Essential Oils Around the Barnyard
Its been over a year since I first began to research how to incorporate essential oils and recipes using them into my life. Since I began I have replaced many of our cleaning products, over the counter remedies and cosmetics with essential oils and blends.
My first thought now when I get a skin wound or cut is to grab a few essential oils and mix with some fractionated coconut oil, to make an ointment with natural antiseptic properties. If I overindulge in yummy food and end up with a stomach issue, I have discovered and used oils for that, also. Sore muscles and joints are also treated with oil blends for relief.
Naturally, I began to look into replacing animal health care products with essential oil concoctions that I make at home. There are some differences to be aware of as not all oils are appropriate or safe for use on animals. Animals cannot always communicate that there is a problem, and some oils may burn skin (called Hot Oils) or upset a problem and make it worse. I want to share with you the ones I have determined are safe to use on my animals and that I have tried with success.
Frankincense
One of the oils that is safe for most creatures including humans and animals is Frankincense. This essential oil really packs a big punch in the case of inflammation, and healing properties. I find it reduces the soreness of wounds too, probably because of the antibacterial properties.
Tea Tree Oil
An ancient essential oil, tea tree oil, possesses anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Because of these properties Tea Tree Essential Oil is effective against hoof rot, rain rot and other mild hoof problems. Simply add the 30 drops of Tea Tree essential oil to 16 ounces of filtered water and spray on the affected hooves. Repeat as you would treat with any other anti fungal treatment.
Lemon
Cleaning your tack and tools around the barnyard can be a non toxic task when you use cleaning products made from essential oils and water. Lemon is a powerful cleaning essential oil, and smells refreshing, too. Lemon essential oil has antibacterial properties so it also helps disinfect what ever you are cleaning.
Some General Guidelines
When you are using essential oils around your animals, always make sure you are using diluted strengths. Some oils, such as peppermint or oregano are considered “hot” oils and can burn skin. Always research the oil and its uses before using on any animal or child and make sure that you dilute the oil with an oil such as fractionated (liquid) coconut oil or liquid almond oil before applying.
I hope that this information will encourage you to try using essential oils for cleaning, disinfecting and healing around your barnyard too. If you would like more information, you are welcome to leave a comment here, or email me at garmanjanet@gmail.com.
Disclaimer : Please always consult your veterinarian before you use any homemade remedy on your animals if you feel there is any question as to it’s safety for that animal. I am not a veterinarian and post these recipes as a way of sharing information that I have had success with in my own animals and farm and home.
Thank you for this great article! I have saved it and hope to put it to good use on our homestead. Donna at the Small House Big Sky Homestead.
http://smallhousebigskyhomestead.wordpress.com
Essential oils can be used on daily basis for various household chores. thanks for giving us some tips on the same line, will use them adequately.
Our 10 month old doe must have run afoul of a blackberry thorn, a stray fence wire or perhaps another’s horn. One of the most friendly, snuggly goats, she became stand-off-ish, avoiding contact with me. THEN I saw the opaque cataract on her right eye, with a little bulging. I don’t have the funds for vet services and the owners here aren’t into vets at all. So, the only options were the freezer or attempt to stabilize her eye. I found a very helpful Therapeutic Eye Spray in Melissa Sheltons’ Animal Desk Reference: Distilled water to almost fill a 2 oz glass spray bottle with only 1 drop each of Helichrysum, 1 drop Frankincense, 1 drop Copaiba, 2 drops lavender. She get 5-10 spritzes twice a day (depending on cooperation). Also place a smidgen of Animal Scents ointment in palm of my hand, drop in 3 drops each Copaiba and Longevity, mix in and spread it all around the orbit (not in the eye itself). Also give her 1-2 cloves garlic twice a day. First week the eye bulged even a little further and I feared it would just burst out all over, get infected and we’d lose her. But it was worth the effort. She stabilized after the first week and 4 weeks later the swelling is all down, she seems to be holding her own; she is back to her sweet self. At first I did put about 4 drops Longevity and Copaiba down her back and rub against the lay of her hair. Absent a miracle from the Father, she will never have sight in that eye, but I do think she detects light there, and she may become one of our nicest future “mommies” and milkers.