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 HERE. And 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.
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