What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of therapeutic essential oils and hydrosols to benefit health. Essential oils are substances obtained from the leaves, flowers, roots, bark, seeds or fruit of a plant via steam distillation, manual expression, solvent extraction or carbon dioxide extraction. They are very concentrated and highly aromatic. For therapeutic use, it is best to avoid using solvent-extracted essential oils, as some of the solvent may remain in the oil. Essential oils are much more highly concentrated than herbs and therefore much more powerful. They have proven antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, sedative and stimulating properties. Essential oils can be used in many ways including inhalation, diffusing, topical application or massaging into specific points.
A hydrosol is a water-based substance that is the byproduct of steam distillation of essential oils. They contain water-soluble parts of the plant and a very minute amount of certain essential oil components. They are extremely diluted and very gentle, making them a good choice for use with animals, especially cats.
Synthetic chemical fragrances used in many toiletries, soaps, candles and shampoos are often labeled as aromatherapy, but they are not true aromatherapy. True aromatherapy uses therapeutic-grade essential oils. Some examples of synthesized fragrances are: apple, blueberry, cherry, grape, honeysuckle, kiwi, mango, peach, raspberry, strawberry and watermelon. Also, using scented candles or hot potpourri is not true aromatherapy because heat destroys the therapeutic properties of the oils.
Using essential oils with animals
Aromatherapy can be used alone or in combination with other conventional or alternative treatments. Aromatherapy works on many levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Dogs have an average of 200 million scent receptors, compared to about 5 million in humans, making them very sensitive to smells. When choosing which oil to use with your dog, let your dog sniff it and notice his reaction. If he has an aversion to it, don’t use it, even if “the book” says to use it for his condition.
Special care must be taken when using essential oils with animals, as there are some oils used with humans that are not safe for animals, especially cats. Always choose therapeutic-grade essential oils and dilute before using on animals. Hydrosols can be a safer choice to use, particularly with cats, whose livers cannot process the same chemicals as humans and dogs. If you have cats or birds, don’t diffuse any oils in your house that are unsafe for them such as citrus oils, pine, spruce, fir, oregano, clove, cinnamon, thyme, savory and bergamot.
Essential oils can be used on large and small animals, but it is important to talk with someone who has experience using oils or do some homework first. The book Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals by Kristen Leigh Bell contains good information on safe use with animals. The pre-mixed oils you can buy for specific problems will work well for people who simply wish to try oils on their pets. When mixing your own oils, use amber, green or opaque glass bottles. Natural Pet has studied aromatherapy for animals and offers essential oils for
sale for your pets.
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Following are examples of how you might use essential oils with your dogs:
Teeth Cleaning Wipes or Breath Spray for dogs
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
½ oz Vodka or grain alcohol
1 teaspoon sulfated castor oil
10 drops grapefruit seed extract
7oz distilled or spring water
6 drops cardamom essential oil
4 drops coriander seed essential oil
6 drops peppermint essential oil
Shake well before use. Wipe on teeth with a paper towel or gauze. These wipes won't remove hardened plaque deposits, but can help in preventing the formation of plaque. Begin using as soon as your dog has had his teeth cleaned (you are getting your dog’s teeth cleaned regularly, aren’t you?).
Calming Blend for dogs
½ oz sweet almond or hazelnut oil
3 drops valerian essential oil
2 drops vetiver essential oil
4 drops petitgrain essential oil
3 drops sweet marjoram essential oil
2 drops sweet orange essential oil
Apply topically or use for inhalation, 1 to 6 drops depending on the size of the dog.
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