During the 20 years that I have spent studying animals and their response to essential oils, I began to notice a pattern - I observed that when an animal had been separated from a companion, or taken from its mother too early, it would select neroli and when an animal had come from a rescue home it would choose rose or linden blossom, and so the pattern evolved. Horses with respiratory disorders such as allergies would normally prefer oils such as hay, peppermint and garlic, as well as antihistamines such as German chamomile or great mugwort. I also noticed that when the allergic condition was severe the animal would first select great mugwort, then as the condition began to clear, German chamomile would be chosen.

To many people �aromatherapy for animals� conjures up thoughts of a body massage with sweet smelling fragrances, this however is not animal aromatherapy, it would be too potent and would leave the coat greasy and liable to attract dirt.

In the wild, grazing animals will seek out specific plants with particular constituents that they need, but in captivity too often these vital constituents are denied. The great thing about aromatics is that the aroma guides the animals into selecting the oils that are needed to medicate itself, and then once the areas of imbalance have been corrected they will turn away from the aromas that were once enjoyed. This selection process is enhanced by the volatile nature of the oil which allows the odor molecules to enter the nasal chamber where they interact with the chemical receptors sending information to the brain, therefore when the aroma is inhaled, the animals� brain is easily able to define and select the correct remedy.

Essential oils have been used successfully for disorders ranging from laminitis, arthritis, allergies, and respiratory and skin problems to fears, nervousness, and many other emotional and physical disorders. The animals choose their oils, their application and the duration of their treatment. Areas of application include:

Topical : Most topical applications are used for the treatment of specific problems such as arthritis, aches, sprains, wounds, broken skin and other similar conditions and normally administered in a water-based gel, which allows the oils to be absorbed readily through the hair follicles and into the dermal layers.

Inhalation: Essential oils transmit information to the mind through inhalation. Inhalations offer high absorption from a relatively small dose.

Oral: Horses will clearly demonstrate the speed at which each oil will need to enter the body. A horse may lick an oil with the underneath of the tongue, the top, or take four licks with the top, two with the underneath repeating their required pattern until they have had enough. Thus controlling the speed at which the oils are accessed into the body.

Water bowl or bucket: This application is suited to wild animals, birds, snakes and those that are prone to bite; it is also suited to herds of farm animals where individual application would not be appropriate. This method has the advantage of allowing the animal to choose the frequency of the remedy, but it lacks the personal contact between the animal and its carer. A second bucket or bowl of fresh water must always be available so that the animal is not forced to drink the oils

Blue azulene-based oils are not recommended for this method, as they will gravitate to the side of the bowl or bucket. Apply caution with strong oils such as garlic or thyme, which may irritate the mouth.

Poll / Forehead / Chest (energy medicine).

Paws (Energy medicine): Leave the other paw free of oils so that the animal can turn away from the aroma if it chooses to do so when lying down.

Belly: Oils such as German chamomile, yarrow and sandalwood can be applied to the belly for disorders such as stomach, kidney and bladder. Apply it in-between the back legs to the area where there is no or little hair. Be careful to avoid the genitals.

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