Essetial Oils as Natural Sedatives

Chill Out…Essential Oils as Natural Sedatives

There are many situations with our horses when it would be beneficial, or necessary, that they be calm or even sedated. Whether it be wanting a peaceful and calm hack, getting them (and yourself) through a stressful situation like a colic, or even utilizing less, or no sedation, for veterinary, farrier, or dental appointments, essential oils hold the potential to a vital tool in your tool box. They give you a natural alternative to traditionally thought-of medications or methods used to calm down a horse or keep them still while they’re being worked on.

The ability of essential oils to act on both the mind and the body is what makes them truly unique among natural therapeutic substances. The fragrance of essential oils may be calming or sedating, helping to overcome anxiety or hyperactivity.  On a physiological level, essential oils may stimulate immune function and regenerate damaged tissue.

Through the three different methods of application, aromatically, topical, or internally essential oils have the ability to produce results within minutes of use. I have a few Young Living Essential Oils suggestions that can be used to help you and your horse through different situations you may face where a little zen and stillness are needed.

How to use the oils with horses:

Hold the bottle in your hand with a tight grip, and simply stand near the horse. Allow the horse to reach their nose out for the bottle, never force the horse to smell. If it’s what they need they will let you know either by getting closer and taking in the smell, nuzzling the bottle, and some may even try to lick or eat the bottle. This is why you keep a tight grip on it!

The following suggested oils are all safe for internal consumption, so if your horse is wanting to lick or eat the bottle, place a few drops of the oil in the palm of your hand and allow them to lick it. This will positively add to the effects of the oils.

Apply them topically to the back of the ears by placing a few drops in the palm of your hand, then starting at the base of the ear, roll your hand around to the topside in a gentle curving motion. Repeat 3-4 times each ear. This move itself is very calming to horses, and adding the oils to it is very effective.

You can also drop the desired oil in the palm of your hand, rub hands together, and pet your horse; face, neck, shoulders, etc.

If you find your horse has no interest in anything you’re offering them, then place the oil on yourself. They will still benefit from the aromatic properties of the oils even if it’s not direct inhalation.

Always have a variety of oils on hand, as needs change from day to day, or even hour by hour. If you’re just started out with the oils, start simple and with less and build up from there.

Lavender Essential Oil

calming, relaxing, and balancing both physically and emotionally.

Lavender has been documented to improve concentration and mental acuity.

Peace & Calming Essential Oil

Blend of: Tangerine, Orange, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Blue Tansy

promotes relaxation and a deep sense or peace and emotional well-being, helping to dampen tensions and uplift spirits. May help calm overactivity, and reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Stress Away Essential Oil

Blend of: Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Ocotea, Lavender

brings a feeling of peace and tranquility and helps relieve daily stress and nervous tension. It helps with normal, everyday stress, improves mental response, restores equilibrium, promotes relaxation, and lowers hypertension.

 Valarian Essential Oil

Sedative and tranquilizing to the central nervous system.

During the last three decades, valerian has been clinically investigated for its tranquilizing properties. Researchers have pinpointed the sesquiterpenes valerenic acid and valerian as the active constituents that exert a calming effect on the central nervous system.

TESTIMONIAL:

“My OTTB, Ben, had slipped and fell on concrete, busting his teeth through his front lip. Of course it started bleeding profusely, and I was so sacred and panicking! I ran to my barn kit of oils and grabbed peace & calming. I threw some on myself so I could calm down enough to take care of Ben and call the vet, and then applied the oil to Ben to keep him calm until the vet could get there. By the time the vet go out to the barn, he took a look at Ben and said to me ‘i wish you hadn’t sedated him…’I didn’t! All I had used was peace & calming and it worked much like a sedative would have. The vet stitched up Ben, and we used much less sedative than we normally would have otherwise. I felt better knowing his body wouldn’t have to work as hard to come out of the sedation, and we were all able to keep a level head about the situation.”

–    Rebecca Precious-Rosenberg, Young Living Gold Ranked Independent Distributor, has been working with Young Living Essential Oils on her own animals, and animals across the globe, for over 12 years.

For more information or questions, give me a shout! melanie@lustforwellness.com, www.lustforwellness.com

**Disclaimer:  All of the information provided here is intended for educational purposes, and for use with Young Living Essential Oils ONLY.  The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in your area of concern if you or your pets have a health challenge