There's an oil that's been sitting quietly on my shelf for longer than I'd like to admit — overlooked in favor of the usual go-tos like lavender and peppermint. A few weeks ago, I finally pulled it out again, and I haven't stopped using it since. That oil is petitgrain essential oil, and I think it deserves a lot more attention than it gets.
Where Petitgrain Essential Oil Actually Comes From
Here's something interesting: the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is unique in that it produces three completely distinct essential oils depending on which part of the tree is distilled. The orange peel gives us bitter orange oil. The blossoms give us neroli, prized for its floral aroma. And the leaves and immature fruit give us petitgrain — green, fresh, and slightly woody.
Same tree, three totally different aromatic personalities.
The name "petitgrain" actually means "little grain" in French, and it's a nod to the oil's history — it was originally distilled from the small, unripe green oranges themselves before production eventually shifted over time to using the leaves and twigs instead.
What Petitgrain Essential Oil Smells Like
Petitgrain has a fresh, green, slightly bitter citrus aroma with soft floral and woody undertones. If you've smelled crushed leaves on a summer walk, that's a good starting point for imagining it — it's green and a little sharp, not sweet like most citrus oils, with a subtle depth underneath.
The Emotional and Energetic Side of Petitgrain
Beyond the physical aroma, petitgrain has a long history in emotional and energetic wellness practices. It's often described as grounding and stabilizing — the kind of scent that helps settle scattered thoughts and quiet a racing mind.
In more metaphysical and energy-based traditions, petitgrain is associated with the heart, throat, and third eye chakras, and it's used to support emotional clarity, self-acceptance, and honest self-expression. Some practitioners reach for it specifically during moments of emotional release — when there's something to let go of, or when clarity feels hard to access.
Whether or not you personally lean into that side of aromatherapy, it's worth noting that traditions from very different corners of the world — clinical aromatherapy on one hand, energy work on the other — both consistently point to petitgrain as a calming, centering oil. That kind of overlap is always worth paying attention to.
What the Research Says About Petitgrain Essential Oil
I did some digging to see if there was research specifically on petitgrain, and here's the honest answer: there isn't a dedicated clinical study on petitgrain by itself. It tends to get folded into broader research on essential oils and the nervous system.
A 2023 scoping review published through the National Institutes of Health looked at roughly 70 studies spanning 2012 to 2022 on essential oils and the nervous system.
Citrus oils, as a category, showed real potential for reducing stress and supporting tension relief when used through inhalation. Petitgrain falls into that broader citrus family, so while it hasn't been isolated and studied entirely on its own, it shares the same aromatic compounds — like linalool and linalyl acetate — that researchers point to as calming.
How to Use Petitgrain Essential Oil
Petitgrain shines in a few different ways:
- Diffusing — a fresh, calming green citrus aroma, uplifting without being overwhelming
- Perfume — a beautiful addition to fresh, herbal-leaning blends
- Skincare — this is really where petitgrain shines. It's known to support the appearance of healthy-looking skin and hair, and can help soothe, tone, and balance skin — all without the photosensitizing effect you'd get from most other citrus oils. Try adding a drop to your facial serum or moisturizer
- Massage — diluted in a carrier oil, it's a lovely, relaxing addition to a massage blend
Petitgrain Essential Oil in Perfume
Petitgrain is a favorite of mine for building fresh, herbal-leaning perfumes. It brings a green, slightly bitter citrus note that pairs beautifully with other bright oils like bergamot, or softer florals like ylang ylang. If you're new to perfume blending, it's a great oil to experiment with in a simple roll-on — just a few drops alongside a citrus and a floral or herbal note is enough to create a unique and fresh blend.
If you're new to making your own perfume, grab my guide on how to get started — it walks you through everything you need to know before diving into a blend like this.
Petitgrain Essential Oil Diffuser Blends
- Focus & Clarity: 3 drops Petitgrain, 2 drops Rosemary, 1 drop Lemon
- Calm & Grounded: 3 drops Petitgrain, 2 drops Cedarwood, 1 drop Frankincense
- Fresh Start: 3 drops Petitgrain, 2 drops Bergamot, 1 drop Spearmint
Using Petitgrain Essential Oil With Horses
I've actually been playing around with adding petitgrain to a wound salve I make for my horses. My go-to base is simple — half coconut oil, half shea butter — and then I add my essential oils into that. The great thing about this salve is it does double duty. I apply a little to a wound, and then I also use the very same jar as a moisturizer for myself. I'll even rub it into the roots of the mane and tail to support healthy growth, and in the summer, when some of my horses tend to rub their tails, I like to work a little into the base of the tail. I've had really good results with that.
I've also noticed some of my horses really seem to like the aroma, and it seems to have a calming, relaxing effect. If you want to use petitgrain specifically for that calming benefit, here's a simple way to do it: put a single drop of petitgrain in your palm, rub your hands together, and let your horse smell your hands for as long as they're interested.
From there, I like to do what I call residual dilution. Whatever's left on your hands after your horse has had a good sniff is such a small, diluted amount that you can go ahead and apply it directly — rub it onto your horse's chest, comb it through the mane, or apply it to the poll. It's such an easy, low-key way to bring a little calming aromatherapy into your time together.
And if you'd rather not apply anything to your horse at all, you can simply rub that same residual amount onto the back of your own neck. Remember — you're half of the equation. How your horse shows up in any given moment is always connected to how you're showing up too.
Using Petitgrain Essential Oil With Dogs
I use orange essential oil with my dogs quite a bit — enough that I actually wrote a whole blog post about using orange oil safely with dogs, including my favorite diffuser and roller bottle recipes.
Lately though, I've been playing around with swapping petitgrain in for orange in some of those same recipes, just to see how it goes. I've been using it mostly through room sprays and the diffuser. I recently made a simple room spray by adding it to lavender, just to see how it turned out — and I really liked the combination. It's an easy, low-key way to introduce a new scent into their space without anything too concentrated.
A Note on Quality
I can't talk about any essential oil without talking about quality, because it genuinely changes everything about how safe and effective these oils actually are.
I've been to the farms. I've helped plant. I've helped distill. That kind of transparency is exactly why I trust the supplier I use — because I've seen the process firsthand, not just read about it on a label. Unfortunately, that level of purity is not the standard in most of the essential oil marketplace today, so it's worth asking real questions before you buy.
If you'd like to check out where I get my own oils, you can explore my recommended supplier here (affiliate link — I only recommend what I personally use and trust).
Final Thoughts on Petitgrain Essential Oil
I really didn't expect petitgrain to become such a regular part of my routine, but here we are — it's in my perfume, my horses' wound salve, my dogs' room spray, and my diffuser most weeks. Whether you've had a bottle sitting untouched on your shelf like I did, or you're looking to add a nice calming oil with a refreshing green twist to your cart, I hope this gives petitgrain a fair chance to earn a spot in your routine too. And if it does, here's where I get mine 😉
There’s something about vanilla that instantly changes the feeling of a home.
Some scents feel bright and energizing. Some feel crisp and refreshing. But vanilla feels soft. Familiar. Comforting.
It’s the scent of slowing down after a busy day. The scent of warm kitchens, tropical vacations, homemade desserts, quiet evenings, and memories that feel safe and familiar. Whether you love warm holiday blends, creamy summer diffuser recipes, or nostalgic scents like orange creamsicles and marshmallows, vanilla has a way of making a home feel calm and comforting.
That’s one reason I keep coming back to vanilla diffuser blends year-round. It’s one of the few scents that can feel cozy in winter, tropical in summer, and nostalgic all year long.
And while many people think of vanilla as only a winter scent, I actually think it’s one of the most versatile oils to diffuse. In colder months, it pairs beautifully with spices and citrus for warm holiday blends. In summer, vanilla suddenly becomes creamy, tropical, and beachy when blended with lime or citrus oils.
If you’ve been looking for vanilla diffuser blends, vanilla essential oil recipes, or simple ways to make your house smell good without relying on overpowering fragrance sprays, here are some of my favorite ways to use it.
What Makes Vanilla So Popular in Diffuser Blends?
Vanilla has a warmth to it that I find irresistible.
A lot of essential oils are bright, herbal, earthy, or sharp. Vanilla softens blends and makes them feel balanced and comforting. It pairs beautifully with citrus oils, floral oils, wood oils, spice oils, and even mint.
That’s part of what makes vanilla diffuser recipes so fun to experiment with. You can create:
- warm holiday blends
- tropical summer blends
- comforting bedtime blends
- nostalgic dessert-inspired blends
- relaxing evening diffuser recipes
- fresh home blends
For me personally, diffuser blends aren’t just about making a room smell good. They help shape the feeling of a space.
Some blends feel uplifting and energizing.
Some feel grounding and calming.
And vanilla blends almost always make a home feel softer, calmer, and more nurturing.
Is Vanilla Actually an Essential Oil?
Technically, vanilla is usually sold as an oleoresin or extract rather than a traditional steam-distilled essential oil.
Vanilla beans are delicate and don’t distill the same way many plants do, which is why vanilla products are often thicker and richer than other oils.
Most people still casually refer to it as “vanilla oil” or “vanilla essential oil,” even though the extraction process is different.
The biggest thing for me personally is using a high-quality vanilla product that smells authentic. Vanilla should smell warm, soft, comforting, and real — not overly artificial or overpowering.
If you’re looking for a source, I personally use Young Living™ Vanilla oleoresin. I’ve even visited some of the farms and helped plant, which gave me an even deeper appreciation for the care that goes into sourcing their products. Personally, I haven’t found another company with the same level of transparency, connection to sourcing, and focus on quality. If you’d like to check out the vanilla I use, you can find it here.
Can You Put Vanilla in a Diffuser?
One thing I hear fairly often is that vanilla can be thick or sticky in a diffuser.
Personally, I diffuse vanilla regularly and have never personally had an issue with my diffusers. That being said, diffusers and vanilla products can vary depending on the brand and formulation.
If you’re concerned about buildup, you can always follow your diffuser manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations or occasionally wipe the diffuser plate with a cotton swab and a little rubbing alcohol.
For me personally, vanilla has absolutely been worth diffusing because I love the aroma and the atmosphere it creates in my home.
The Emotional Side of Vanilla
One of the reasons scent can feel so powerful is because smell is closely connected to the emotional center of the brain.
Certain aromas can instantly bring back memories, shift the atmosphere of a room, or create feelings of comfort, calm, energy, or relaxation.
Vanilla is one of those scents many people associate with:
- emotional warmth
- comfort
- slowing down
- nurturing energy
- coziness
- feeling safe
- peaceful evenings
- familiar memories
- home
There’s something about vanilla that feels emotionally gentle.
It doesn’t feel sharp or overwhelming. Instead, it softens the atmosphere of a room and creates a space that feels comforting and welcoming.
I think that’s one reason vanilla diffuser blends have become so popular. They don’t just smell good. They create a feeling.
For many people, vanilla brings up memories of:
- holiday baking
- vanilla ice cream
- homemade desserts
- marshmallows around a fire
- tropical vacations
- orange creamsicles
- warm kitchens
- simple moments at home
That emotional connection is powerful.
And honestly, in a world where so many people feel overstimulated and constantly busy, there’s something really beautiful about creating little moments that encourage us to slow down.
Some diffuser blends give me a bright, happy pick-me-up and help me feel more motivated and energized for the things I actually want to do.
Vanilla, though, reminds me to exhale.
It makes home feel softer.
The Three Moods of Vanilla
One thing I love about vanilla diffuser blends is how versatile they are.
Depending on what you pair vanilla with, the entire mood of the blend changes.
Cozy Holiday Vanilla
This is the version most people think of first.
Vanilla paired with citrus and spice oils instantly creates that warm holiday atmosphere that feels comforting and nostalgic.
Think:
- Christmas baking
- warm desserts
- chilly evenings
- mugs of tea
- cozy blankets
- twinkly lights
Cozy Holiday Blend
- 3 drops Vanilla
- 2 drops Orange
- 1 drop Cinnamon Bark
Vanilla Chai Blend
- 2 drops Vanilla
- 1 drop Clove
- 1 drop Cinnamon Bark
- 2 drops Nutmeg
If you love warm seasonal scents, you may also enjoy my article on the best essential oils to make your home smell like fall.
Tropical Vanilla
This is honestly one of my favorite ways to use vanilla.
When paired with citrus or mint oils, vanilla suddenly feels creamy, fresh, tropical, and beachy.
It reminds me of sunshine, summer, and tropical drinks by the pool.
Tropical Vanilla Blend
- 2 drops Vanilla
- 3 drops Lime
- 1 drop Spearmint
Vanilla Island Breeze
- 2 drops Vanilla
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Lime
These blends make a home smell fresh while still keeping that warm vanilla softness.
Nostalgic Vanilla
This might be my favorite category of all.
Some vanilla blends instantly bring back memories and feel playful, comforting, and familiar.
Orange Creamsicle Blend
- 4 drops Orange
- 2 drops Vanilla
This one smells exactly like those creamy orange popsicles from childhood.
Toasted Marshmallow Blend
- 3 drops Vanilla
- 2 drops Vetiver
- 1 drop Cedarwood
This blend feels grounding, warm, comforting, and peaceful.
Vanilla Bedtime Blend
- 2 drops Vanilla
- 3 drops Lavender
- 1 drop Cedarwood
Soft, calming, and peaceful for winding down at night.
Want more vanilla diffuser blends? I put together a printable with 8 additional vanilla diffuser recipes, including cozy holiday blends, tropical blends, and relaxing evening diffuser ideas. You can grab it here.
Why I Swapped Artificial Fragrance Sprays for Essential Oils
One of the biggest reasons I started using diffuser blends regularly was because I still wanted my house to smell good, but I didn’t love the heavy, overpowering feeling of many artificial fragrance sprays.
A lot of synthetic air fresheners simply cover up odors instead of actually making a room feel fresh and clean.
I wanted something lighter.
Something more customizable.
Something that helped my home feel calm and comforting instead of overly perfumed.
If making your house smell good naturally is one of your goals, you might also enjoy my guide on how to make your house smell good using essential oils.
For me personally, diffuser blends help create a home that feels:
- peaceful
- welcoming
- relaxing
- comforting
- intentional
- emotionally safe
And honestly, I think scent changes more than we realize.
A bright citrus blend can make a room feel happier and lighter.
A grounding wood blend can make a space feel calmer.
And vanilla blends can make home feel softer, quieter, and more nurturing.
That emotional atmosphere matters.
Especially during stressful or busy seasons of life.
I also love that diffuser blends are easy to customize depending on the season, mood, or feeling I want in my home that day.
Some days I want bright citrus energy.
Some days I want tropical vacation vibes.
And some days I just want my home to feel peaceful and comforting.
Looking for More Vanilla Diffuser Blends?
If you love experimenting with diffuser recipes, I’ve put together a diffuser blend e-book with over 150 diffuser blends for different moods, seasons, and occasions.
Inside, you’ll find:
- fresh home blends
- relaxing blends
- holiday diffuser recipes
- citrus blends
- cozy evening blends
- tropical summer blends
- uplifting diffuser recipes
- seasonal favorites
It’s one of my favorite resources for when I want new diffuser inspiration without overthinking it.
Because honestly, sometimes the smallest routines — like diffusing a comforting scent at the end of the day — can completely change the feeling of home.
And vanilla is one scent I always come back to.
If you'd asked me about Kunzea essential oil six months ago, I would have had no idea what you were talking about.
Then I received a bottle as a gift through my essential oil company, started diffusing it with orange just to see what it smelled like — and now it's one of my absolute favorites. Fresh, earthy, a little camphor-y, a little citrusy. It's one of those scents that just makes a room feel clean and calm.
And then a reader wrote in asking about tweaking her DIY fly spray to help with ticks — and suddenly I was down a Kunzea rabbit hole I wasn't expecting. What I found was genuinely fascinating, and I think once you understand what's in this oil and what it's actually been researched for, you'll feel the same way.
What Is Kunzea Essential Oil?
Kunzea ambigua is an Australian shrub native to Tasmania and the coastal southeastern regions of Australia, belonging to the Myrtaceae family — the same family as tea tree and eucalyptus. It goes by several common names, including Tasmanian Kunzea, White Kunzea, and my personal favorite: Tick Bush.
The essential oil is wildcrafted and steam distilled from the flowers and leaves of the plant, which has been used by Aboriginal Australians for thousands of years. It's recognized by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) — essentially the Australian equivalent of the FDA — for its use in skin applications and as a natural insect repellent.
The scent is fresh, medicinal, and slightly camphoraceous with earthy and citrus undertones. It blends beautifully with orange, eucalyptus, lavender, and cedarwood.
Its active compounds — including alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and viridiflorol — overlap significantly with better-known oils like tea tree and eucalyptus, but in a combination that tends to be gentler on skin.
Kunzea Oil and Its Traditional Use for Pain and Inflammation
Aboriginal Australians have traditionally used Kunzea for pain relief — specifically for muscular pain, joint discomfort, and conditions like arthritis — for thousands of years. That's a meaningful track record that modern research is beginning to catch up with.
The alpha-pinene and 1,8-cineole found in Kunzea are both compounds that have been studied for their activity in supporting comfort in muscles and joints when applied topically in a diluted carrier oil.
A study published by Griffith University found that Kunzea ambigua essential oil demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against multiple pathogens associated with inflammatory conditions, which helps explain its long history of traditional use for pain and swelling.
I want to be clear — I'm not a vet or a doctor, and I'm not making medical claims here. What I am saying is that the traditional use of this plant has real science beginning to support it, and I find that genuinely interesting.
Kunzea Essential Oil Antimicrobial Research
This is where Kunzea starts to get really interesting.
A research thesis from the University of Tasmania investigated Kunzea oil's composition, bioactivity, and therapeutic potential — and the findings on antimicrobial activity were significant. The oil demonstrated antimicrobial activity against several hospital-acquired pathogens, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) — one of the most antibiotic-resistant bacteria we currently deal with.
A study from Griffith University found that Kunzea ambigua showed significant antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis, with minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 33 µg/mL.
Does this mean Kunzea essential oil is a replacement for medical treatment?Absolutely not.
But it does suggest this oil has real, research-backed antimicrobial action — not just traditional lore.
For me personally, this is why I've started reaching for Kunzea as part of my routine for minor wounds and skin irritations on my horses. Diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the area, it's become a go-to in my barn kit.
Kunzea as a Natural Insect Repellent: Why It's Called the Tick Bush
Here's the part that sent me down this rabbit hole in the first place.
One of Kunzea's most well-known common names is literally "Tick Bush." The plant is naturally repellent to insects — something Aboriginal Australians knew and used long before any research confirmed it.
The University of Tasmania research found that Kunzea essential oil provides mosquito repellency comparable to citronella — which is saying something, since citronella is one of the most widely recognized natural insect repellents. Kunzea is also formally recognized by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration as a natural insect repellent.
Kunzea Essential Oil for Horses
Here's what I find most compelling for horse owners: there is an actual randomized controlled trial — real clinical research — on the use of Kunzea essential oil for pastern dermatitis in horses.
The pastern dermatitis study included 37 horses and compared a Kunzea oil ointment to a conventional ketoconazole treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in lesion size in the Kunzea group, with 63.6% of horses achieving complete resolution — compared to no significant improvement in the ketoconazole group.
That's not anecdotal. That's a controlled trial with measurable outcomes, and for anyone who has dealt with pastern dermatitis, mud fever, or scratches, that's a meaningful finding.
Beyond the pastern dermatitis research, here's how I've been using Kunzea with my own horses:
- Minor wounds and skin irritations — diluted in a carrier oil applied directly to the area
- DIY fly spray — adding to my recipe as a natural pest deterrent during fly and tick season. If you want to read more about how I approach fly spray overall, that full blog is here.
- Muscle and joint support — diluted in a carrier and massaged into sore areas after a ride.
Kunzea Essential Oil for Dogs
Everything mentioned above translates well to dogs — with the usual care around dilution and knowing your individual animal.
For tick season, it's worth exploring adding Kunzea essential oil to your dog's coat spray or regular flea and tick support blend. I wouldn't rely on it as a standalone solution, but as part of a layered natural approach it's worth having in your toolkit.
For skin irritations, minor scrapes, or anywhere you'd want gentle topical support — Kunzea diluted in coconut or fractionated coconut oil absorbs nicely. If you want to go deeper on natural flea and tick support for dogs, I have a full blog on that here.
And if you want to enjoy the aroma — three drops Kunzea and three drops orange in your diffuser is one of the best odor-control combinations I've come across. It just makes your house smell amazing.
How to Use Kunzea Essential Oil
Topically: Best practice is to dilute in a carrier oil. A standard dilution for adults is 2-3% (roughly 12-18 drops per ounce of carrier oil). For animals, keep it on the lower end — around 0.5-1% for horses, less for small dogs.
In a diffuser: 3-4 drops on its own, or blended with orange, lavender, eucalyptus, or cedarwood. Three drops Kunzea + three drops orange is my personal go-to.
In fly or coat spray: Add 10-15 drops per 8 oz of your base spray as part of a blend.
Storage: Like all essential oils, Kunzea does best when stored away from heat and light. A cool, dark spot is ideal — and refrigeration works great if you need longer-term storage. If you want to learn more about storing your oils properly, I have a full blog on that here.
A note on quality: As with all essential oils, quality and source matter. I've personally visited the farms and even helped distill and bottle the oil — and that kind of transparency is exactly why this is the only brand I use and recommend.
Final Thoughts on Kunzea Essential Oil
Kunzea essential oil is one of those oils that deserves a lot more attention than it gets — especially for those of us with horses and dogs. The research is there, the traditional use is there, and my personal experience has been really positive.
I'm still exploring everything it can do, and I'm sure I'll have more to share as I continue using it. If you've tried Kunzea or have questions, I'd love to hear from you — drop a comment below.
As a horse massage therapist for over 20 years, I’ve worked on a lot of horses—and I’m always thinking in terms of what’s going to make my job easier and what’s actually going to add results.
If something has the potential to support the horses I’m working on and build on what I’m already doing, I’m interested. And honestly… tools are fun. I like trying new things and seeing if they can make a difference.
So when the BEMER Horse-Set started getting attention in the horse world, I didn’t hesitate—I bought one.
Not because I was looking to replace massage or essential oils, but because I wanted to see if it could fit into what I was already doing in a way that actually made a difference.
After using it consistently, I definitely have a few thoughts.
Why I Decided to Try It
At the time, I already had a strong routine—both with my own horses and the horses I work on through my massage business.
But I’m always looking for ways to make things better.
If something has the potential to support what I’m already doing, improve results, or make things more efficient, I’m interested. And honestly… trying new tools is part of the fun for me.
I had used PEMF before, so I wasn’t new to the concept. But what I kept coming back to was how something fits into real life—because that matters just as much as how something works.
Some tools require more setup, more decision-making, or just more effort to use consistently. And when you’re working on multiple horses or managing your own, that adds up quickly.
Because if something isn’t easy to use, it usually ends up sitting in the tack room.
That’s what caught my attention with the BEMER Horse-Set.
It’s designed around short, consistent sessions, with a focus on better blood flow—specifically microcirculation, which is where oxygen and nutrients are exchanged at the cellular level.
That combination—something simple to use, designed for consistency, and focused on circulation—was what made me want to try it and see how it would fit alongside the work I was already doing.
What the BEMER Horse Set Actually Is
At its core, the BEMER Horse-Set is a PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) system for horses designed to improve circulation in the horse’s body.
But what makes it a little different—and what caught my attention—is its focus on microcirculation.
Microcirculation refers to the smallest blood vessels in the body, where oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues and waste products are carried away. It’s a big part of how the body supports recovery, movement, and overall function.
That’s the level BEMER is designed to work on.
If you want to go deeper into how they explain it, the BEMER Group has a full breakdown of how their technology is designed to improve microcirculation.
One of the things I found really interesting was how they demonstrate changes in blood flow. You can actually watch an example of that here.
It’s not something most of us think about day to day—but it plays a role in a lot of the situations we deal with as horse owners.
For me, this is one of the reasons the BEMER Horse-Set fits so well into my routine.
It’s designed around improving circulation—which is something I pay attention to in everything I do—so it naturally became part of my routine as another way to support the horse alongside the hands-on work I’m already doing.
What Stood Out to Me Right Away (Ease of Use)
One of the first things that stood out to me with the BEMER Horse-Set was how easy it was to use.
And that might sound simple, but when you’re working on multiple horses—or even just managing your own—that matters more than people think.
You put the blanket on, press a button, choose one of three settings… and that’s it.
There’s no guessing.
No complicated setup.
No wondering if you’re doing too much or not enough.
No complicated setup.
No wondering if you’re doing too much or not enough.
It’s straightforward enough that it actually becomes part of your routine instead of something you have to think about.
And for me, that’s a big deal.
Because I’ve used tools before where I saw results… but if they’re not easy to use consistently, they don’t end up getting used the way they should.
This felt different.
It was simple enough that I could use it regularly without overthinking it—and that consistency is what made me want to keep using it.
What I Personally Noticed
After using the BEMER Horse-Set consistently, as part of my horse care routine, there were a few things that really stood out to me.
Before Riding
One of the first things I noticed was how horses felt when I used it before I got on.
They felt more ready to go right from the start.
Less of that initial stiffness, less time spent waiting for them to loosen up… just more willing to move forward from the beginning.
And if you ride regularly, you know how much that can change the whole ride.
Energy and Focus
This one surprised me a little.
I started noticing a shift in how horses felt mentally—not dull, not quiet in a flat way… just more settled and focused.
Calm, but still forward.
It’s hard to describe unless you’ve felt it, but it’s that kind of energy where the horse feels more organized and with you instead of scattered or tense.
Hind Leg Support and Stocking Up
I had a large draft mare who tended to stock up in her hind legs, and I also started using the BEMER on other horses dealing with swelling.
What stood out to me was how quickly I would notice a change after using it.
Over time, I found myself reaching for it more and more—partly because it was easy, and partly because I was seeing consistent day-to-day improvements.
In a lot of cases, I was able to rely on it more heavily and do less of some of the other things I had been doing, simply because it fit into my routine so easily and still gave me the kind of results I was looking for.
Recovery and Getting Back to Work
When I used the BEMER Horse-Set as part of a horse’s recovery routine—especially after time off due to injury—I felt like the transition back into work went more smoothly.
Horses seemed more comfortable during that process, and the progression back into work just felt more manageable overall.
I paid pretty close attention to this, and it became something I wanted to include whenever I was working with a horse coming back from time off.
Stall Rest (This Is Where It Really Matters)
This is something I think gets overlooked a lot.
There’s this idea that if a horse isn’t working, they don’t need as much support—but in my experience, it’s actually the opposite.
Horses are designed to move.
This is something I see come up a lot in my work with horses, and it’s one of the reasons I focus so much on supporting the body through things like bodywork and other natural approaches.
So when they’re on stall rest and that movement is taken away, things can start to compound—stiffness, circulation, overall comfort.
That’s when tools like the BEMER can play an even bigger role.
Not as a replacement for movement, but as a way to support the body while they’re not able to do what they’re naturally designed to do.
Supporting Comfort During Digestive Issues
I’ve also used the BEMER Horse-Set in situations where a horse was showing signs of digestive discomfort, while waiting for the vet to arrive.
And just to say it again—calling the vet is always the first step.
But if you’ve been around horses, you know that waiting period can feel long.
For me, I want to feel like I’m doing something to support the horse during that time.
That’s where this has been useful in my routine.
I’ve noticed that many times horses seem to become more settled and comfortable while I’m waiting for the vet, and that alone made it something I wanted to keep on hand.
BEMER vs Other PEMF (How I Think About It)
I’ve used different types of PEMF over the years—and I actually own a traditional PEMF device as well—so I want to be clear that this isn’t about one being better across the board.
It’s more like comparing apples to oranges.
I’ve had good results using both.
What it really comes down to for me is how it fits into real life.
As both a horse owner and a practitioner, time matters. Whether I’m working on multiple horses or fitting something into my own routine, I need tools that are effective but also realistic to use consistently.
And that’s where I find myself reaching for the BEMER Horse-Set most of the time in my day-to-day horse care.
Not because the others don’t work—but because this one is so easy to use, easy to repeat, and easy to make part of a routine without overthinking it.
For a horse owner, that’s huge.
You put it on, press a button, and you can do that day after day without needing to adjust settings or figure anything out.
And in my experience, that consistency is what really adds up over time and makes a noticeable difference in a horse’s overall comfort.
So while I’ve had results with different types of PEMF, this is the one I reach for nine times out of ten—because it works within the time I have and still gives me the kind of results I’m looking for.
Is It Worth It?
This is probably the question most people are really asking.
And yes—the BEMER Horse-Set is an investment. There’s no getting around that.
But the way I look at it is a little different.
When is investing in your horse’s comfort and overall well-being not worth it?
Because if you’ve been around horses long enough, you know how this goes.
They’re big, powerful animals…
but at the same time, they can be surprisingly fragile.
but at the same time, they can be surprisingly fragile.
Something always comes up.
And a lot of what we do as horse owners ends up being reactive—dealing with things as they happen.
But wouldn’t it make more sense to spend less time reacting—and more time doing what we can day in and day out to support them?
Not because things won’t still come up—because they will. Horses are horses.
But when you have something in place that supports them consistently, you’re not starting from scratch every time something does happen.
And at the same time, it’s also about having tools you can reach for in those moments—when something does come up and you want to support the horse as best as you can.
How I Use It Day to Day
For me, this is something that fits really naturally into what I’m already doing.
I use the BEMER Horse-Set:
- on my older horses who tend to stock up, especially in their legs
- before riding, so they feel more ready to go from the start
- on anything that pops up during the day that needs a little extra support
- and before my massage sessions, which makes a noticeable difference in how the tissue feels and how much work I actually have to do
Sessions are short, it’s easy to use, and because of that, it’s something I can stay consistent with without it feeling like one more thing to manage.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re considering the BEMER Horse-Set and trying to figure out if it makes sense for you and your horse, I’m always happy to chat.
Sometimes it’s easier to just talk it through and see how it would fit into your situation.
You can use the contact button here to reach out or set up a quick call—I’m happy to answer questions and help you think through whether it’s a good fit for you.
If you’d rather take a look on your own first, you can explore more details about the system, what’s included, and how it works on my BEMER Horse Set information page.
By the way, that link is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share tools I absolutely love and use in my own routine.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, I’m always looking for simple, consistent ways to support the horses I work with.
And for me, this is one of those tools that just makes sense—it’s easy to use, it fits into real life, and it’s something I actually reach for on a regular basis.
And when something checks those boxes and I see results, that’s what makes it worth it for me.
If you’ve ever had a horse diagnosed with insulin resistance or Cushing’s, you know this isn’t a one-and-done situation.
These conditions tend to show up slowly, evolve over time, and often bring other concerns along with them. Horses with insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), or Cushing’s (PPID) are more prone to complications like laminitis in horses, which I’ve written more about in my guide on supporting horses with laminitis.
That increased susceptibility is exactly why management matters so much, and why many horse owners start looking for ways to support their horse beyond just the basics.
For me, that meant combining veterinary care, diet and supplement support, and essential oils into a whole-horse approach. Not one replacing the other, but everything working together.
When you look at these conditions this way, it stops being about finding one solution and starts being about supporting the entire system.
What Is Insulin Resistance in Horses?
The simplest way to understand insulin resistance is to think of insulin as a key, and your horse’s cells as doors.
Normally, insulin unlocks the door so sugar can enter the cell and be used for energy. With insulin resistance, that key doesn’t work properly. The doors don’t open the way they should, so sugar stays in the bloodstream.
The body responds by producing more insulin to try to compensate, and over time you end up with consistently elevated insulin levels. That imbalance is what increases the risk for complications like laminitis and other metabolic stress.
What Is Cushing’s Disease (PPID)?
Cushing’s disease in horses starts in the pituitary gland, which sits at the base of the brain and helps regulate hormones.
A simple way to think about it is that the signaling system becomes overactive. The pituitary gland sends too many messages, and the body responds by producing excess hormones. Over time, this can lead to changes like a delayed or abnormal coat, muscle loss, shifts in energy, and increased susceptibility to other issues, including insulin dysregulation.
It’s also very common for horses with Cushing’s to have overlapping metabolic concerns, which is why these conversations tend to go hand-in-hand.
Where Essential Oils Fit in a Metabolic Horse Program
Let’s be very clear about this, because it matters.
Essential oils are not a replacement for veterinary diagnosis, bloodwork, medication prescribed by your vet, diet and forage management, or hoof care. Those are foundational.
At the same time, essential oils are not just “extra” either.
There is research showing that essential oils can influence the nervous system, support a healthy response to inflammation, and interact with the body through the olfactory system in ways that affect both brain and body function. That means they can play a meaningful role in how a horse processes stress, maintains balance, and responds to its environment.
I like to think of this in terms of a circle of support.
Veterinary care, nutrition, environment, routine, and essential oils all sit inside that circle. Each one influences the others. When they’re working together, you get a very different result than when any one piece is missing.
What the Research Says About Essential Oils and Metabolic Health
There is emerging research looking at essential oils in horses with metabolic concerns, particularly around insulin regulation.
One study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science looked at insulin-dysregulated horses given a plant-based essential oil blend orally over several weeks. The horses showed improvements in some markers of insulin sensitivity, especially those with more significant dysregulation.
If you’re curious, you can read the full study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
What makes this interesting is not just the outcome, but the compounds involved. Essential oils contain naturally occurring components like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, thymol, and carvacrol, which have been studied in other species for their roles in metabolism, inflammation, and cellular signaling.
At the same time, this was a proprietary blend, and research in this area is still developing. So rather than treating this as a definitive answer, it’s better viewed as a strong indication that essential oils are interacting with metabolic pathways in ways that are worth paying attention to.
What I’ve Personally Used with My Metabolic Horses
This isn’t theoretical for me. I’ve had one horse with insulin resistance who went on to founder, and another with Cushing’s who also developed laminitis, which is something I go into more detail on in my laminitis support guide.
In both cases, I used essential oils as part of a broader plan that included veterinary care, appropriate supplements, and management changes.
The oils I kept coming back to were consistent, simple, and chosen for how they supported the horse as a whole.
Calming and Nervous System Support
For calming and nervous system support, I’ve relied heavily on lavender and Roman chamomile. Lavender is familiar to most people, but Roman chamomile became a favorite after seeing how clearly one of my horses responded to it. It’s gentle, grounding, and especially helpful for more sensitive horses.
If you want a deeper dive on how I use Roman chamomile with horses, you can read my Roman chamomile guide here.
I’ve also used vetiver when I wanted something deeper and more stabilizing for the nervous system.
Metabolic Support Oils
When looking at metabolic support, ginger and cinnamon come up frequently. Ginger is often associated with circulation and metabolic function, and it’s also referenced in discussions around essential oil compounds and metabolism.
Cinnamon is talked about extensively in the context of blood sugar and insulin sensitivity in other animals, which is why it continues to show up in conversations around metabolic horses.
While that doesn’t make it a proven treatment, it does make it relevant.
Whole-Body Wellness Support
For overall wellness, frankincense and copaiba have been staples for me. These are the oils I reach for when I’m not targeting a single issue, but instead supporting the body’s ability to stay balanced and respond appropriately.
There are also other oils you’ll see mentioned in this space, including lemongrass, basil, and geranium. Geranium is particularly interesting because of its association with hormone balance in aromatherapy, which makes it a natural fit for conversations around endocrine health, even if that connection is anecdotal.
Do Essential Oils Actually Work When Horses Smell Them?
How Essential Oils Affect the Brain and Body
This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is yes, there is more happening than just a pleasant scent.
When your horse smells an essential oil, tiny aromatic molecules enter the nasal passages and interact with receptors that send signals directly to the brain. These signals influence areas responsible for emotion, stress response, and hormonal regulation.
That’s why scent can have such a noticeable effect. It’s not just emotional, it’s neurological and physiological.
There is even research looking specifically at lavender and horses, showing measurable effects on stress responses, including changes in heart rate and relaxation behavior, which you can read more about in this lavender study on horses here.
How I Use Essential Oils in Practice
Aromatic Use
Aromatic use is often the starting point. Letting a horse smell an oil and observing their response can tell you a lot. Some will lean in, some will turn away, and that feedback matters.
Topical Use
Topically, I use oils along the spine as part of massage or bodywork. This can be as simple as a few drops diluted and applied during a quiet moment at the barn. It’s also where techniques like raindrop can fit in, especially if you’re already doing hands-on work with your horse.
Oral Use
Oral use is where things become more controversial, and it’s important to acknowledge that.
I do use essential oils orally with my horses, but I do so intentionally. Not every essential oil is created equal, and quality matters here. If you’re considering internal use, the oils need to be labeled appropriately and come from a company that is transparent about sourcing and testing.
I’ve personally visited the farms where my oils are produced, and that level of transparency is a big part of why I trust them.
If you want to explore the oils I personally use, you can browse them here.
When introducing oils internally, I always start with a single drop and make sure the horse will eat it. From there, I slowly increase. For my mini, that looked like three to five drops, and for a larger horse, up to around ten. Cinnamon, ginger, copaiba, and frankincense were the primary oils I used this way, typically mixed into a portion of feed.
It’s also worth noting that essential oils are not as foreign to the diet as they might seem. If you look at many commercial feeds, you’ll often find essential oils listed as flavoring agents or preservatives. Rosemary oil is one example, but others are used as well, which means horses are already being exposed to these compounds in controlled amounts.
Supporting the Whole Horse
Alongside essential oils, I’ve used supplements recommended by my veterinarian, including chromium for insulin resistance and chaste tree berry for Cushing’s. These are widely available and can be very budget-friendly depending on what you choose.
If you’re working with a vet, it’s always a good idea to ask what they prefer or recommend for your specific horse, especially when it comes to supplements and long-term management.
If you’re interested in incorporating essential oils more intentionally, it can be helpful to work with a veterinarian who is trained in aromatherapy or integrative care.
Most traditional veterinarians aren’t trained in essential oils, so if you ask about something outside of their scope, they’re often going to default to saying no. That doesn’t mean they’re wrong—it just means they’re working within the training they’ve been given.
If you want more guidance in this area, it can be really valuable to find a veterinarian who understands both sides.
There isn’t currently a simple, reliable directory specifically for veterinarians trained in aromatherapy. However, many holistic and integrative veterinarians do have experience with essential oils or are at least open to working with them appropriately.
You can start your search through organizations like the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, which offers a practitioner directory and can help you find veterinarians who take a more integrative approach
Final Thoughts
When you’re managing a horse with insulin resistance or Cushing’s, there isn’t one single answer.
There is a system.
Veterinary care, nutrition, environment, routine, and essential oils all work together. When they’re used thoughtfully and consistently, they create a level of support that no single piece can provide on its own.
Essential oils can be a part of that system.
And when you start to see them that way, they become a meaningful part of how you support your horse every day.
Want to Learn More?
If you’d like a simple starting point for using essential oils with your horse, I’ve put together a beginner-friendly guide to help you get started. You can access it here.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business.
