Recently, I have been reading about essential oils and their natural benefits for horses. For example, Chamomile is used for burns, ulcers, wounds, and skin sensitivity. It supports skin care and inflammation.
I am considering using essential oils on my horse after reading so many positive articles. I am primarily looking to use them for allergies, such as runny eyes. Have any of you had experience using them? If so, did you see any benefits?
TIA
I love how they smell and use a few on myself. I have friends who have entire arsenals of oils that they mix into fly spray – citronella and peppermint, and more I can’t recall. I haven’t been willing to use them on my guys because I find them pretty intense, in terms of aroma and sometimes skin reaction (warming, photosensitive) and I don’t want to make them uncomfortable. I have thin skinned, sensitive horses, and use a lot of saline & unscented baby wipes on cuts. Arnica and aloe are fine. I’d be really cautious around eyes – what oil are you thinking of, and where are you thinking of using it?
Oh I wasn’t planning on using the oils around the eyes (that’s a big no-no). I was just trying to explain the type of allergy symptoms I was dealing with.
I was told peppermint oil behind the ears could be beneficial. Of course I would do a small skin test before fully using the oils.
If you want your horse to smell like the oil, go ahead. That is about the only benefit you are likely to see.
I don’t use them, but if you compete, you might want to double check your drug guidelines. For example, chamomile and lavender are prohibited substances under USEF rules.
I sent you a PM.
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