Why Your Horse Will Love Natural Eucalyptus

What Is Eucalyptus?

This is a plant that varies from a shrub to a tree. Although native to Australia, different types of eucalyptus do grow in other parts of the world too. Even including in the UK and Ireland.

What Is Eucalyptus Used For?

Indigenous populations in Australia have used for thousands of years for many reasons. With the wood being used to make tools and equipment. They're also for spiritual cleansing.

Eucalyptus oil has medicinal properties, including for respiratory reasons and has an insect repellent. Read on below for more information on research looking at use of eucalyptus with animals.

How Can My Horse Benefit From Eucalyptus?

As an essential oil, eucalyptus can be used to in various ways. It can be used to help:

• With respiratory conditions
• Skin irritations
• Reduce lice
• Deter flies
• Help with hoof health, such as hoof oil.

It is normally only used either topically or as an aroma. Taking internally is not usually recommended.

Is There Any Research On Eucalyptus Use With Horses?

Yes there's been a lot of research into the benefits of essential oils in veterinary medicine, including how eucalyptus can help. Please see below some useful links

• Ebani VV, Mancianti F. Use of Essential Oils in Veterinary Medicine to Combat Bacterial and Fungal Infections. Vet Sci. 2020;7(4):193. Published 2020 Nov 30. doi:10.3390/vetsci7040193
• ELLSE, L. and WALL, R. (2014), The use of essential oils in veterinary ectoparasite control: a review. Med Vet Entomol, 28: 233-243. https://doi.org/10.1111/mve.12033
• Acaricidal and insecticidal effects of essential oils against ectoparasites of veterinary importance Universidad De Santiago De Chile (2018) https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/162596409.pdf

How To Buy Eucalyptus For Your Horse?

First of all, only use high quality products from reputable companies. The essential oil can be bought from my doTERRA website here.

Companies like Supreme Products sell Eucalyptus Body Wash for Horses. But there are several others available too. Dorwest Herbs sell shampoo for dogs which contains eucalyptus too.

Check how much eucalyptus is in the product though. Sometimes you'll find eucalyptus is one of several other ingredients - for instance it's often mixed with tea tree oil. This can be a good thing, but be sure to know what you're actually buying!

If you'd like to help your horse with eucalyptus, then do check with your veterinary surgeon to see if he or she thinks it will be useful. You could also have a consultation with a holistic veterinary surgeon which maybe beneficial. Or a zoopharmacognosy practitioner can give a consultation with essential oils. There are many across the UK and the world.

Like help finding a veterinary surgeon or therapist for your animal?
Please email me at info at taranet . co. uk

Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

About the Author

Suzanne Harris is founder of this Taranet website at www.taranet.co.uk, and also provides business coaching to horse and dog care and veterinary professionals.