Horse Heart Health
Inflammation is considered a fundamental cause of most heart disease. Looking into the horse’s nutrition is a place to start, but if the horse is showing signs or is diagnosed with a heart condition these are some natural options to support horse heart health.
Great Essential Oils for Equine Cardiovascular Support
This is a list of oils I would use to help promote equine cardiovascular function. Below the list, I give tips on how I would use them.
Goldenrod– Young Living’s website describes the benefits of this oil as supporting the circulatory system, urinary tract, and liver function. It has relaxing and calming effects. The genus name, Solidago, comes from the Latin solide, which means “to make whole.”
Aroma Life™– This blend combines the harmonizing effects of ylang ylang with known powerhouses cypress, helichrysum, and marjoram. Pulsing with life, this vibrant blend energizes your life force. Since all of these great oils are part of the list, I recommend and like this blend to get a “four in one” option to save money and reduce the number of bottles to have on hand. By looking at the benefits of every single oil below, you can see why this is a great pick for promoting horse heart health.
Helichrysum– according to the the Fifth Edition Essential Oils Desk Reference, Helichrysum uses include “Herpes virus, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, blood clots, liver disorders, circulatory disorders, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis scar tissue, varicose veins)”.
Ylang Ylang– Great to have on hand for both horse and rider. The Fifth Edition Essential Oils Desk Reference gives medical properties that include: “antispasmodic, vaso-dilating, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, regulates heartbeat” and uses include: “Cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac problems, anxiety, hypertension, depression, hair loss, intestinal problems.” You can see why it is a personal favorite of mine! Most horses enjoy this essential oil and the benefits are a great support to horse heart health.
Cypress– This relaxing and grounding essential oil had medical properties including: “improves circulation and strengthens blood capillaries; anti-infectious, antispasmodic; discourages fluid retention”. ~ The Fifth Edition Essential Oils Desk Reference.
Marjoram- Our last oil on the list today has its benefits and uses that give it a reason to be on the equine cardiovascular support list. Uses include “arthritis/rheumatism, muscle/nerve pain, headaches, circulatory disorders, respiratory infections, menstrual problems/PMS, fungal infections, ringworm, shingles, sores, spasms, and fluid retention” ~ The Fifth Edition Essential Oils Desk Reference. This is an essential oil that many are familiar with and often have on hand for other purposes around the house and barn.
For promoting horse heart health and function I would apply these oils topically and by diffusing. By petting your horse with the essential oils you choose, you are covering both diffusing and topical applications. I prefer to allow the horse to smell the essential oil in the bottle first, as well as applied on my hand, before I put it on them topically. I like to use acupressure points and meridians, the chest area (where a breast collar would sit), along the spine, and along the pastern and heel bulbs of each hoof.
If you are interested in acupressure points and meridians check out TallGrass Animal Acupressure Institute Smart Phone Apps! For more information or questions on essential oils contact us.
I always like to clarify that our recommendations are only for therapeutic grade essential oils. Research your supplier and know that your oils are pure and unadulterated.
Horse Heart Health Promoting Herbs
Essential oils is our specialty here at Equine Essential Wellness but we also like to share some herbal options because we know many who pursue natural health for their horse enjoy herbs. Check out Cardio-vascular and circulatory Herbs – Hilary Self BSc MNIMH for an informative look at herbal options to help support your horse’s heart health.
Of her list, my picks would be Hawthorn, Turmeric, Ginger, Rosemary, or Nettle. Be sure to do some additional research on serving size and recommended feedings for horses. When using herbs for horse’s I like to go to the local health food store or order online from Rose Mountain Herbs.
Mission to Promote Horse Health
To be successful in improving your horse’s health it is crucial to put your focus on establishing a solid foundation of health. You can get started on supporting your horse to vibrant health right now, by grabbing your copy of my book Healthy as a Horse and discover the forgotten framework of care that can transform your horse’s health. Click here to reserve your copy now.
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Life is better when you’re horsin’ around!
