With a bustling household filled with fur kids, I understand firsthand the occasional mishaps that come with the territory. Waking up to the surprise of accidents on the floor is just another day in the life of a dog mom, right? Amidst the chaos, there's one trusty companion I always reach for: lemongrass essential oil. Join me as we delve into the depths of this remarkable oil, unravelling its secrets and discovering why it's become my go-to solution for tackling those inevitable odors. If you want to make your house smell good....even with dogs, read on!
Exploring The Benefits Of Lemongrass Essential Oil:
Lemongrass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a perennial grass native to tropical regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa. Extracted through steam distillation of its leaves, lemongrass essential oil encapsulates the essence of this vibrant grass, exuding a refreshing lemony citrus scent with subtle earthy undertones.
Lemongrass has a rich history of traditional use in various cultures for its medicinal and culinary properties. It was commonly used for digestion, to promote relaxation and uplift mood, and has been studied for its properties rumored to support the body during times of infection. Simply head to PubMed.gov, type in lemongrass, and go down the rabbit hole-lol. Lemongrass has also been a staple in culinary traditions, adding a zesty flavor and aroma to dishes ranging from soups and curries to teas and desserts.
One of my favorite qualities of lemongrass essential oil lies in its ability to banish unwanted odors naturally, making it an ideal solution for neutralizing unpleasant smells in various settings, from household environments to personal spaces. Whether diffused in the air or added to DIY cleaning solutions, lemongrass oil refreshes the ambiance, leaving behind a clean, invigorating scent.
Ever woken up to a less-than-pleasant surprise? Multiple poop piles can certainly dampen the morning mood. I've found my morning rescue in a blend of lemongrass essential oil and cinnamon. With just 2 drops each in my diffuser, the refreshing aroma quickly takes care of 'Eau de poo'. It's become one of my favorite diffuser combos, effortlessly restoring my mornings.
Bid farewell to synthetic air fresheners laden with harmful chemicals and embrace the refreshing aroma of lemongrass essential oil. By simply adding a few drops to a diffuser or homemade room spray, you can transform any space into a sanctuary of freshness. From kitchens to bathrooms, closets to pet areas, lemongrass oil effortlessly eliminates odors while imparting a revitalizing fragrance.
At this point, you might be asking 'Is lemongrass oil safe for pets?'
Absolutely, with a pure essential oil properly diluted, lemongrass can indeed be safe for pets. Dilution ensures that the potency of the oil is reduced to a level that is safe for pets, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. When used responsibly and in moderation, lemongrass oil can offer benefits such as odor control and help with unwanted pests. As with any essential oil, it's important to only use a pure an premium essential oil and to follow proper dilution guidelines and monitor your pet's reaction to ensure their safety and well-being. To dive deeper in safely using essential oils with your dog, click HERE.
How to use lemongrass oil for odor control:
- Diffusion: Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a diffuser filled with water and let it disperse throughout the room. The refreshing citrus scent of lemongrass will help neutralize odors and leave your space smelling fresh and clean. This also keeps it safely diluted for your dog. Or try some of my favorite diffuser recipes listed below.
- DIY Room Spray: Create your own natural room spray by combining lemongrass essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and mist the air whenever odors linger. Lemongrass oil's properties will help eliminate odors while leaving behind a delightful citrus aroma.
- Fabric Freshener: Mix lemongrass essential oil with half water and half vodka in a spray bottle. Shake well and lightly spritz this solution onto fabric surfaces such as curtains, upholstery, and carpets to banish odors. The alcohol in the mixture helps the scent to linger longer while the lemongrass oil works its magic.
- Cleaning Solution: Incorporate lemongrass essential oil into your homemade or natural cleaning solutions. Add several drops of lemongrass oil to a mixture of vinegar and water for an effective and natural cleaner that will leave your home smelling fresh without harsh chemical residues.
- Pet Bedding Refresh: Keep your pet's bedding smelling clean and fresh by adding a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Lightly mist the bedding and allow it to air dry. You can also add it to wool dryer balls and dry bedding and blankets.
- Carpet Refresh: Sprinkle baking soda infused with lemongrass essential oil onto carpets and rugs. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming to absorb odors and leave behind a fresh scent. Lemongrass oil will not only neutralize odors but also impart a clean aroma to your carpets.
- Mop Water: Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to the water used for mopping floors. The invigorating scent of lemongrass will infuse your home as you clean, effectively eliminating odors and leaving behind a refreshing fragrance. For a double whammy, also add some pine essential oil.
DIY lemongrass oil recipes
Lemongrass Carpet Freshener:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 10-15 drops of lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass Room Spray:
- 1 cup of distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of witch hazel or vodka (to help disperse the oil)
- 15-20 drops of lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass All-Purpose Cleaner:
- 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 15-20 drops of lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass oil diffuser blends for odor:
2 drops lemongrass
2 drops cinnamon
3 drops lemon
2 drops lemongrass
1 drop eucalyptus
2 drops lemongrass
2 drops citronella
2 drops orange
2 drops lemongrass
2 drops kunzea
2 drops orange
Where to buy lemongrass essential oil:
Ready to unlock the refreshing benefits of lemongrass essential oil? Explore my trusted supplier for premium-quality essential oils and embark on your path to a good smelling home today! With firsthand experience witnessing their Seed To Seal guarantee in action, I confidently use pure essential oils with my dogs, horses, and yes-even cats! Click HERE to start your journey.
Feeling inspired to freshen up your space with lemongrass oil? I'd love to hear about your experiences! Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
Eucalyptus essential oil is on my mind this week, sparked by a recent experience with one of my horses. As I began a ride last week, I noticed a slight cough emerging. Being an avid enthusiast of essential oils, I instinctively reached for one of my favorites for when I have a cough – eucalyptus! With a dollop of coconut oil in my palm, I added a drop of eucalyptus oil, rubbed my hands together, and gently massaged it into his chest before the next ride. Within just a few days, the cough vanished entirely. This inspired me to share the wellness benefits of eucalyptus oil, one of my favorites to support the respiratory system, prompting the topic of this week's blog.
Essential oils have been utilized for centuries across various cultures for their wellness properties and aromatic benefits. But if you're wondering what essential oils are and where they come from, allow me to provide some insight before diving deeper into the wonders of eucalyptus essential oil.
Essential oils are natural compounds extracted from plants through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing. These concentrated plant extracts capture the essence of the plant, including its fragrance and beneficial properties. Each essential oil contains a unique combination of volatile compounds that contribute to its distinct aroma and wellness effects.
Plants produce essential oils for various purposes, including attracting pollinators, defending against pests, and promoting overall health. The aromatic compounds found in essential oils serve as the plant's defense mechanism and play a crucial role in its survival and reproduction. Essential oils can serve us in many of the same ways they serve their plant.
Now, let's tie this knowledge into our exploration of eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus oil is derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, predominantly native to Australia. With its invigorating aroma and wellness properties, eucalyptus oil has become a staple in natural wellness practices around the world. Renowned for its refreshing scent, eucalyptus oil contains compounds like 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol), which impart its characteristic aroma and can offer numerous health benefits.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil Benefits for Horses:
- Respiratory Support: Eucalyptus oil is perhaps best known for its ability to support respiratory health. Its invigorating aroma can help support clear nasal passages and promote easier breathing, making it particularly valuable for horses exposed to dusty environments or prone to respiratory issues. This study, found on PubMed.gov, states that “1,8-cineole is a natural monoterpene, also known as eucalyptol. It is a major compound of many plant essential oils, mainly extracted from Eucalyptus globulus oil. As an isolated compound, 1,8-cineole is known for its mucolytic and spasmolytic action on the respiratory tract, with proven clinical efficacy. 1,8-cineole has also shown therapeutic benefits in inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).“
- Soothing Muscle Discomfort: Muscle discomfort is common in horses wether your horse is a backyard pet or an athlete in training. Eucalyptus oil has been studied for natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a fantastic choice for soothing muscle discomfort and joints after activity. This study, found on PubMed.gov, which investigated the effects of eucalyptus oil inhalation on patients who underwent a total knee replacement, showed that eucalyptus oil inhalation was effective in reducing patient's subjective pain and blood pressure after surgery.
- Pest Deterrent: Pests, including flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, seem to avoid eucalyptus. By incorporating eucalyptus oil into your grooming routine or stable environment, you can help discourage pests without resorting to harsh chemicals.
- Skin Help: Eucalyptus oil's antimicrobial properties have been extensively researched, as evidenced by studies available on PubMed.gov. One study underscores its antibacterial efficacy, suggesting its potential as an alternative or adjunct to traditional antiseptics, thereby mitigating the risk of antiseptic resistance(read about that study HERE). Another study highlights the antimicrobial effects of eucalyptus oil and its main component, 1,8-cineole, against a wide range of bacteria (read about that study HERE).
- Tension relief: This study, found on PubMed.gov, found that "1,8-Cineole, a major constituent of eucalyptus, was effective in decreasing anxiety and that inhalation of 1,8-cineole may be used to relieve anxiety before, during, and after various operations." If your horse appears tense or anxious, try offering them the opportunity to inhale eucalyptus oil from the bottle. I've personally witnessed remarkable results with horses exhibiting fear-based behaviors. Simply allowing them to inhale from the bottle until you notice subtle signs of relaxation, such as slower breathing, a lowered head, or changes in posture, can significantly contribute to their sense of calm and trust. It's a simple yet effective technique.
You might be wondering, "Is eucalyptus essential oil even safe for horses?" The answer is a resounding yes, but with some important considerations.
First and foremost, quality matters. Opt for high-quality, premium eucalyptus oil from reputable suppliers to ensure purity and potency.
By the way, if you're in need of a reliable source for essential oils, why not check out my company? They're renowned for their commitment to quality through the Seed to Seal® process, and they're proud pioneers in the industry. Plus, I've personally visited many of the farms worldwide and even had a hand in planting and harvesting. Click HERE to explore a wide range of essential oils and oil infused products!
Additionally, proper dilution is key. While eucalyptus oil can offer wellness benefits, it's potent in its undiluted form and can cause skin irritation or sensitivity in horses. Best practice is to dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, before topical application. By the way if ya wanna know more about carrier oils and diluting essential oils for use with horses, click HERE.
By prioritizing quality and dilution, you can harness the full potential of eucalyptus essential oil while safeguarding your horse's well-being.
How To Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil With Horses:
Now that we've explored the myriad benefits of eucalyptus oil for horses, let's discuss practical ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- Simply let your horse smell it: Introduce the bottle with the lid slightly open to your horse, leveraging their superior sense of smell. Allow them to inhale the aroma at their own pace. Alternatively, apply a drop of eucalyptus oil to your hand along with a dab of carrier oil. Allow your horse to explore the scent, then massage any residual oil onto their chest to promote clear and comfortable breathing.
- Grooming: Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your horse's shampoo or grooming spray for an added burst of freshness and pest deterrent power. You can also let your horse sniff from the bottle during a grooming session for some extra calming vibes. If you're making your own fly spray, eucalyptus can be a worthy addition.
- Massage: Create a soothing massage oil by combining eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and gently massaging it into your horse's muscles after exercise or during grooming sessions.
- Environmental Diffusion: If you have electricity and a closed barn, investing in a quality essential oil diffuser and adding eucalyptus oil will help with odors and freshen the space while promoting good breathing. No electricity, no problem, simply make a spray by adding around 10-20 drops to 2 ounces of water. Shake well and mist where desired. You can also drop a couple of drops on a wooden clothespin and clip around the barn. With horses greater sense of smell, this method works well even in open areas.
Have you ever wondered about the different types of Eucalyptus essential oils available? With my go-to essential oil company offering three distinct varieties, the choice between Eucalyptus Radiata, Eucalyptus Globulus, and Eucalyptus Blue can be intriguing. Let's dive into the nuances of each type to discover which one best suits your equine companion's needs.
- Eucalyptus Radiata: Eucalyptus Radiata, also known as Narrow-Leaved Peppermint, is prized for its milder aroma and versatile properties. It boasts a crisp, clean scent with less of camphorous odor than eucalyptus globulous, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and respiratory support. When it comes to horses, I prefer Eucalyptus Radiata for its mildness in aroma, especially for sensitive animals or those prone to respiratory sensitivities. It also seems to have a more relaxing aroma to me, making it suitable for promoting clear breathing with more relaxation during grooming or massage sessions, where as eucalyptus globulous is more invigorating,
- Eucalyptus Globulus: Eucalyptus Globulus, commonly known as Blue Gum Eucalyptus, is renowned for its invigorating aroma and potent benefits. It features a strong, camphorous scent with hints of earthiness, making it ideal for respiratory support and muscle relaxation. If you really need to wake the respiratory system up or support better breathing, this is a good one to try. I often use this one in a muscle rub for muscle discomfort, or in a liniment for legs, and also as a worthy addition to my homemade sprays for pests.
- Eucalyptus Blue: Eucalyptus Blue, a unique variety of eucalyptus, stands out for its striking blue-green foliage and distinctive aroma. It's often referred to as blue gum. It exudes a fresh, slightly sweet scent with undertones of mint, offering a unique twist on traditional eucalyptus oils. As with eucalyptus radiata, I find the aroma to be milder than eucalyptus globulous and perhaps a better choice for sensitive individuals. With my horses, if I offer them a bottle of each eucalyptus to pick from, they often will pick this one and I theorize its the sweet mint undertone-haha!
While I do use eucalyptus radiata and eucalyptus globulous interchangeably, if I had to pick, it would be Eucalyptus Radiata simply for its milder aroma. Eucalyptus blue is a tad more expensive, but I really do love the sweet mint undertone. All three have high levels of eucalyptol, which give it its distinct invigorating scent and properties for discomfort, tension relief, and respiratory support.
Eucalyptus essential oil holds tremendous potential for enhancing the health and well-being of our equine companions. From respiratory support to muscle relaxation and help with pests, its versatile benefits make it a valuable addition to any horse owner's natural care toolkit.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of how eucalyptus essential oil can benefit our equine companions. If you've had any experiences with eucalyptus oil, I'd love to hear about them! Feel free to share your stories and insights in the comments section below.
Looking to harness the power of eucalyptus essential oil for your horse? Click HERE to grab a bundle of all three eucalyptus oils and a carrier oil from my go-to company. With their commitment to quality through the Seed to Seal® process and my personal experience with their products, you can trust that you're providing the best for your horse. Plus, by purchasing through this link, you'll be supporting my efforts to continue bringing you valuable information and resources on natural wellness for horses.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your horse's well-being with the wellness benefits of eucalyptus essential oil. Click HERE to get started today!
