Essential Oils for Chicken Mites, Plus a Twist!

By Caryn Gehlmann

We’ve been blessed to have Michelle Stephens as part of our marketing team since 2016. Her specialty is search engine optimization, she works with Jennifer, our content writer, to make sure people find our e3 tips and products. We wanted to interview her about her recent use of essential oils for chicken mites, but as we began talking our discussion took an interesting twist into chemical sensitivities, scent sensitivities, and hyperosmia. You’ll enjoy the way Michelle (and her chickens) have learned to benefit from essential oils, despite her sensitivities to smell.

Tell us about your chemical sensitivities and how they affect your life.

Would it paint a picture for you, if I told you that Covid19’s social distancing didn’t change my life one iota? Actually, it made my health better! I’ve been in isolation for decades, because chemical sensitivities totally changed my interaction with any external element. Where I go, who I see, what I bring into the house, the next smell I encounter — there’s always the thought, “Is this going to make me sick?” Over the years, I’ve changed everything, like how I work, what I eat, and where I live, to gain relief.

Have you been able to benefit from essential oils despite having Multiple Chemical Sensitivities? 

I was extremely hesitant to take my first sniff of e3’s essential oils. But when I first began working on the e3 team, I was given a gift certificate. I combed through the website looking for aromas that I’ve missed and thought I could likely handle. (I used to wear light perfumes and bury my nose in flowers, so you know I love beautiful aromas!) The fact that e3’s essential oils are pure and natural, with no synthetic additives, gave me the courage to try them. Citrus was my first choice, so I chose Revitalize Blend. I loved it. Of course on my “chemical overload days”, I avoid any aromas. But I find this blend can really help me get through long afternoons at the computer. 

Another blend that helps ease my sinus congestion is using Breathe Easy Shower Mist. My third go-to blend is Protection Blend. That one absolutely makes me want to breathe deeply and relaxes me instantly.  And when you mix Revitalize with Protection,  it makes a lovely room freshener for the long winter months here in the Wallowa Mountains. Caryn’s advice to let your nose guide you is spot on. There are days my nose says “YES” and days it says, “Nope, not today”. 

Apparently, you aren’t the only one to benefit from e3’s essential oils. Tell us about how your chickens have benefited too.

Last summer, I found that my hens had chicken mites. Right away I searched online for how to handle it. I found advice for thoroughly cleaning the chicken coop, which was the first thing I did. I swept it clean and liberally sprayed all the surfaces with a mix of 2 cups water, 1 cup cooking oil and 1 tablespoon dish soap. 

Then I thought of Caryn’s generous offer to reach out any time we have a question, so I fired an email off to her asking for suggestions on what essential oils to use for chicken mites. In a couple of days, after researching the subject, she came to my rescue: “Spray down your coop with Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavender, Peppermint, Basil, and Cinnamon Leaf essential oils. All of these essential oils have been proven to have anti-parasitic effects when used topically. You can make this spray by placing 45 drops of each oil into a 16 oz. glass water bottle. Also, if you have a source for lavender stalks, use them for their beds. Big Hug, hope all is well on your end….Caryn.” I sprayed the chicken coop once a week for three weeks and I never saw another chicken mite. Plus it smelled heavenly!

Any advice if you’re new to essential oils or perhaps have held back because of a sensitivity to smell?

Do all you can to improve your overall health. As all of your systems start to function better e.g.,  immune system, endocrine system, etc, you may be able to tolerate aromas better. Do your research and make sure the aroma you’re contemplating is 100% free of chemicals. Introduce it slowly and in minute quantities. I would never diffuse because that would permeate my surroundings. Fragrances embed themselves in the fabric of your home and that can become intolerable on your bad days. Instead, I use e3’s aromatherapy inhalers, which come in gorgeous colors! Also, I wouldn’t put it on my skin unless I was absolutely sure it wouldn’t be a problem. Don’t take my word for it. Test it out for yourself, when you feel ready to do so. 

And a word to those who don’t have M.C.S…just because I can use some essential oils now, doesn’t mean other MCS sufferers can tolerate them. Please ask them and listen to what they say. 

Thanks, Michelle, for those great tips, especially for those who are a little hesitant about using essential oils due to chemical sensitivities. And I’m so glad that the recipe of essential oils for chicken mites worked! I’ll be sharing additional DIY essential oil recipes for animals in an upcoming blog. If you want to stay up-to-date on all of our educational blogs and videos, sign up for our newsletter and click the box for DIY emails.