How to Use Essential Oils to Enhance Your Vision Board and Manifestation Goals

How to Use Essential Oils to Enhance Your Vision Board and Manifestation Goals
Vision boards are a powerful tool for bringing your dreams to life, and when paired with essential oils, they become even more effective. Essential oils not only raise your energy, focus your intentions, and amplify your goals, but they also help clear mental and emotional blocks that can stand in the way of your manifestations. Negative thinking, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs can disrupt the flow of abundance, but the right essential oils can promote clarity, positivity, and an open mindset. In this guide, we’ll explore what vision boards are, how they work, and how essential oils can elevate your manifestation game by helping you overcome obstacles and align with your true potential.

What is a Vision Board?

A vision board is a visual representation of your goals and dreams. It’s a collection of images, words, and symbols that inspire you and reflect the life you want to create. Think of it as a roadmap to your future—a daily reminder of where you’re headed and why.

The purpose of a vision board is to keep your dreams in focus and inspire you to take action. By regularly looking at your vision board, you naturally become more aware of opportunities and ideas that align with your intentions. It encourages you to visualize your success, helping you stay motivated and connected to your goals.

The Energy Behind Vision Boards

Vision boards work by aligning your energy with your goals. The idea is simple: where focus goes, energy flows. When you consistently visualize your desired outcomes, you create a vibrational match between your thoughts and the reality you want to manifest.

Essential oils enhance this process by creating a supportive environment for focus and emotional alignment. They are more than just pleasant scents—they are powerful tools for emotional and mental well-being. By raising your vibration, clearing emotional blocks, and inspiring creativity, essential oils help you align with your manifestation goals and create the perfect atmosphere for setting intentions.

However, many people unknowingly hold onto limiting beliefs that can block their progress. These deeply ingrained thoughts, like self-doubt or fear of failure, often operate beneath the surface, disrupting the flow of abundance. The right essential oils can help you feel grounded, inspired, and optimistic, but uncovering and addressing those hidden beliefs is essential for real transformation.

If you’re ready to discover the beliefs that might be holding you back, download my 'Mindset Checklist' HERE to start clearing the way for your manifestations. Paired with essential oils, this checklist is the perfect tool to help you align with your vision and take your manifestation practice to the next level.

Types of Vision Boards

Vision boards can be created in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and lifestyle. Both traditional and digital methods are effective, but they each offer unique advantages that can enhance your manifestation process in different ways:

Traditional (Cut-and-Paste)

This classic method involves magazines, scissors, glue, and a board. It’s tactile, creative, and fun, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the process. The hands-on nature of cutting and pasting can deepen your emotional connection to your goals, as research suggests that tactile activities engage the brain and enhance focus. Additionally, the slower, more deliberate approach encourages mindfulness and creates a lasting impression of your vision.

Digital Vision Boards

Perfect for those who prefer a sleek, portable option, digital vision boards are created using apps like Canva, Pinterest, or PowerPoint. They can be saved as wallpapers for your phone or computer, making it easy to see your goals multiple times a day. This frequent exposure helps keep your vision top of mind and reinforces your focus and positivity. Digital boards also offer endless customization, ensuring your vision aligns perfectly with your style and evolving goals.

Which Should You Choose?

The best method depends on your personal preferences and how you connect with your vision:

If you enjoy tactile, creative processes and want a mindful, immersive experience, a traditional vision board might be the perfect fit.

If you value accessibility, convenience, and frequent reminders of your goals, a digital board is an excellent choice.

Regardless of the medium, the key factor is emotional engagement. Research suggests that visualization practices are most effective when paired with strong positive emotions and a clear sense of intention. Whether you’re gluing images by hand or clicking them into place on a screen, the critical element is how deeply you feel connected to your vision. You might even combine the two—create a traditional board, photograph it, and use it as a digital screensaver for the best of both worlds!

Once you've decided on the type of vision board that suits your style, it's time to start creating!

How to Make a Vision Board

Creating a vision board is an enjoyable and inspiring process. Here’s how to get started:

1. Clarify Your Goals: Take some time to reflect on what you truly want in different areas of your life—career, health, relationships, finances, or personal growth.
2. Gather Materials: For traditional boards, grab magazines, photos, markers, glue, and a board. For digital boards, choose a design platform that works for you.
3. Create an Inspiring Space: Set up a quiet, comfortable area where you can fully focus on your vision. Consider playing soft music or using natural light to create a calming and uplifting environment that helps you connect deeply with your intentions.
4. Assemble Your Board: Arrange images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals. Focus on how each piece resonates with you.
5. Infuse Intent: As you place each item, take a moment to visualize yourself achieving that goal and feel gratitude as if it’s already yours.

Enhancing Vision Boards with Essential Oils

Essential oils can take your vision board practice to the next level. Their natural frequencies align with your intentions, clear mental blocks, and raise your vibration.

Essential Oils for Vision Boards-Single Oils

Here are some of my favorite single oils, and why you might choose each one. 

  • Frankincense: Enhances spiritual connection, focus, and clarity. It’s perfect for grounding your energy and connecting to your higher purpose.
  • Lavender: Promotes relaxation and focus, making it easier to quiet your mind and align your thoughts with your goals.
  • Lemon: Boosts positivity and creativity, inspiring you to think big and stay motivated.
  • Peppermint: Encourages mental clarity and sharp focus, helping you stay aligned with your intentions.
  • Clary Sage: Clears mental blocks and inspires creativity, allowing you to dream bigger and bolder.
  • Rose: A high-frequency oil that fosters self-love and emotional healing, making it ideal for attracting abundance and joy.
  • Cedarwood: Cedarwood grounds your energy, fostering a sense of stability and focus—especially helpful for financial and career-related intentions.
  • Ylang Ylang: Uplifts your spirit and inspires a playful, optimistic approach to achieving your dreams.
  • Bergamot: Encourages self-confidence and optimism, helping you push past self-doubt and embrace your potential.
  • Geranium: Balances emotions and promotes harmony, helping you align with your goals without resistance.
Blends to Elevate Your Vision

I love using blends from the company I trust for their purity and effectiveness. Their Seed to Seal® commitment ensures that every drop is safe and high-quality. These blends are a game-changer in my manifestation practice, and here’s why:

  • Clarity™: Sharpens your focus and helps you create a clear vision of your goals—great for when you’re selecting images or setting intentions.
  • Believe™: Instills faith and confidence in your ability to achieve your dreams, especially when limiting beliefs creep in.
  • Abundance™: Elevates your mindset to one of gratitude and prosperity, aligning you with abundance in all areas of life.
  • Awaken™: Encourages a deep connection to your purpose and unlocks your creative potential for dreaming big.
  • Dream Catcher™: Inspires big visions while helping you let go of doubts or fears that might hold you back.
  • Envision™: A powerful blend for visualizing your goals and bringing your dreams to life with laser focus.
  • Gratitude™: Cultivates thankfulness, which is key to amplifying the energy of manifestation and keeping your goals aligned with positivity.
  • Release™: Helps let go of negative emotions or limiting beliefs that might block your progress.
  • Transformation™: Supports emotional breakthroughs and helps you embrace the mindset shifts needed to achieve your vision.
These blends have become an integral part of my manifestation practice. If you’d like to explore these trusted oils and experience their impact for yourself, click HERE. This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue sharing my passion for essential oils and educating others about their benefits—thank you for supporting my small business!

How to Use Essential Oils with Your Vision Board

Once you’ve chosen your essential oils, here's how you can incorporate them into your vision board practice:

1. Diffuse While You Work: Choose an oil or blend that aligns with how you feel or how you want to feel while creating your board.
2. Create a Vision Board Spray: If you don’t have a diffuser, make a room spray with your favorite oils. Click here for step-by-step instructions. Use the spray to energize your space or spritz your vision board lightly to “charge” it with intention.
3. Apply Oils to Yourself: Apply oils to your pulse points to ground yourself and enhance focus while meditating on your intentions.
4. Anoint Your Board: Place a small drop of oil on the corners of your board or specific images to enhance their energy.
5. Meditate with Your Board: Sit quietly in front of your board, holding your vision in your mind while diffusing or applying essential oils. Focus on each image, letting the aroma deepen your connection to your goals.

Maintaining the Energy of Your Vision Board

To keep your vision board effective, revisit it daily. Take a moment to look at each image and feel gratitude for the progress you’re making. Pick an essential oil and deeply inhale the aroma while you are visiting with your vision board. You can also diffuse an essential oil that resonates with your intentions to reinforce the energy.

Update your board as your goals evolve, and celebrate small wins along the way. Pairing essential oils with this practice will keep your vibration high and your mindset aligned with your dreams.

Vision boards and essential oils are a perfect partnership, combining visual inspiration with aromatic energy to supercharge your manifestations. Whether you're visualizing a thriving career, a serene home, or personal growth, these tools can help you stay focused and aligned with your goals. What dreams are you ready to manifest? Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear your journey!

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils, extracted from plants, are highly concentrated compounds that offer a range of wellness benefits. While humans have been using essential oils for centuries to support wellness, dog owners are increasingly exploring their use for pets. However, safety is paramount when incorporating essential oils into your dog’s routine. This guide will delve into what essential oils are, the importance of quality, the role of proper dilution, and how to safely introduce these powerful tools into your dog’s care.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are volatile aromatic compounds derived from plants through various processes, most commonly steam distillation or cold pressing. These oils capture the essence of the plant—its scent, properties, and wellness benefits—making them valuable for aromatherapy, topical application, and more.

In their natural environment, essential oils serve several key functions for plants:

  • Defense: They protect plants from pests, diseases, and other environmental threats.
  • Healing: Essential oils aid in wound healing when plants are damaged.
  • Reproduction: They attract pollinators with their unique aromas.
  • Growth Regulation: Essential oils help plants adapt to environmental changes.

These same protective and restorative properties translate into benefits for humans and animals. What essential oils do for plants, they can also do for us. For dogs, essential oils can offer support in calming nervousness, soothing skin, repelling unwanted guests, and promoting overall well-being. When used thoughtfully and safely, they can be a powerful tool to enhance the health and happiness of your dog.

Why Dogs’ Sensitivity to Smells Affects Safe Essential Oil Use

Essential oils are incredibly potent—just a little goes a long way. Dogs, with their highly sensitive noses, have around 2 billion olfactory receptors compared to our mere 40 million, making them far more attuned to scents. This heightened sensitivity means it’s important to avoid overwhelming your dog with improper use. Instead, we want to create positive experiences that support their health and well-being. By using essential oils thoughtfully and with proper education, we can nourish the bond we share with our dogs and help them live their healthiest, happiest lives.

The Problem with Industry Regulation

The essential oil industry lacks thorough regulation, meaning products labeled “pure” or “organic” might not meet safety standards, or be pure or organic. Adulteration, synthetic additives, and low-quality ingredients are common. This lack of oversight makes selecting a reputable brand the first and most crucial step in ensuring your dog’s safety.

When choosing essential oils for your dog, look for brands that provide multiple forms of testing, including third-party, list the botanical name on the label, and disclose their sourcing practices. Transparency is a hallmark of quality, that's why I only use essential oils from companies that own their farms, have an open door policy, and control the process from start to finish. I know I always have a pure  product safe for my animals. Avoid oils that include “fragrance” or “perfume,” as these often contain synthetic components harmful to pets. You won't find high quality oils that meet this standard at your local supermarket.

You can grab your essential oils from the company I trust HERE. I’ve personally visited their farms, participated in planting, and even helped distill the essential oils myself. This level of transparency gives me complete confidence in the purity and quality of their oils. By the way, this is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue empowering pet parents to enhance their health and their pets’ well-being—thank you!

Quality: The Number One Safety Factor

When using essential oils with dogs, quality isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable. High-quality oils are free from fillers, pesticides, and synthetic chemicals that could harm your pet. They are also more potent, meaning you can use less to achieve desired results.

Why Quality Matters:
  • Low-quality oils may contain harmful toxins.
  • Pure oils retain their beneficial properties, ensuring wellness results.
  • Poorly sourced oils can lack consistency, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
While high-quality oils may cost more, the investment is worth it for your peace of mind and your dog’s safety.

The Importance of Dilution

Dilution is the second critical factor for safe essential oil use with dogs. Because essential oils are so concentrated, using them undiluted can overwhelm your dog’s senses or irritate their skin. Diluting oils ensures they are gentle enough for your pet while still delivering wellness benefits. Diluting essential oils is easy, you simply need a carrier oil. 

What Is a Carrier Oil?

A carrier oil is a fatty base oil used to dilute essential oils, making them safe for topical application. These oils “carry” essential oils onto the skin, ensuring even distribution while reducing the risk of irritation. This is especially helpful for covering larger areas, as only a drop or two of essential oil is needed. Essential oil molecules are lipophilic, meaning they bond well with fats, which allows them to blend seamlessly into carrier oils.

While carrier oils are traditionally fat-based, alternatives like water, witch hazel, or alcohol can also be used in certain cases. However, since essential oils don’t disperse evenly in non-fat-based carriers, it’s important to shake the mixture thoroughly before each use to ensure proper dilution. For best results and ease of use, fat-based carrier oils are generally preferred, especially if you are just starting out for safely applying essential oils.

Best Carrier Oils for Dogs

Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO): My favorite choice! FCO is odorless, lightweight, and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It also has a long shelf life and doesn’t solidify like regular coconut oil. It’s non-greasy and gentle on a dog’s sensitive skin, making it my go-to carrier oil for dilution.

Olive Oil: A kitchen staple, olive oil is readily available and safe for dogs. It’s a bit heavier but works well in a pinch.

Regular Coconut Oil: While it solidifies at cooler temperatures, it’s a natural, dog-safe option that also nourishes the skin.

Roller Bottles: A Game-Changer for Convenience

If you’re like me, you want to make essential oil use as simple and stress-free as possible. Roller bottles are the answer. Pre-diluting oils in a roller allows you to have safe, ready-to-use blends on hand whenever you need them.

Here’s how to make a roller blend:

  • Choose a roller bottle. Roller bottles are affordable and widely available, especially on platforms like Amazon. The most common size is 10 ml, which works perfectly for essential oil blends.
  • Add your essential oils. Use 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil(s). If you or your dog are new to essential oils, start with 10 drops for a milder blend. For a stronger blend, you can use up to 20 drops.
  • Top off the roller bottle with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil (FCO). FCO is ideal because it’s lightweight, odorless, and absorbs quickly.
  • Cap the roller bottle, gently invert it back and forth to mix thoroughly, and label it for easy identification.
Having pre-diluted blends in portable roller bottles saves time and ensures using essential oils is safe, simple, and stress-free. These ready-to-use blends are easy to apply anytime, making them perfect for both everyday routines and on-the-go use!

Common Question: What About Calming My Dog?

The number one question I get is, “What can I use to calm my dog?” Dogs experience anxiety in various situations, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, or car rides. Essential oils can provide gentle support when used correctly.

One of my favorite calming blends includes:

Frankincense: Promotes relaxation and emotional balance.
Cedarwood: Soothes nerves and encourages calmness.
Vetiver: Grounding and deeply calming, perfect for high-stress situations.

Calming Roller Recipe:

  • Add 3 drops each of frankincense, cedarwood, and vetiver to a 10ml roller bottle.
  • Fill the rest with FCO.
  • Roll onto your hands, then let your dog sniff or gently apply to their spine or bedding.
This blend works wonders during stressful events and can also help dogs unwind at bedtime.

Tips for Safe Essential Oil Use with Dogs

Start Slow: Introduce oils one at a time to observe your dog’s reaction.

Watch for Signs of Discomfort: If your dog avoids the scent, sneezes, or shows irritation, discontinue use.

Diffuse Safely: Use a diffuser in a well-ventilated space and allow your dog to leave the room if they choose.

Consider starting with essential oils that are considered 'mild'—those that are gentle, versatile, and less likely to overwhelm your dog’s sensitive senses. Mild essential oils, such as lavender, frankincense, copaiba, cedarwood, and vetiver, are well-tolerated by most dogs and offer calming, soothing, or balancing benefits. These oils provide a great introduction to essential oil use while minimizing the risk of irritation or overstimulation. Once your dog is comfortable with these, you can gradually explore other oils tailored to their specific needs.

Consulting a Veterinarian

Consulting a veterinarian trained in essential oil use is an important step in ensuring your dog’s safety. If a veterinarian is unfamiliar with essential oils or their applications, their initial response—understandably—may be caution or a firm “no.” However, when used correctly, with pure and properly diluted oils, essential oils can be safe and beneficial for dogs. A veterinarian knowledgeable and trained in essential oil use can guide you in selecting the right oils, targeting specific needs, and ensuring safe application tailored to your dog’s unique requirements.

Why Safety Matters

Using essential oils safely is about more than avoiding harm—it’s about enhancing your dog’s quality of life. Whether you’re calming an anxious pup, soothing skin, or repelling unwanted guests, essential oils can be a powerful addition to your natural dog care toolkit when used correctly.

By focusing on quality, proper dilution, and thoughtful application, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils while keeping your dog safe and happy.

Take the First Step Toward Your Dog’s Wellness Today!

Are you ready to enhance your dog’s quality of life naturally? Download my free guide to safe essential oil use for dogs HERE and gain the confidence to incorporate these wellness tools into your pet’s care routine. Your dog will thank you!

DIY Natural Chest Rubs: Using Essential Oils

DIY Natural Chest Rubs: Using Essential Oils
As dog and horse moms, we all want to keep our animal companions healthy and happy. One way to do this is by utilizing the wellness properties of essential oils. Recently, while chatting with a friend, she mentioned using a popular over-the-counter vapor rub. I couldn’t help but chime in—friends don’t let friends use chemicals! This conversation inspired me to share a couple of DIY chest rub recipes that are not only effective but also natural and safe for you and your pets.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural aroma and beneficial properties of various plants. These oils are derived from different parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, stems, and roots, through processes such as steam distillation or cold pressing. Each essential oil has its unique chemical composition, which gives it distinct wellness properties.

People have been using essential oils for centuries in various cultures for their wellness properties. From aromatherapy to personal care, essential oils can promote physical and emotional well-being, making them a popular choice for those looking for natural remedies.

If you want to dive deeper into the world of essential oils and learn more about their uses and benefits, check out my detailed masterclass video HERE!

Why Use Essential Oils As Natural Remedies For Your Pets?

Essential oils can offer a myriad of benefits for both humans and pets. Their versatility and efficacy make them an attractive option for natural remedies. Here are some key uses of essential oils:
  • Aromatherapy: Inhaling essential oils can help reduce tension, elevate mood, and enhance relaxation. This is especially beneficial for tense dogs or horses before a ride.
  • Topical Application: When properly diluted, essential oils can be applied to the skin to alleviate discomfort, soothe sore muscles, and promote overall wellness. This makes them perfect for creating DIY chest rubs for you and your dogs and horses.
  • Natural Cleaning: Many essential oils possess natural cleansing properties, making them ideal for homemade cleaning solutions around the house.
  • Pet Care: Essential oils can safely benefit your dogs and horses when used correctly. For instance, lavender and eucalyptus oils can be incorporated into soothing chest rubs to enhance relaxation and comfort for your pets.
The Importance of Quality

However, it's essential to note that the essential oil industry is not well-regulated, and not all oils are created equal. The quality of the oil you choose is critical for safety and effectiveness, with two of the most important safety factors being purity and proper dilution. Always look for oils that are 100% pure and free from additives, fillers, or synthetic ingredients; you won't find these at the gas station or local grocery store.

To emphasize the importance of quality, a recent study published in the Journal of Essential Oil Research (JEOR) analyzed 41 authentic lavender essential oil samples from trusted producers and research partners worldwide. When comparing these findings to 12 commercially available samples, the study revealed that 9 out of 12 (75 percent) of those tested were adulterated, indicating potential dilution or the addition of another oil as a substitute. To learn more about this study and its implications, click HERE.

I invite you to check out the company I use with my affiliate link HERE. It comes at no extra cost to you, but thank you for supporting my small business! I've visited the farms where these oils are sourced, helping with planting and harvesting, so I know I have a pure, 100% product.

Wellness Benefits Of Essential Oils:

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil is renowned for its refreshing scent and support for the respiratory system. Often used in chest rubs and inhalants, eucalyptus oil may help promote healthy breathing. Its natural properties also make it beneficial for any discomfort. Discover more about how eucalyptus essential oil can enhance your horse care routine by checking out my comprehensive guide HERE.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is perhaps one of the most popular and versatile essential oils available. Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender is excellent for reducing tension and promoting relaxation. It's know as the Swiss army knife of essential oils and has the potential to benefit every body system. Uncover more of the benefits of lavender essential oil and fun ways to use it by reading more HERE! Additionally, learn how to safely use lavender essential oil with your horse and harness its calming properties; find out more HERE!

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is invigorating and refreshing. It’s another essential oil with the potential to benefit various body systems. It is commonly used to relieve head tension, support digestion, and improve focus. The cooling sensation of peppermint oil can also help soothe muscles when applied topically. It’s an energizing oil that can be great for both you and your pets, making it an ideal addition to your wellness toolkit. Discover easy ways to incorporate peppermint essential oil into your routine by checking out my blog HERE!

Wintergreen

Wintergreen essential oil is known for its strong, minty aroma and is often associated with discomfort relief. This oil contains methyl salicylate, which is similar to the active ingredient in many over-the-counter pain relief creams. However, wintergreen seems to be a controversial topic with dogs as it’s generally advised to avoid using wintergreen on dogs with a history of seizures, since we have many essential oils to choose from, to err on the side of caution, I dont include it in my recipes for dogs with a history of seizures. 

Copaiba

Copaiba essential oil is derived from the resin of the copaiba tree and has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It can be used to alleviate discomfort and promote overall wellness. Copaiba is gentle and often well-tolerated by pets, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support their dogs and horses health naturally. I recommend adding 5 drops of copaiba to your recipes for an extra boost! Dive into the numerous benefits of copaiba essential oil and how it can support your pet's health by visiting my detailed post HERE!

 Making Your Own Chest Rub

Creating your own chest rub is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to customize your remedies for both you and your pets. Here’s my favorite recipe for a lavender rub that’s also perfect for dogs:

Lavender is a mild oil well tolerated by animals. This makes it a perfect choice for a soothing rub, especially for dogs that may experience discomfort. The lavender chest rub can be applied to the chest or other areas of need to promote relaxation and calmness.

Homemade Chest Rub Recipes:

Here’s My Favorite Recipe for a Lavender Rub That’s Also Perfect for Dogs

Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
- 5 drops copaiba essential oil (optional)

Instructions:
1. Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together in a bowl.
2. Remove from heat and add the essential oils.
3. Mix thoroughly and pour into a glass jar or high-quality chemical-resistant plastic container.
4. Let it cool and solidify.

Apply a small amount to your chest, temples, or any areas of discomfort. This lavender rub is especially great for dogs, promoting calmness and soothing any areas of need.

As a massage therapist for horses, I often incorporate eucalyptus into my sessions. For instance, my horse Rolex sometimes develops a cough due to the dry climate we live in. After having him checked by the vet, I use a eucalyptus rub to provide comfort and support his respiratory health. Additionally, eucalyptus oil can be applied as a massage rub for sore and tight muscles, making it a fantastic addition to your routine after a long day of riding or working with your dogs.

Here’s my favorite eucalyptus recipe, perfect for horses too:

Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops wintergreen essential oil 
-5 drops peppermint essential oil 
- 5 drops copaiba essential oil (optional)

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the shea butter and coconut oil. Melt them together in a double boiler or microwave until blended.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding the essential oils.
3. Mix thoroughly and pour into a glass jar or high-quality chemical-resistant plastic container.

Massage a small amount onto your chest to promote easier breathing. You can also apply to your neck.  This rub can also be used on your horse to help with respiratory comfort or as a massage for sore muscles.

Quick Application Tips

If you find yourself busy at the barn or on the go with your dogs, there’s no need for a complicated process. Simply add a dollop of coconut oil to your palms, add a drop of your chosen essential oil, and rub it in! This method is quick, effective, and can be done on the spot.

While we add shea butter to our rubs to make them last longer on the skin, it’s not a necessity. You can easily use coconut oil alone if that’s more convenient for you.

A Thoughtful Gift Idea

These homemade chest rubs also make great, inexpensive handmade gifts! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a thoughtful present for fellow dog and horse moms. Who wouldn’t appreciate a natural remedy that supports their well-being?

Incorporating essential oils into your daily routine can be a wonderful way to promote wellness for both you and your pets. With these DIY chest rub recipes, you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin and share the benefits of natural remedies with your dogs and horses. Remember to always use pure, high-quality essential oils and properly dilute them to ensure safety.

I hope you enjoy creating and using these natural chest rubs. Here’s to feeling our best so we can ride, play, and cherish every moment with our beloved dogs and horses!

If you're ready to create your own DIY chest rub, I invite you to use my affiliate link for my go-to essential oil company. They offer a Seed to Seal™ guarantee, ensuring that I’m purchasing the highest quality and safest oils for both myself and my animals. By clicking HERE, you can access my bundle of recommended oils from this blog, along with a carrier oil if you need it. Support my small business and gain access to high-quality essential oils for your DIY projects with just one click! Using my link comes at no additional cost to you, and I truly appreciate your support!

Additionally, for more in-depth knowledge on using essential oils with your horse, check out my course "Oily Horse," where you’ll learn everything you need to know to safely incorporate oils into your horse care routine- Click HEREAnd for dog moms, don’t miss my course on using essential oils safely with dogs—it's designed to help you enhance your furry friend's wellness with confidence-click HERE.


Essential Oils for Hauling Nervous Horses: A Complete Guide to Creating a Calm Trailer Environment

Essential Oils for Hauling Nervous Horses: A Complete Guide to Creating a Calm Trailer Environment
Transporting horses can present unique challenges, especially for those that tend to be nervous in the trailer. Using essential oils for horses has become a significant part of my daily barn routine, and one of the key benefits I've noticed is their ability to help relax my nervous nellies. The power of scent can profoundly influence emotions, and having a constant calming aroma in the trailer can make a world of difference for a more relaxed travel experience. However, essential oils are just one piece of the puzzle. Here are my tips for hauling nervous horses and effectively using essential oils to enhance their comfort.

Preparing Your Horse for the Trailer

Before we dive into using essential oils for trailering, it’s essential to ensure your horse is comfortable and prepared for the ride. Here are some key tips:

  1. Training Your Horse to Trailer: It’s crucial that your horse is trained to load and travel in the trailer confidently. Spend time desensitizing them to the trailer environment, allowing them to enter and exit at their own pace. Use positive reinforcement to encourage calm behavior.
  2. Driving with Care: Remember, how you drive the trailer can significantly impact your horse's experience. One of the first lessons I learned from my trainer was to understand the dynamics of trailering. We went to a rural area where I was put in the back of the trailer while she drove—sharp turns, sudden stops, and smooth starts. This exercise helped me appreciate how my horse needs to balance and shift during the ride. By driving conscientiously, you can minimize discomfort and anxiety for your horse.
  3. Comfort in the Trailer: Ensure your trailer is set up for comfort by choosing one that is appropriate for your horse's size and ensuring the area is well-lit and free of obstacles. It's vital that the trailer is well-ventilated to prevent overheating or discomfort, as these factors can significantly contribute to your horse's overall anxiety.
Creating a Calming Atmosphere with Essential Oils

Once your horse is trained and your trailer is set up for comfort, you can add an extra layer of calmness through essential oils. Here are my top five essential oils for calming nervous horses:

  1. Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender can help ease tension and create a peaceful atmosphere. For more ways to use lavender essential oil with your horse, check out my blog on Lavender Essential Oil—it’s often called the "Swiss Army knife of oils" for a reason!
  2. Frankincense: This oil promotes relaxation, a sense of well-being, and balance, making it a great choice for nervous travelers. If you’re curious about the benefits of frankincense for horses, learn more in my blog HERE.
  3. Copaiba: Another soothing oil that can also double as a first aid oil. Discover how to unlock the benefits of copaiba essential oil in my blog HERE—it’s a fantastic addition to your horse care routine!
  4. Vetiver: This grounding oil is excellent for calming and promoting stability. Explore the calming effects of vetiver essential oil in my blog HERE and see how it can benefit your horse.
  5. Cedarwood: Known for its calming and grounding effects, cedarwood can help your horse feel more secure during the ride. If you want to learn how to effectively use cedarwood essential oil with your horses, check out my blog HERE.
Additionally, consider Young Living's Valor™ blend, which is specifically designed to instill courage and confidence. If you happen to be heading to a horse show, check out my blog on using Valor™ HERE for tips on how to maximize its effects.

Every horse is an individual, and what works for one may not necessarily be effective for another. This is why I prefer to present a group of oils for consideration. When choosing an oil, you can pick one from the list based on factors like cost or your personal aroma preferences. Alternatively, you might purchase a couple and observe your horse’s unique response to each. For more detailed info on using essential oils with horses, check out my blog HERE.

Start using the selected essential oil early, incorporating it into your horse’s daily routine during positive experiences. This helps them become familiar with the scent and anchors the oil to positive emotions, increasing its effectiveness during times of worry.

Once you find an oil that has a calming effect on your horse, it can become your go-to trailer oil, helping to create a soothing environment tailored to your horse’s needs.

Effective Ways to Use Essential Oils in Your Horse Trailer

Creating a calming atmosphere in the trailer begins with how you use essential oils on yourself and your horse. Remember, we are half of the partnership. Using the oils on yourself before getting your horse out is essential, as your calm and confidence can help reassure them. 

Let the horse smell the bottle or apply a drop of the oil to your hands and offer them to your horse before loading. If your horse tends to nibble, be mindful! Allow your horse to inhale the scent for as long as they want. Have you ever noticed that when we’re in a hurry, that’s often when our horse decides they’re not up for something? Taking the time to establish this connection can set the tone for a smoother journey.

Next, here are several effective ways to diffuse essential oils in your trailer:
  • Calming Spray: Consider making a calming spray by diluting essential oils in a spray bottle with water. You can spritz this mixture throughout the trailer before you arrive, creating a peaceful atmosphere. For a step by step guide to making a spray, click HERE.
  • Cotton Ball: Place a few drops of your chosen oil on a cotton ball and tape it in the trailer out of reach from your horse for a steady release of scent.
  • Wood Clothespin: Add a drop to a wooden clothespin and clip it to the trailer’s interior (out of reach of your horse) for a subtle aroma.
  • Cork or Wood Stickers: Use cork or wood stickers (available on Amazon) to create an easy diffuser. Simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oil, and refresh them before each trailer ride to maintain a calming aroma.
  • Wood Ornament: Purchase a wood ornament to hang out of your horse's reach in the trailer. You can refresh it with essential oil as needed to provide a soothing scent during your travels.
  • Floor Drops: Simply place a couple of drops on the trailer floor for a gentle scent throughout the journey.
  • Halter Drops: As a last resort, if your horse is familiar with oils, you can put a drop on their halter. However, be cautious, as this can be overpowering for new users.

Conclusion

By taking the time to create a calm environment and incorporating essential oils into your horse trailer, you can help ensure that your nervous haulers feel more secure and relaxed. For more detailed insights into using essential oils to calm your horse, check out my blog on using essential oils to help calm your horse HERE.

If you're ready to stock up on these essential oils, grab them through my link by clicking HERE. This is an affiliate link, which means I make a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business and allowing me to provide content that helps you and your fur kids!

Join my "Oily Horse" course to learn even more about how to integrate essential oils safely and effectively into your horse's life. Together, we can work to create a powerful partnership between you and your horse.

What Your Bedroom Refresh Needs: The Perfect Essential Oil Diffuser

What Your Bedroom Refresh Needs: The Perfect Essential Oil Diffuser
In the world of home decor, the trend of refreshing your bedroom has taken center stage. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, new bedding, or a stylish piece of furniture, there’s no shortage of ideas to transform your space. However, amidst all the excitement, have you considered what might be missing? The answer: an essential oil diffuser!

An essential oil diffuser disperses fragrant oils into the air, creating a calming environment that not only enhances your room's aesthetics but also supports your overall well-being. As a proud dog mom, I can personally vouch for the benefits of diffusing essential oils—not just for us humans, but for our fur kids as well. Let’s explore how incorporating a diffuser can elevate your bedroom refresh.

The Role of an Essential Oil Diffuser

Using an essential oil diffuser in your bedroom can significantly elevate your relaxation experience. The gentle mist of essential oils can help purify the air and create a soothing ambiance. This simple addition can transform your space into a peaceful oasis where you can unwind after a long day. Plus, certain oils can calm nervous pets, helping them feel more at ease.

Benefits of Adding a Diffuser to Your Bedroom Refresh

Aromatherapy: Essential oils are known for their wellness properties. Scents like lavender and chamomile can promote relaxation for both you and your pets. For instance, diffusing lavender can help calm your nervous dog, creating a peaceful environment for everyone. I’ve dedicated a whole blog post to exploring how essential oils can calm both you and your dog—read it HERE.

Soothing Atmosphere: Many diffusers, like my favorite HERE, come equipped with calming sounds and multicolored LED lights. These features not only enhance your decor but also help you unwind at the end of the day, creating the perfect ambiance for a restful night’s sleep. Plus, this calming environment benefits your dogs as well, making it a win-win for everyone.

Personalization: Each person has their favorite scents, and an essential oil diffuser allows you to customize your fragrance. Whether you prefer floral, earthy, or citrusy aromas, you can choose oils that reflect your personality and create a unique ambiance for both you and your canine companions.

Choosing the Right Essential Oils

When using an essential oil diffuser, the type of oils you choose can greatly influence the atmosphere of your bedroom. Here’s a handy guide to help you select the right oils for different needs:

For Relaxation
If you’re looking to unwind after a long day, consider these relaxing oils:

1. Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender essential oil can help reduce tension and promote better sleep. Its floral aroma creates a peaceful environment, making it a perfect choice for bedtime—both for you and your pup! Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of lavender essential oil!

2. Roman Chamomile: This sweet, apple-like scent is excellent for relaxation. Chamomile oil has been used for centuries to ease tension and promote a sense of calm, making it ideal for your evening routine. And yes! Roman chamomile essential oil can be safe for your dog-click HERE to learn more!

3. Bergamot: With its uplifting citrus notes, bergamot can help relieve worry and tension. It is known to improve mood and promote a sense of well-being, making it a wonderful addition to your relaxation rituals.

For Sleep
To enhance your sleep quality, try these calming oils:

1. Frankincense: This grounding oil has a rich, warm scent that promotes relaxation and can help reduce feelings of tension and worry. It is known for its ability to encourage deeper sleep and spiritual connection. Learn more about how frankincense can help you and your dog by clicking HERE!

2. Cedarwood: With its woody, comforting aroma, cedarwood essential oil is often used to promote a restful night's sleep. It has relaxing properties that can help calm the mind and body, making it perfect for bedtime.
For even more benefits of cedarwood essential oil-click HERE!

3. Vetiver: Known for its earthy and grounding scent, vetiver essential oil is excellent for promoting tranquility. It helps to soothe the nervous system which can help you fall asleep and stay asleep, making it a great addition to your nighttime routine. Uncover even more benefits of vetiver essential oil HERE!

For Odor Control
If you need to freshen up your space and eliminate unwanted odors, try these essential oils:

1. Lemon: With its bright, refreshing scent, lemon essential oil not only helps to eliminate odors but also purifies the air. It has natural properties that make it effective for keeping your space smelling clean. 
Check out the refreshing properties of lemon essential oil HERE.

2. Tea Tree: Known for its wellness properties, tea tree oil is perfect for combating musty or stale odors. Its fresh, medicinal scent can help create a clean and inviting atmosphere. And yes! Contrary to popular belief, tea tree can be safe for dogs-click HERE to find out more. 

3. Eucalyptus: Known for its refreshing and invigorating scent, eucalyptus essential oil is excellent for eliminating unwanted odors and creating a clean atmosphere. Its crisp aroma not only helps freshen up your space but also promotes a sense of clarity and rejuvenation. For more fun facts and eucalyptus blends-read my blog HERE.

For Energy and Focus
When you need a boost in energy or concentration, these oils can help:

1. PeppermintKnown for its invigorating and refreshing scent, peppermint essential oil can also increase alertness and improve concentration. It’s perfect for those mornings when you need a pick-me-up! 
Discover even more ways to use peppermint essential oil by clicking HERE!

2. Tangerine: This bright and cheerful oil is excellent for boosting energy levels and lifting your mood. Its uplifting scent can help you feel more awake and motivated, making it an ideal choice for starting your day or tackling afternoon slumps.

3. Rosemary: This herbaceous oil is known for its ability to enhance mental clarity and focus. The invigorating scent of rosemary can help stimulate the mind and promote alertness. 

Incorporating an essential oil diffuser into your bedroom refresh is an easy yet impactful way to elevate your space. By selecting the right oils, you can create an environment that suits your needs—whether you're aiming for relaxation, better sleep, or an energy boost.

As a dog mom to a house full of barky chihuahuas, I understand how crucial it is to create and maintain a calm environment. Many essential oils can help soothe nervous pets, and while I use various tools, essential oils play a significant role in my approach. I invite you to learn more about how to effectively diffuse essential oils for your dog in my dedicated blog—click HERE to explore!

Ready to transform your bedroom with the power of aromatherapy? Check out my favorite diffuser, the 
Aria Ultrasonic Diffuser! This stylish diffuser, designed with a modern aesthetic, not only enhances your decor but also provides soothing sounds and multicolored LED lights for a serene atmosphere. Plus, it comes with invigorating peppermint and tangerine essential oils to kickstart your aromatherapy journey.

By the way, this is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to purchase. Your support helps me continue to provide valuable content! Thank you for supporting my small business!

Embrace the benefits of essential oils and create a peaceful oasis in your home today! Grab your diffuser and some oils to start-click HERE!
 
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