Introduction to Aromatherapy for horses — Jessica Limpkin

Hello and welcome to this week’s blog. I hope you are all feeling festive in the run up to Christmas?

Today I wanted to give a brief introduction to aromatherapy for horses.

Aromatherapy is not something I use in every treatment, but it can be a useful addition to massage therapy for many reasons.

Did you know, horses have an innate ability to self-medicate?

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In the wild a horse would seek out the appropriate plants, soils, herbs, barks, resins and clays to prevent or reduce the harmful effects of pathogens and toxins and keep their bodies and well being in balance.

Essential Oils are pure natural herbal remedies, and the horse can instinctively recognise the medicinal properties of the essential oils they are being offered and select the ones appropriate to their needs, whether that be a physical, psychological or emotional need.

I carry with me a small selection of carefully chosen essential oils to treatments and will offer them to your horse if I think they will benefit from Aromatherapy.

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Application of aromatherapy for horses

Aromatherapy is totally led by the horse.

I carry the following oils with me, each of which I have selected for their medicinal properties in relation to equine massage therapy.

Below is a list of the oils and their properties.

Chamomile - brings a sense of calm, anti-inflammatory action, calms inflamed skin, eases arthritis, headaches, sprains and muscle aches

Eucalyptus - great for respiratory issues, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism and arthritis

Frankinsense - grounding, calming and relaxing, can help reduce scarring

Hemp - stress relief, anti-inflammatory action, anti bactrerial, anti-oxidant and great for the skin

Hops - calms nervous horses, assists with bruising, can have a mile sedative effect

Lavender - calming, can reduce itching, eases sprains and strains, reduces stress and tension

Lemongrass - helps to reduce muscular aches and pains, gastrointestinal disorders and also assists with physical and mental exhaustion, Lemongrass lifts the spirits and gets things moving again

Nutmeg - helps to relive gastrointestinal spasms, rheumatism, arthritis and muscular aches and pains. Can also assist with nervousness and tension, supporting motivation and focus during especially challenging times

Rose Otto - assists with emotional trauma, and stress, has uplifting, rejuvenating and energising properties, helps the skin stay soft, smooth and optimally hydrated. Rose Otto is considered the choice oil for use during times of grief.

Sandalwood - relieves psychological stress and considered deeply grounding, helps reduce scar tissue and relieve sensitive skin

Violet Leaf - reduces nervous exhaustion, encouraging security, courage, confidence, centering and gentleness. Helps reduce bruising and sore skin, reduces rheumatic pain

Yarrow - anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, useful during times of major life changes, when emotional equilibrium needs greater support. Great for inflamed/injured muscles, rheumatism, arthritis, scarring and wound care

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I will offer the essential oil(s) I think your horse will most benefit from and see their reaction to the aroma.

A horse that is very interested in a particular essential oil will deeply inhale it and may try to lick the oil.

If I think it is appropriate I will also combine the chosen essential oil with a scent free, safe carrier oil and apply topically to any areas of tension found on the horse.

All oils used are human grade and unlikely to cause any reaction to your horse’s skin.

Topical application of essential oils can be very beneficial to tired, aching muscles

Benefits of aromatherapy for horses

Compliments massage therapy
Pain Management
Reduces stress, agitation, and anxiety
Soothes sore joints
Treats headaches and migraines (yes horses do get headaches)
Fights bacteria, virus, or fungal infections (this treatment should not replace veterinary care)
Improves digestion
Boosts immunity

Aromatherapy can be very relaxing for the horse and help them to release tension and get the most from their treatment

I hope this helps to give a basic introduction to Aromatherapy for horses and how I can use it to benefit your horse as part of their treatment.

If you have any questions or would like to book a treatment for your horse please do get in touch.

I wish you all a fabulous festive period and look forwards to writing more informative blogs for you in the new year.

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I am open to suggestions for blog content ideas, if there is anything you would like to know more about when it comes to Equine Message Therapy please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate.

Best Wishes,

Jess x