Essential Oil Safety, Animals
Eucalyptus Essential Oils for Dogs & Horses
Written by e3 guest blogger: Jill Barker, Animal Health Advisor & Bodyworker
e3 benefits from Jill’s vast knowledge of the use of essential oils to help many kinds of animals. Jill’s experience is in animal energetic bodywork, neuromuscular re-patterning and injury recovery. She has found aromatherapy to be an amazing therapeutic tool, allowing both humans and animals to return to a natural healthy balanced state of being.
IMPORTANT: (Do Not Use with cats, birds, fish, reptiles or small mammals i.e. Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Rats, Mice, Hamsters, Ferrets, Gerbils etc.)
Eucalyptus Radiata
Latin name: Eucalyptus radiata
Country of origin: Australia
Part of the plant: Leaves
Extraction method: Steam distilled
Main biochemical components*: 1,8 cineole, alpha-terpineol, alpha-terpinyl acetate
In Chinese medicine Eucalyptus Radiata is considered Yang
I use Eucalyptus Radiata primarily for cooling the emotional body and taking the edge off of fear based anger. It cools the mind when inflamed by hot emotions and cools the nervous system when inflamed by emotions.
I use this Eucalyptus essential oil when working with an animal that is rigid, resistant or acting out because it’s emotionally or mentally fearful. This can be active aggression like biting, kicking, posturing or an adamant refusal to drop the defensive position.
Eucalyptus Radiata can be sharp and strong, so be respectful when introducing it to your animal client. Also be extremely patient. Let the animal you’re helping unfold at a pace they’re comfortable with. So don’t start if you can’t go gently in the moment.
I begin by unscrewing, but leaving the cap in place. This allows the Eucalyptus essential oil molecules to slowly drift into the air. (Reminder: animals have a heightened sense of smell so a little goes a long way.) When you see a change (relaxation of muscle tension resulting in a shift in posture or a change in the animals breathing pattern, i.e. deeper or intentional breathes) then remove the cap to allow more Eucalyptus essential oil molecules to saturate the air. Next gently move the bottle back and forth in a sweeping motion between you and the animal.
I use Eucalyptus Radiata to help the animal release fear based emotions and behavior. Using this essential oil helps the animal let down it’s guard and be more available to cooperating with you. Once you and the animal have established a connection, you can begin to introduce other essential oils as you progress in your session. Go slowly when you’re working with a fearful animal. There’s no need to rush. You have plenty of time.
I rarely apply Eucalyptus essential oil topically to an animal because of it’s lingering aroma and strong energetic signature. Just take the cap off and allow the animal to breathe in the aroma. When you’re done, recap the oil and move on to your next selection.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Uses and Known Qualities’
Uses:
Eucalyptus essential oil has a variety of uses. It may be used for, sinus problems, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sore throat, mouth infections, arthritis, muscle aches and pains, muscle injuries, sprains, fever, headaches and nervous exhaustion.
Eucalyptus essential oil can cool, stimulate the nervous system, open sinus and breathing passages, improve circulation, refresh, revive, improve mental clarity.
Properties:
Antibacterial, Anticatarrhal, Anti-infectious, Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Expectorant.
Safety:
Do not use Eucalyptus essential oil if pregnant or nursing.
Common Names:
Eucalyptus radiata
Scientific Name:
E. radiata var. australiana, E. radiata ssp. radiata, E. austaliana
Botanical Family:
Myrtaceae (Myrtle)
Cautions
If you are pregnant, nursing, using essential oils with a child, taking prescription drugs or have a major medical condition, consult a trained Aromatherapist before using essential oils.
*Chemical components: Chemical component percentages may vary. Essential 3 offers a Certificate of Analysis for review.
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Click here to read more about the Benefits of Aromatherapy for Pets