Essential Oils for People and Pets
History of Aromatherapy
The use of Essential oils to heal body, mind and spirit can be traced back to all the major ancient civilizations of the world. Aromatic plants played a central role in the healing arts of early humankind.
Our Ancestors learned by observing which plants sick animals ate, they learned that certain roots, berries, and leaves helped to alleviate the symptoms of different ailments.
This highly prized wisdom was passed down from one medicine man/woman to the next, together with new discoveries. This knowledge was eventually transmuted into the herbal medicine we know today. Early civilizations also discovered that burning twigs and leafs from certain plants caused people to feel drowsy, cure ailments, and stimulate senses, also gave rise to mystical and religious experiences. The precious, magical nature of aromatic plants was honored by burning them and offering the smoke to the gods, incense is still ritually burned on alters of Hindu and Buddhist deities. Frankincense is traditionally burned in the Catholic Church.
In the 1920’s a French Chemist, Rene Gattefosse, experimented with essential oils, after burning his hand one day he plunged it into Lavender essential oil and realized the amazing effect it had, which led him to research other essential oils and to use the term ‘aromatherapy’ for the first time on scientific paper since 1928. This was the arrival of contemporary aromatherapy as we know it today.
Dr. Jean Valnet, used essential oils to heal soldiers burns and wounds during the First World War. He also successfully treated psychiatric patients with essential oils, demonstrating their emotional and psychological healing qualities.
What are Essential Oils?
Aromatic plants produce fragrant essences in secretory cells, using nutrients from the soil and water, and light and warmth from the sun in a process called photosynthesis. These naturally occurring plant essences attract beneficial insects, such as bees, to help pollination, and deter less friendly insects that would otherwise eat or damage the plant. In many aromatic plants the secretory cells are near the surface, located in flowers and leaves. When you walk past these plants and brush against them, this releases the fragrance into the air. The beauty and magic of these essences are often described as the aromatic heart, life force or energy, and soul or spirit of the plant. When aromatic plants are distilled (usually by steam distillation), they undergo subtle chemical changes and turn into essential oils.
Essential Oils and our Chakra Systems
Essential oils contain the active life force of the plant from which they come. Experiments with Kirlian photography have revealed an aura of light around the plant – similar to our own auras. Plants and humans are both children of Nature, sustained by the same life force. The fine, delicate complexity of essential oils cannot be duplicated synthetically with inorganic chemicals. This is why essential oils affect our moods and emotions and synthetic perfumes do not.
Our ancestors had acute sense of smell, much like that of dogs. They could smell danger, dinner and a mate, because their lives depended on it, and what they smelled caused commensurate feelings of fear, hunger and sexual attraction. Modern humans have lost some olefactory awareness through the evolution of civilization, but we still have a reasonable sense of smell that can be re developed through training.
Essential oils can be used to restore balance and harmony to the Chakras. They can be used with a Reiki treatment to strengthen any weaknesses or to correct energy imbalances. They can be directly
placed on the chakra, absorbed by a crystal that is placed on the chakra or inhaled by vaporizer/ steam inhalation.
| Chakra | Essential oils |
| Root Chakra | vetiver, myrrh, oak, moss, benzoin, patchouli, violet leaf |
| Sacral Chakra | jasmine, rose absolute, sandalwood, clary sage, ylang ylang, cardamom, ginger |
| Solar Plexus Chakra | juniper, vetiver, geranium |
| Heart Chakra | rose otto, rose absolute, melissa, neroli, ylang, ylang, bergamot |
| Throat Chakra | roman chamomile, german chamomile, angelica root, rosewood, thyme |
| Third Eye Chakra | helichrysum, rosemary, basil, holy basil, juniper, thyme |
| Crown Chakra | lavender, rosewood, frankinsence, mrryh, sandalwood |
Essential Oils for Pets
Essential oils, though useful in the therapeutic treatment of health, wellness, and behavioral issues in dogs – can NEVER be used at full strength. As a rule of thumb avoid using diffusers if pet has breathing problems, or is confined to a small space. ‘More is Less’ due to the sensitive nature of a dog’s sense of smell and certain physiological differences, Cats are even more sensitive to essential oils and if you are using a diffuser, be especially mindful that your room is well ventilated, you diffuse for short periods {30 min or less}, the cat/dog is able to leave the room as needed. Always air your house out in between as toxins can build up in the air. Cats are especially susceptible to toxicity build up as their livers do not contain an enzyme needed to break down the oils. Instead, essential oils can build up in a cat’s system and lead to poisoning. Birds are not able to tolerate essential oils, if you have birds do not use or diffuse essential oils of any kind. Essential oils must always be diluted regardless of application method. Carrier oils are extremely important for this reason. The dilution ratio for dogs does not need to be any higher than 1%. A rough guideline would be to add no more than 3 drops of pure essential oil/blends to a 1 oz. (shot) glass of your choice of carrier oil. Carrier oils vary in price and availability but more importantly they have their own therapeutic properties. Choosing the right carrier oil is important. Allow your dog to smell a little in your hand, see if he backs up away from it or moves into it, this is a good indication of using the correct one for your dog, they know what they need!
RECOMMENDED CARRIER OILS
Extra Virgin cold pressed organic Olive oil, Virgin organic Coconut Oil, Pure virgin cold pressed high- oleic organic Sunflower oil, Apricot kernel oil, organic refined sweet almond oil, Grape seed oil.
**Macadamia Nut Oil – has been associated with a non-fatal syndrome, or ataxia and has been characterized by vomiting, weakness, fever, muscle tremors and depression. Dogs are the only species, which signs have been reported. The studies did not show why or were not 100% sure why dogs are affected.
Essential Oils to avoid using for your pets (NOT A COMPLETE LIST)
Tea Tree, Nutmeg, Pine, Lemon, Peppermint, Sage, Rosemary, Wintergreen, Clove, Cinnamon, Citrus (d-limonene), Pennyroyal, Sweet Birch.
Essential Oils that are safe for your pet (NOT A COMPLETE LIST)
Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, Lavendar, Clary Sage, Geranium, Rose Geranium, Orange Citrus
***Essential oils for dogs/pets can be placed a few drops on the PRACTITIONERS HANDS during a Reiki session, most dogs will let you know if they prefer to have them or not. Place a small amount in your hand and allow the pet to smell, see the reaction.
It is not recommended to apply directly to your pet’s fur, instead, place a few drops on their collars, or spray into your hands first, rub hands together and gently massage into your pets fur if applying as a tick/flea repellent.
Animals, typically, do not like the sound of a spray bottle being directly sprayed onto them.
***Specific Essential Oil remedies are available thru a registered aromatherapist, please ask if you would like something made up for yourself or your pet.
DIY Tick Spray
(Courtesy of Dogs Naturally)
- 1 TSP vegetable glycerin
- 1/2 oz grain alcohol or vodka
- 1 TSP sulfated castor oil
- 10 drops grapefruit seed extract
- 7 oz distilled or spring water
- 2 drops geranium essential oil
- 2 drops rosewood essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops myrrh essential oil
- 2 drops opoponax essential oil
- 1 drop bay leaf essential oil
This will make 8oz of spray. Store in a dark or opaque glass spritz bottle.
Spray and apply to your dog using your hands. Apply before walks in long grass and / or wooded areas.
POISONOUS PLANTS LIST – please note the information presented here contains plants that have been reported as having systemic effects on animals and/or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
Please note that the information contained in this plant list is not meant to be all-inclusive.
If you are unsure about a particular plant or essential oil, consult your veterinarian.
These are a few of the common ones:
Sago palm, Tulip bulbs, Azaleas, Rhododendron, Lilies, Marijuana, Oleander, castor bean, Cyclamen, Kalancho,, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Chrysanthemum, English Ivy, Peace lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily), Pothos, Schefflera, hydrangea, lily of the valley, Autumn Crocus