Aromatherapy For Animals
by Dr. Jeannie Thomason
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. While the oils' most obvious property is that they are aromatic, it is not merely the fragrance that imparts their effects. Essential oils are extracted (most often through steam distillation) from the flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds and bark of many different plants around the world. These oils function as the plant's life source or immune system, fighting off bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, and insects.
Essential oils are the subtle, aromatic and volatile liquids extracted from the flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark and roots of herbs, bushes, shrubs, and tress, through distillation. According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years before Christ to heal the sick. They are the oldest form of remedies and cosmetics known to man and were considered more valuable than gold. There are 188 references to oils in the Bible. Science is only now beginning to investigate and find the incredible healing properties of essential oils. So far, they have been proven to:
Support a Healthy Immune System
Repel Virus
Repel Bacteria and other microbes
Elevate Mood
Antiseptic
Oxygenating
High in Antioxidants
Aromatherapy for animals is the art and science of using essential oils to treat both the emotional body and the physical body of animals. It takes into consideration the whole animal, so you are not just treating one specific symptom. The oils work to support the animal's whole being in an effort to get rid of the disease. Essential oils have a positive effect on an animals, and leave no toxic residue in the way synthetic drugs do.
Essential oils have a unique chemical structure which enables them to penetrate the cell membrane of animal cells, just as they do the cells of plants, carrying vital nutrients inside. Once inside the cell, "Essential oils promote natural healing by stimulating and reinforcing the body's own mechanisms. Essences of chamomile and thyme, for instance, are credited with the ability to stimulate the production of white blood cells which help in our fight against disease." (Wildwood, 1991)
The secretory cells of plants that produce the volatile oils trap the photo-electromagnetic energy of the sun and, with the help of glucose, convert it into biochemical energy in the form of aromatic molecules. Through this remarkable process, some of the most powerful natural healing elements known to humanity are created.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are the regenerating and oxygenating immune defense properties of plants. Their oxygenating molecules effectively transport nutrients and a myriad of other powerful chemical constituents to the cells, bringing life to the plants, destroying infections, staving off infestation, aiding in growth, and stimulating healing. They are to plants what blood is to the human body, and much, much more.
"Dr. Taylor of the University of Austin, Texas has observed that essential oils present more new compounds than the chemists of the whole world could analyze in a thousand years. We now know that they are mixtures of many powerful and therapeutic chemical constituents. " (Valnet, 1980)
Essential oils are what give plants their characteristic odors, such as the fragrance of a rose or the aroma of cedar or pine. There are now 30,000 known aromatic molecules that make up various essential oils, and science readily admits it has only scratched the surface in identifying and cataloging them. A single essential oil can contain up to 800 different chemical constituents. This is one reason why the vast number of therapeutic actions of even a single pure, therapeutic grade essential oil are not yet fully understood.
The three primary elements of all essential oils are hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. However, essential oils contain a tremendous number of other powerful chemical groups, including alcohols, phenols, esters, ethers, oxides, coumarins, sesquiterpenes, terpinols, ketones and aldehydes. These chemical constituents and the sub-compounds they are made up of are what give the essential oils many of their most amazing healing properties.
The secretory cells of plants that produce the volatile oils trap the photo-electromagnetic energy of the sun and, with the help of glucose, convert it into biochemical energy in the form of aromatic molecules. Through this remarkable process, some of the most powerful natural healing elements known to humanity are created.
Some of the chief families of chemical constituents found in essential oils, along with their most widely acknowledged therapeutic properties:
Aldehydes are highly reactive organic compounds that are anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and sedative. When inhaled, they are calming. They are found in many of the lemon-scented oils, including the oils of lemongrass, melissa and citronella. One of the principal aldehyde compounds, citral, is highly anti-infectious and anti-viral when applied topically.
Phenols are deadly to bacteria. They contain high levels of oxygenating molecules, and have powerful antioxidant properties. As a result, they are one of the most beneficial immuno-modulating compounds of all of the aromatic groups.
Alcohols are strongly anti-bacterial and anti-viral. The sesquiterpenol molecules in this group are anti-inflammatory and stimulate the immune responses. Linalol, one of the most beneficial constituents of the alcohols, is highly anti-bacterial and works to boost the immune system, and carvacrol has been shown to be antiseptic, superbly energizing and possibly anti-cancerous.
Terpenes are known to inhibit the accumulation of toxins in the human body, and help the liver and kidneys discharge built up toxins. They are antiseptic and stimulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, analgesic, anti-spasmodic and sedative.
Ketones are known to help stimulate cell regeneration and promote the formation of tissue. They also help dissolve and discharge mucous, helping with asthma, colds, flu, and coughs.
Esters result from the reaction of an alcohol with an acid. They are known to produce a relaxing and soothing effect on the human body. They also have very strong anti-spasmodic and anti-fungal properties.
Additional chemical constituents found in essential oils include:
Azulene prevents the discharge of histamine from the tissues by activating the pituitary-adrenal system, causing the release of cortisone. Very useful for asthmatic conditions. Known to dramatically speed up the process of healing. Stimulates liver regeneration. Strongly anti-inflammatory.
Bisbalol is the strongest of the sesquiterpene alcohols. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is also known to be a powerful ulcer preventative.
Flavonoids show highly beneficial effects on the capillaries of the human body, increasing blood flow and oxygenation of the cells and tissues.
Farnesol is highly anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
Farnesene is strongly anti-viral in action.
Limonene is known to exhibit strong anti-viral properties and more recent research suggests it may be anti-tumoral.
Terpene alcohols are highly anti-bacterial and stimulating to the immune system.
Terpene hydrocarbons are highly anti-viral.
Thujone relieves respiratory distress and stimulates the immune system. May be highly beneficial in the reduction and destruction of malignant tumors, particularly in breast cancer.
Quite an impressive list. But it barely touches the surface of what modern medical science is now discovering about the powerful therapeutic and immune boosting properties of essential oils. Many scientists believe that over the course of the next decade, it will be some of the specific constituents of various essential oils that will help bring a halt to the burgeoning epidemic of chronic degenerative disease now plaguing this country, including cancer, arthritis, heart disease, chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis and more.
What medical science tells us about essential oils:
"Essential oils include muscle relaxants digestive tonics, circulatory stimulants and hormone precursors. Many repair injured cells; others carry away metabolic waste. In addition, a number of essential oils enhance immunity, working with the body to heal itself. They're capable of stimulating the production of phagocytes (white blood cells that attack invaders). And some are antitoxic. Many essential oils have been proven effective against fungi and yeast, parasites and viruses. Others fight infection with amazing effectiveness, killing bacteria by disrupting their life cycle. And unlike conventional antibiotic drugs, essential oils are "probiotic": they kill pathogenic bacteria, but tend to leave beneficial bacteria intact. Finally, bacteria typically do not acquire resistance to essential oils, as they so often due to antibiotic drugs. " (Keville and Green, 1995)
"What do the oils do? First of all they are transporters; they transport products to the cells of our body. Secondly, they contain ATP, which serves as the power source of the cells--the fuel. Essential oils normalize the viscosity of the blood, and facilitate the delivery of vital nutrients. Some oils are anti-spasmodic and help relieve migraine headaches and mental fatigue. Others reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis, release liver toxins, clean the gall bladder, clear up acne and stimulate the secretion of gastric juices, while even others work to improve nerve impulses and synaptic connections, and heal burns, cuts and infected wounds. Some oils reverse insomnia and anxiety, lower cholesterol, relieve PMS symptoms, stimulate the immune functions and destroy [microbes] among many other important functions. " (Friedmann, 1995)
One of the principal characteristics of essential oils is that they contain powerful oxygenating molecules. This is why the essential oils, when applied to the skin or when inhaled, have the ability to dramatically increase cellular oxygenation. This, in turn, begins almost immediately to boost the human immune system.
Incredible as it may seem, recent research shows that essential oils placed anywhere on the body will penetrate every single cell of the body with in 20 minutes. (Young, 1995) They will even penetrate a fingernail or toenail almost instantly to reach fungus underneath. This stands in marked contrast to the average of 13 to 23 hours for the therapeutic constituents of dried herbs to reach the cells of the human body after ingestion.
What's more, essential oils are extremely concentrated, particularly when they have been derived through distillation, which is the best method of extraction for high quality oils. When properly extracted, the oils contain virtually all of the plant's healing nutrients, oxygenating molecules, amino acid precursors, coenzyme A factors, trace minerals, enzymes, vitamins and more. And because essential oils are so highly concentrated, they can be many, many times more potent than the herbs or plants from which they are derived.
Dr. Valnet asserts that the essential oil from thyme destroys the anthrax bacillus, the typhoid bacillus, the glanders bacillus, staphylococcus, the diptheria bacillus, and meningococcus. He further states, "The essence of lemon is second to none in its antiseptic and anti bacterial properties”.
Andrew Weil, M.D., noted advocate of natural therapies writes: "Certain aldehydes in lemon balm, for instance, have been shown to reduce inflammation, while certain ketones in rosemary and eucalyptus appear to reduce mucus production. Essential oils appear to affect the emotions as well: In one recent study done in a British nursing home, vaporized lavender oil was found to work as well as pharmaceutical sedatives in helping residents relax into sleep." (Weil, 1996)
In tests conducted in France by Professor Griffin, director of the French Police Toxicology Laboratory, the antiseptic effect of a blend of essential oils--including pine, thyme, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, cloves and cinnamon--was studied in order to test the ability of the oils to purify the air of harmful disease causing bacteria. First, Professor Griffin set up a number of Petri dishes approximately 15 centimeters from ground level in an open room, allowing them to stand for 24 hours, germs from the air being collected naturally as they settled into the open to dishes. After 24 hours he analyzed the dishes, finding them to contain 210 colonies of various microbes, including numerous molds and staphylococci. He then sprayed the mixture of essential oils in the form of an aerosol into the air in the room. After only 15 minutes, only 14 colonies of microorganisms out of the original 210 were left alive. After 30 minutes, only four colonies of the regional 210 were left. Importantly, all the potentially harmful disease causing molds and staphylococci had been killed in the first 30 minutes. (Valnet, 1980)
In another French experiment, the number of pathogenic microorganisms in various locations were measured. In a forest, there were found to be five pathogenic microorganisms in the air for every cubic meter. In an average apartment, there were found to be twenty thousand microbes in the air per cubic meter. In public stores, there were found to be nine million microbes in the air per cubic meter. On the top of a worktable there were found to be five million microbes per square meter. On a carpet, 9 million. And in the air of a large hospital there were found to be on average ten thousand microbes per cubic meter. According to Dr. Valnet, when an inquisitive doctor put some of the microbe laden air from the hospital into a flask containing just a few drops of essential oils, 40 percent of the microbes were destroyed in only 20 minutes, 80 percent in an hour, and 100 percent in nine hours!
Dr. Valnet concluded, "Clearly, the administering of essential oils by fine aerosol spray should be common practice in sick rooms, operating rooms and clinics."
In an extensive article in “Advances,” a publication of the Fetzer Institute, Keith Block, M.D., a physician well known in the cancer field, surveys the alternative therapies for cancer that seem to be effective. He writes, "Consider the chemopreventive activity of limonene, a monocyclic monoterpene found in the essential oils of citrus fruits, spices, and herbs. As recently reviewed by Crowell and Gould (1994), limonene induces both phase I and phase II enzymes, resulting in hepatic (liver-related) detoxification of carcinogens and increased carcinogen excretion. Limonene may also block tumor promotion and progression. (Haag et al. 1992a) [and] the complete regression of mammary carcinomas by limonene and its metabolites appears to involve tissue re-differentiation and induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis), an integral part of normal biologic processes (Haag, et al. 1992b)." (Block, 1997)
Dr. Valnet states that pathogenic microorganisms do not become resistant to essential oils as they do to modern day synthetic drugs. He says, " The body cannot become 'habituated' in the pejorative sense of the word--i.e., no longer able to derive any benefit--to the oils anymore than it can become habituated to pure mountain air or personal hygiene. The results remain the same; they do not lessen over any length of time."
And, unlike many of today's most popular antiseptic chemicals, essential oils do not harm human or animal tissue. As Dr. Valnet writes, "Essential oils are especially valuable as antiseptics because their aggression towards microbial germs is matched by their total harmlessness to tissue--one of the chief defects of chemical antiseptics is that they are likely to be as harmful to the cells of the organism as to the cause of the disease. "
The successful uses of therapeutic uses of essential oils are so varied and so great, the list of healing benefits literally boggles the mind.
Dr. Valnet asserts that unlike antibiotics, many of the essential oils have strong anti-viral properties, and can provide remarkable protection against viral infections ranging from shingles to influenza.
Additionally, wounds of all types appear to heal quicker when treated with essential oils. According to Dr. Valnet, "When essential oils are used on both large and small wounds, healing takes place quickly without dangerous toxicity or the formation of scars." Skin disease also appears to benefit greatly from the use of essential oils.
Furthermore, according to Dr. Valnet, many essential oils have proven to be anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, and beneficial to the entire body and its organs. "Recent research has proved that the essential oils pass directly through the layers of the skin to be rapidly circulated in the blood, and then eliminated via the lungs and kidneys in particular. The organs benefit from the disinfectant, antispasmodic or stimulant properties of the oils in the process. Using the essential oil of juniper in bath water, for example, is recommended for people suffering from rheumatism or arthritis."
The oils of lavender and marjoram lower arterial pressure. On the other hand, the essences of hyssop, rosemary, sage and thyme raise arterial pressure by liberating adrenaline as a result of direct action on the area of the cortex of the adrenal gland.
It's easy to see that the therapeutic properties of essential oils are far too numerous to fully describe in this article. This is because the essential oils of plants, all together, involve literally thousands of chemical compounds and sub-compounds, each of which has their own therapeutic actions on the human body.
A brief word about the frequencies of essential oils:
The effectiveness of essential oils cannot be fully understood without some discussion of frequency. Frequency is the measurable rate of electrical energy flow that is constant between any two points. Everything has frequency. Dr. Robert O. Becker, in his book “The Body Electric”, establishes that much about a person's health can be told by the frequencies generated by the person's body. (Becker, 1985)
In 1992 the pioneering scientist and researcher Bruce Tainio built the first "bio-frequency" monitor in the world. His research shows that when the frequency of the human body drops substantially it is a clear indication that the immune system has been compromised. His frequency measurements correlate well with various states of disease and health, and show the effects of contact with low frequency foods (junk, canned foods, coffee, etc.) and the health-enhancing effects of the use of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, and essential oils due to their measurably higher frequencies. (Tainio, 1996) While Tainio's work remains experimental, it echoes the principle suggested in the earlier research by Royal Raymond Rife in the 1920's in which various microbes were measured for their unique frequencies and killed with the administration of higher frequencies.
The high electrical frequencies of essential oils appear to be related to their ability to kill even the most virulent forms of pathogenic microorganisms, and boost the immune system of the human body. For example, Dr. Valnet states that the essential oil of clove" has been found to have electronic constituents which are opposed to cancer and to virus diseases."
Apart from the physical benefits, essential oils can have subtle effects on the mind and emotions. Essential oils taken from plants are described as being their "life force" they are essential to the plants' biological process, as well as being the substance that gives them their scent. These substances contain [natural] hormones, antibiotics, vitamins, and antiseptics. Essential oils are far more alive and potent than dried herbs." Synthetic oils, even if chemically similar will lack the natural elements and that vital life force that make essential oils so valuable therapeutically.
The French chemist Renee Gattefosse wrote the first book on Aromatherapy and did all of his initial testing of the essential oils on dogs and horses. Since then, there has been much scientific testing done on the antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils, as well as their calming effects on the body.
Pets can suffer from ailments in the same way as humans. If problems such as abscesses, coughs, and cuts do not improve after several days, veterinary advice will be necessary.
* Important Note: I only use and recommend the use of pure, unadulterated "Genuine & Theraputic" or "Grade A" oils - Young Living Essential Oils. Most people think the words PURE or 100% PURE on the label of an essential oil mean it's a good oil. That is far from true.
More information on essential oil quality CLICK HERE
Hundreds of essential oils are available for use. One that most of you are probably familiar with and one I will never be without is Lavender. It is steam distilled from the flowers of Lavandula officinalis. In addition to being extremely useful medicinally,Pure Lavender has a delicate and beautiful fragrance. It is calming, anti-depressive, anti-inflammatory, and helpful for treating burns. It is extremely useful as a fungicide and germicide. It can be applied directly to the animal's skin, incorporated into sprays and shampoos, and is wonderful diluted in distilled water and/or alcohol for use as a room freshener. To calm down nervous or hyperactive dogs, place a few drops on the dog's bed, crate pad or sleeping area. Also, rub a little on the foot pads. (For car sickness treatment, see peppermint).
Another widely used essential oil is Eucalyptus. There are several hundred varieties of Eucalyptus. I prefer to use Eucalyptus globulus for most purposes. Eucalyptus is bactericidal, antifungal, and an extremely useful inhalant for respiratory complaints. Used in a diffuser (a special machine that vaporizes essential oils), it helps to inhibit the spread of contagious disease and discourages insects. Eucalyptus works exceptionally well combined with Citronella Oil, Cedarwood Oil, & Peppermint Oil to keep insects away.
Peppermint is another oil that I always keep on hand. It is extremely useful to prevent motion sickness and nausea, a very good pain reliever and is also effective in discouraging pests (such as mice) and insects. The fragrance is wonderfully cool and refreshing. To prevent car sickness, place a few drops of Peppermint and Lavender on your dogs crate pad or car seat. For your use, Peppermint and Lavender are extremely effective to relieve headaches. Place a small amount on your wrists, temples (don't get into eyes), and under your tongue.
Citronella and Lemongrass mixture with your choice of base oil "carrier oil" or spring water makes a great insect repellent.
Lemongrass or Young Living's Purification blend can be used on ringworm and other fungus. Research was published in The Journal of Phytotherapy Research on topically applied lemongrass for its powerful antifungal properties. Lemongrass, is also extremely effective at repelling all kinds of insects.
Grapefruit oil also repels insects especially Ticks.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) will help itchy skin, dry or sluggish skin and coat and helps fight against skin parasites as well.
Lavender and Marjoram can help tight, cramping, sore muscles, etc. Add a few drops on your palm and rub gently. Excellent for performance or working dogs as well as people!
Di-Gize is great for easing vomiting, dirrehea or constipation as well as having natural anti-parasitic qualities which are helpful in naturally dispelling worms parasites (in all animals)
Peace & Calming, Melissa, Lavender, Trauma Life are all effective to ease - Anxiety
Peace & Calming, another Young Living blend I always have on hand is wonderful for taming tension for your over active dog about to take a trip to the vet or groomer or yourself during a stressful event!
Peace & Calming, another Young Living blend I always have on hand is wonderful for taming tension for your over active dog about to take a trip to the vet or groomer or yourself during a stressful event! These essential oils and oil blends, are an excellent way to calm dogs who are fearful, agitated or hyperactive. The very nature of these substances is such that they work quickly and do not leave the animal in a drugged or listless state, as common tranquilizers such as Valium do. Unlike herbal calming tablets, which take time to digest, aromatherapy essential oils can be inhaled and quickly begin their work. Or applied to the skin will be absorbed into the blood stream and flow where they need to go. Essential oils work on both the physical and emotional level they release these blocks and allow healing.
*NOTE - The blend called Peace & Calming is being used with wonderful results on many dogs at shows, hunting/trial events, Vet visits, fear of thunder, etc. Here are just a few testimonies on it's use
A combination of Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), and Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) with light base oil will help eczema,minor cuts, bruises, and cracked or chapped skin.
Niaouli Essential Oil (Melaleuca viridiflora) can be included to treat viral infections as well.
There are many more essential oils and certainly even more combinations one can use, but as you try a few on your pets and yourselves you can learn to experiment and come up with wonderful concoctions of your own.
How to use EO's with animals:
I normally recommend you use only one or two drops on your pet (or dilute in a little bit of carrier oil). An application that is adequate for an adult human is sometimes overwhelming for a dog's olfactory system. Dogs have 200 million scent receptors in their nasal folds, we have 50 million. For application to your dog of "hotter" oils, I use with a carrier or base oils such as extra virgin olive, raw coconut oil, jojoba, or almond oil. A good dilution is:
5 drops of your choice of essential oil to 10 ml of carrier oil (olive, jojoba, almond etc.), mix well and apply. Be sure to keep away from the eyes as much as possible, If you get an essential oil in your pets eye, do NOT rinse with water, use vegetable oil.
Applying topically in-between your dog's toes and/or ear tips allows for quick absorption. You can also sprinkle a couple of drops along the spine and then gently massage into skin, just like with humans. You can also diffuse an appropriate oil for 15 minutes with the dog in the room.
I have received many testimonies about the use of Oils in treating dogs with various problems. click here to read a few. and please, share your stories with me by emailing me (doctorjeannie@gmail.com )
Using Essential Oils with Cats
Cats are extremely sensitive to essential oils with high phenols. Please, be very careful with oils and cats! I recommend ONLY Young Living brand essential oils.
You will hear many aromatherapists say "Essential oils must not ever be used on cats" however, I have personally used them on my own cat and know of several other animal aromatherapists who use Young Living on their cats as well. That being said - I would not use any other EO topically on cats. Cats cats can and do tolerate most essential oils being diffused while they are in the room.
"Watch any plant or animal and let it teach you acceptance of what is,
surrender to the Now. Let it teach you Being.
Let it teach you integrity--which means to be one, to be yourself, to be real. Let it teach you how to live and
how to die, and how not to make living and dying into a problem."
Eckhart Tolle
Dr. Jeannie is an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils
Independent Distributor #719671
More information on the use of essential oils with animals you can go to her Aromatherapy For Animals website HERE
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