Thursday, May 22, 2014

Five+ Essential Oils for Canine Allergies


Essential oils have been used for health and well being for centuries.  In fact, well preserved oils have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.  There are also 188 references to essential oils in the Bible!  Essential oils are volatile liquids that are distilled from parts of plants. They are not to be confused with essential fatty acids.  The best oils have been distilled at low temperatures and low pressure. The oils are so concentrated that it may take thousands of pounds of plant material to produce just 16 ounces of quality oil.  Pure oils are not made in a lab, however, and do not have any added chemical constituents.

The natural chemical composition of an oil can have an emotional, as well as a medicinal, impact.  Many oils contain hydrocarbons called terpenes, which can aid in kidney and liver detoxification.  Others contain high levels of caryophyllene, which is an anti-inflammatory constituent.  These components make many essential oils a great choice for allergy symptoms.



♥  Nellie & Courage  ♥



Five+ Essential Oils For Your Dog’s Allergies 

Lavender ~  Lavender is the most versatile essential oil and is often used to cleanse and soothe minor burns, cuts and other skin irritations.  Lavender is a great analgesic, anti-fungal, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.  Its refreshing, relaxing scent has balancing properties that also calm the mind and body.  Note that while Lavender is very useful, it contains no antioxidant compounds and can oxidize when it is stored. These oxidized alcohols can cause allergic responses, so be sure your oil is high quality and has not been sitting in your cupboard.  It may be applied topically, taken orally, or it can be diffused.

Roman Chamomile ~  Roman Chamomile has calming, relaxing properties and has been traditionally used to soothe overworked muscles.  This oil also has anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and anti-parasitic properties. It may be applied topically, diluted to be taken orally, or it can be diffused.

Elemi ~  Part of the same family as Frankincense and Myrrh, Elemi has been traditionally used to support skin health and improve overall skin tone.  It may also soothe fatigued muscles and help clear the mind.  Elemi is anti-infectious, antiseptic and works as a sedative. It may be applied topically, taken orally, or it can be diffused.

Myrrh ~ An ancient biblical oil, Myrrh has a long history of use in skin care for its restorative benefits to aging and dry, chapped skin.  This oil is anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and also has astringent properties. It may be applied topically, taken orally, or it can be diffused.

Peppermint ~ Peppermint may help support normal digestion and has traditionally been used to ease tension.  Peppermint is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic.  Its fresh, minty aroma is both uplifting and energizing.  It may be diffused, or diluted to be used topically or orally.

Mountain Savory, Oregano and Clove ~  These oils can be added for immune support, an important component of allergy prevention and treatment. They may be diffused, or diluted to be applied topically or given orally.

 ~ Mountain Savory is an energizing oil that revitalizes and stimulates the body.  It also has strong purifying properties and supports the body's natural defenses.

 ~ Oregano is warming to the skin and is known as a purifying oil.

 ~ Clove is an important ingredient in our Young Living Thieves oil blend.  Containing high amounts of eugenol, it supports the body's natural defenses, as well as the body's natural response to stress.


Cautions:  While oils are useful and generally safe, they are powerful and can cause a wide variety of adverse effects. The largest problem with essential oils is that they may contain contaminates that make more serious issues arise. For this reason, you should only use therapeutic grade oils from a reputable company (we use and recommend Young Living) and verify the quality of oils before using them.

Animals have an acute sense of smell, so in most cases it is best to use oils that are diluted and always provide an escape route. Watch your dog carefully for signs that he may not be tolerating the oils very well, and remove them if he does not seem to like it. Cats are particularly at risk for oil reactions, and in most cases we use oils very sparingly on cats. One drop of essential oil diluted in 50 drops of a pure dilutional oil such as V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex (available through YL), or grape seed oil is usually enough.

To reduce the chances of sensitivity and organ toxicity, do not use the oil for more than two weeks and then provide a rest period.  Oils can be used for longer periods, but it’s best to consult with somebody trained in their use before considering this.

Interested in using Essential Oils for you or your Pet?  Please visit our Young Living Essential Oils website at http://www.GiftedGuidanceEssentialOils.com


About Dr. Jodie Gruenstern ~ Jodie Gruenstern, DVM CVA has been practicing veterinary medicine in Muskego, Wisconsin since 1987. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and food therapist by the Chi Institute. Dr. Jodie is the owner of the Animal Doctor Holistic Veterinary Complex, an integrated, full-service small animal practice.


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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com


Raven is also a professional intuitive, spiritual consultant, Animal Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting.  

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.


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