved in competitions where they may be tested for illegal substances, you should avoid using strong oils such as mint and eucalyptus and any oils containing phenol (such as bergamot, lemongrass, clove, cinnamon, oregano, and thyme), thymol, menthol, or camphor (such as cedarwood, majoram, and rosemary) at least a week before the competition.  Know the possible side effects of any oil, especially if you apply it to your pet's skin. Animals can be sensitive to oils such as basil, eucalyptus, cardamon, and ginger. The citrus oils such as orange, grapefruit, peppermint, lemon, and bergamot should not be used on animals that are going to be in direct sunlight.  Essential oils should not be applied directly from the bottle to the animal’s skin because much greater risk of reaction to skin/body due to strength. If you want to apply oils directly to your animal’s body, you will make a mixture with a carrier oil (see administration techniques). If you want to apply oils with a spray bottle, you will only need to dilute them in the spray bottle filled with water.  Use caution with animals that are prone to epileptic fits or seizures. It is believed oils such as rosemary can cause seizures in people.  Overdosing of oils can cause your pet to become very ill and even be fatal. Essential oils are highly concentrated products.  Some holistic vets and aromatherapy practitioners will administer oils orally to animals. This should always be done by a professional because it can cause your pet to become sick or even die.

Administration of Animal Aromatherapy

Selecting the Essential Oils You can select some essential oils or hydrosols that you think would be beneficial for your pet based on their physical, mental, or emotional condition. Many companies that sell aromatherapy products will have general information regarding the effects of a particular oil or hydrosol. Since these companies are creating their products for people, you will need to determine how the effects could relate to your pet.

While you can select the oils you think best fit your animal, muscle response testing, also called kinesioogy, is the ideal way to make the selection. It is best to offer 3-5 essential oils or hydrosols with your pet at one time. The blend of oils is thought to be more effective than just using a single oil.

If you prefer not to do muscle testing, you can open the bottle and let them smell it by placing it under their nose, then slowly take the bottle away. If they do not seem interested or turn their head away, try another kind. Look for signs of interest in the animal aromatherapy such as licking, chewing, snorting, curling their lip, or trying to follow the bottle.

Creating the Remedy When you determine which oil(s) you want to use for your animal:  Decide whether you are going to be applying the oil blend directly to their body from a bottle with your hands or applying it in a spray bottle. For instance, you can make a blend for calming or flea/fly control to use as a spray. A blend in a 1/3 oz. bottle is going to be more concentrated than a blend in a 2-32 oz. spray bottle.  It is best to use a colored or solid container since the oils are light sensitive. Amber color is the most commonly used.  If you are going to apply the oil directly to their body with your hands, select a carrier oil, also called a base or fixed oil. There are a number of oils that vary in price range and shelf life. Keep the shelf life in mind as you do not want your oil blend going rancid.

Carrier Oil Scientific Name Shelf Life Properties Common Name

* Oil Cocos nucifera Indefinite Smooth, lightweight, easily absorbed so good for Jojoba Oil Simmondsia Indefinite Actually a liquid plant that is chinensis great moisturizer *Olive Oil Olivea europaea 12 months First pressing the best “Extra Virgin”, nutrient rich moisturizer, warming effect so good to use for pain and arthritis Avocado Oil Persea americana 12 months High in proteins and vitamins A, D & E, often blended with other oils because of aroma Oil Corylus avellana 6-12 months Lightweight, easily absorbed so good for massages Apricot Kernel Oil Prunus armenica 6-12 months High in essential fatty acids so good for dry or irritated skin Sweet Almond Oil Prunus dulcis 6-12 months Lightweight, high in vitamins A & E, great moisturizer Sesame Oil Sesamum indicum 6-12 months Heavier so usually blended with lighter oils, anti-inflammatory *Sunflower Seed Helianthus annus 3-9 months Lightweight, easily absorbed, Oil high in vitamins A and E *Most affordable

 If you are going to place the essential oils in a spray bottle, you do not need a carrier oil. However, some manufactured essential oil sprays contain supplemental oils like mineral oil, lanolin oil, aloe vera oil or glycerin. They are used as coat conditioners and skin protection. A teaspoon to a tablespoon of each supplement can be added to an 8 oz. mixture.  If you are going to place the essential oils in a diffuser, a nebulizing diffuser is best. You do not use a carrier oil. Myrrh and frankincense can not be used because they are resinous and can clog the diffuser. Go with the product’s recommendations.  A suggested dose is 2-3 drops of essential oil for every millilitre (ml) of carrier oil for a horse and 1 drop to 5ml for dogs, though you can offer more than that. You can get various sizes of millilitre syringes at your local feed store to help you figure out the measurements. For smaller or sick animals, go with the lower amounts.

Essential Oil Total Size of Container Dogs 2-6 drops 10 ml (1/3 oz) bottle (fill with carrier oil) 3-4 drops 60 ml (2 oz) spray bottle (fill with water) 6-8 drops 120 ml (4 oz) spray bottle (fill with water) 12-16 drops 240 ml (8 oz) spray bottle (fill with water) 6-8 drops 120 ml (4 oz) shampoo 12-16 drops 240 ml (8 oz) shampoo Horses 10-30 drops 10 ml (1/3 oz) bottle (fill with carrier oil) ½-¾ oz (1-1 ½ tbsp) 240 ml (8 oz) spray bottle (fill with water) 1-1.5 oz (2-3 tbsp) 480 ml (16 oz) spray bottle (fill with water) 2-3 oz (4-6 tbsp) 960 ml (32 oz) spray bottle (fill with water) ½-¾ oz (1-1 ½ tbsp) 240 ml (8 oz) shampoo

1 tsp = 1/6 oz = 125 drops = 5 ml 2 tsp = 1/3 oz = 250 drops = 10 ml 3 tsp = 1 tbsp = ½ oz = 375 drops = 15 ml 6 tsp = 2 tbsp = 1/8 cup = 1 oz = 750 drops = 30 ml

 Some people prefer to use one drop of essential oil for every 2-3 tablespoons of carrier oil, which is very diluted. (2 tbsp = 1 oz; 3 tbsp = 1.5 oz)  If you are making a custom blend, you can always muscle test to find out the amount of essential oil, though it should be around the total recommended. But, you can find out which oils you need more drops of.

General guidelines for administering essential oils are:  You can let your pet inhale the oil from the bottle.  You can place the essential oil drops in a diffuser.  You can put drops of the essential oils in a small spray bottle filled with spring water and mist your pet, their carrier, their restroom area, or their sleeping area. Shake before each use.  You can rub the blend (essential oils in the carrier oil) on the area of the body where you think it is needed.

Duration of Treatment Essential oils should be used in moderation. Follow the precautions and use less on sick and old animals. If there are signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue immediately. You can muscle test to see if the oils are needed.

Options for 4 oz Spray Bottles

Calming 4 oz: 2 drops each of lavender, clary sage, ylang ylang, mandarin orange (4 oils in Spot Organics “Chill” except they use green mandarin – unripened mandarin)

Fear/Anxiety 4 oz: 1 drop sweet basil, 2 drops bergamot, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops mandarin orange

Uplifting 4 oz: 2 drops each of grapefruit, bergamot, ginger, mandarin orange (1st 3 oils in Spot Organics “Happy”)

Motion Sickness 4 oz: 4 drops each of ginger and peppermint

Fleas (not cats) 4 oz: 2 drops each of lemon, grapefruit, lemongrass, peppermint (4 oils in Spot Organics “Bug Off”)

Skin Itching (not cats) 4 oz: 3 drops each of lavender, geranium, peppermint (3 oils in Spot Organics “No More Itch”) OR 4 oz: 1 drop carrot seed, 1 drop geranium, 4 drops lavender, 1 drop Roman chamomile

Aromatherapy Resources

Books Essential Oils & Essences by Shirley Whitton Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals by Kristin Leigh Bell Veterinary Aromatherapy by Nelly Grosjean A Healthy Horse the Natural Way by Catherine Bird Hydrosols: the Next Aromatherapy by Suzanne Catty

Aromatherapy Products Make sure you are purchasing quality products for animal aromatherapy that do not contain alcohol, vegetable or mineral oil, or other undesirable ingredients. It is important they are therapeutic grade. Synthetic or low quality oils may not produce the results you are trying for but also may irritate your pet's skin or be harmful in some other way. To check to see that the oil has not been made with alcohol, put a drop of oil into a cup of water. If alcohol is present, the drop will quickly dissolve into the water. If a milky film appears, then emulsifiers or detergents are present. To make sure the oil has not been made with vegetable or mineral oil, put a drop of oil on to a piece of white paper. If it leaves a grease mark or residue, it probably is.

Some sources of products that can be used for animal aromatherapy are:

 Gritman Essential Oils (www.gritman.com) carries essential oils, carrier oils, and empty bottles. We use their products. Please tell Meg we referred you.  Nature’s Sunshine (www.naturessunshine.com) in the US carries essential oils. I do use some of their oils. If you want to order anything, please go through us.  Pure Essential Oil (sell on ebay as seller ID “wholesale_essential_oil”) Recommended for horses only  From Nature With Love (www.fromnaturewithlove.com) in the US carries essential oils, carrier oils, hydrosols, equipment, etc.  Pure Essential Oils (www.pureessentialoils.com) in the US carries essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils.  Prairie Land (www.prairelandherbs.com/hydrosols.htm) in the US carries farm fresh hydrosols.  Essential Aura (www.essentialaura.com) in Canada carries essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils.  Pure Destiny (http://puredestiny.com) in Australia carries essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils.  newdirectionsaromatics.com - oils, carrier oils, hydrosols, bottles, etc