Whether you received Raven or RC in your starter kit, your respiratory wellness (and that of your horse) is covered!

Although the blends Raven and RC only share two common essential oils (Eucalyptus Radiata and Peppermint) they both support respiratory health. I’ll explain why.

The following chemical components appear in both Raven and RC blends:

• The oxide 1,8 cineol is a major component of Eucalyptus Globulus and Eucalyptus Radiata and is known for its support of the respiratory system. (1)

• Alpha-pinene is a bronchodilator and found in Myrtle, Pine and Cypress (found in RC) and Ravintsara and Lemon (found in Raven).

• Menthol, the major component of Peppermint, is known for its ability to reduce respiratory discomfort.(2)

If you want to know how an essential oil will benefit you, look no further than the chemical components that comprise it.

If I lost you with all that science stuff, fear not Dear Reader. Here’s how to use Raven or RC to support the respiratory system (works for you AND your horse):

1. Add a few drops to some coconut oil and rub on the chest. The coconut oil, being a fatty vegetable oil, will slow down the absorption of the essential oil. Simple and free of petroleum by-products.

2. Make an essential oil inhaler using 15 drops of Raven or RC and keep it handy at the barn.

3. Put 1-2 drops in your palms, rub them together and inhale (or invite your horse to inhale).

CAUTION!

1. Do NOT put these oils undiluted under your nostrils (or the nostrils of your horse!) as the oils are very strong when not heavily diluted by a carrier oil.

2. Methyl salicylate (Wintergreen) is considered a banned substance in some competitive equine sports. Be sure you know the rules and regulations of the organizations you’re part of.

3. Methyl salicylate is the natural form of aspirin. Considered toxic to cats, don’t use around your feline friends. It’s in lower concentrations when in blends, so I use Panaway on my neck when it’s bothering me, but I would never diffuse that blend or use it on my cat. I only diffuse Raven or RC for short periods of time when at home, and I’m always sure my cats are out of the room when I do so.

I hope you found this helpful! Breathe easy, my friends.

Sources:

(1) Anti-inflammatory properties of the monoterpene 1.8-cineole: current evidence for co-medication in inflammatory airway diseases.

(2) Nasal inhalation of l-menthol reduces respiratory discomfort associated with loaded breathing.

In previous blog posts, I’ve mentioned the most important essential oil to have at the barn, your horse’s favorite oil, and the best oil for cleaning   surfaces and the air. This blog post I’ll talk about the most important oil to use before  you reach the barn. 

But first, did you know that horses can read your emotions? They can. They also remember  your emotions and adjust their behavior accordingly. 

Knowing this, imagine the difference between a horse who knows you as an angry human and a horse that knows you as a calm, kind human. I’m sure everyone’s had a boss whose mood set the tone for the entire day. Did you flourish working for someone like that? Probably not. Your horse doesn’t, either. 

So the best thing you can do before  you get to the barn is to manage your emotions. And Stress Away helps you do just that. 

Stress Away comprises: 

• Vanilla extract

• Lime

• Copaiba

• Lavender

• Cedarwood

• Ocotea

This blend is calming and emotionally uplifting. Here are some ways you can use it: 

• Put a few drops in your palm, rub your palms together, and inhale the scent deeply three times.

• Put a few drops on diffuser jewelry and wear around your horse

• Add a few drops to a car diffuser and diffuse on your way to the barn.

Your horse will likely enjoy the scent as well.  

• Put a few drops in your palm, rub your palms together, and invite your horse to inhale the aroma.

• Put a few drops on a cotton pad and place in your trailer when transporting your horse.

• Diffuse in the barn during stressful times, such as when new horses arrive or horses leave the barn.

I really like using essential oils to “set the mood” between you and your horse. If you show up as a calm, willing partner to your horse, the horse that “shows up” for you is more likely to be a willing partner as well. Knowing that our horses can read and remember our emotions means we need to manage them before   we show up to the barn. Thankfully, there’s an oil for that. 

Don’t be fooled by its fresh scent. Lemon is one of the best essential oils for cleaning - cleaning surfaces, tack, buckets, and even the air (when diffused, of course). The major constituent of Lemon essential oil is D-limonene, which is considered such a potent cleaner that you will find it listed as an ingredient in industrial cleaners (along with a lot of toxic ingredients).

Lemon essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind of the lemon. Here’s a fun fact: keep Lemon EO handy when using strong glue - you can use a drop or two to “unstick” your fingers or to remove labels or anything sticky.

Due to its strength, there are some safety precautions I’d like to point out:

-Citrus essential oils can cause photosensitivity when used topically (whether on yourself or your horse).

-Due to their high monoterpene content, citrus oils will oxidize more quickly than other oils. This means they have a shorter shelf-life (1-3 years, depending on how they’re stored). It’s important to always keep the cap on essential oils and store them away from sunlight and heat. You can store citrus oils in your refrigerator to maximize the shelf life. Once an oil is oxidized it can cause a skin reaction when used topically. If you think your citrus oil has oxidized, you can still use it in cleaning, just don’t use it topically.

-When adding Lemon Vitality to your water, be sure you only use it in a glass or stainless steel container.

One of my favorite ways to use Lemon essential oil? Diffusing it. I used to burn lemon-scented candles before I discovered essential oils. Now, not only does my house smell clean when diffusing lemon, but I benefit from all its mood-enhancing qualities.

There have been some promising studies on the anti-microbial actions of diffusing Lemon essential oil, so it’s a great choice to diffuse in your barn to promote wellness for all!