Aroma Pets

HELICHRYSUM - Helichrysum Italicum

HISTORY & CHARACTER
A strongly aromatic shrub, about 60 cm./2 ft tall with a multi branched stem of silvery, lanceolate leaves, helichrysum is native to the Mediterranean region ( especially the eastern part). The small, bright yellow, daisy like flowers dry out as the palnt matures, but still retain their colour and frgagrances. Hence the common name of everlasting or immortelle.

Traditionally used in a decoction for migraine, chronic respiratory problems, liver ailments and all types of skin conditions, this is the best essential oil for bruises. You can practically watch the bruise fade before your eyes after spplying a few drops of un diluted helichrysum. What's more, unlike the other famous bruise remedy arnica, it can be used on broken skin to disinfect cuts.

Helichrysum has a similar effect on bruised emotions, dissolving resentment held over from past injuries. Energetically, helichrysum releases blocked energy, especially anger that has been repressed and become resentful.

PRINCIPAL USES
Physical
Aches, pains, strains, Allergies, Asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs, bacterial infections, Bruises and wounds, Burns, boils, eczema, hepatic congestion, Nervous exhaustion

BEHAVIORAL
Deeply hurt emotions, habitually negative behaviour, Pat abuse, Resentful, simmering anger

I MOST USE HELICHRYSUM FOR
Dogs holding resentment over past ill treatment and are currently stuck in negative patterns that are counter productive. This is especially so if they have irritated skin. Any bumps/bruises, impact injury, rash, or burn.

EXTRACTION and CHARACTERISTICS
Steam distilled from the fresh flowers. It is a pale yellow, red tinged oil with a powerful honey like scent and a slightly bitter/pungent undertone.

ACTIONS
anti-allergenic, anti-catarrhal, anticoagulant, antidiabetic, anti-fugal, anti-haematonic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, digestive, cholagogic, cicatrizant, hepatic, mucolytic, neurotonic, phlebotonic, stimulant.

SAFETY & CAUTIONS
Generally held to be non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.

MAXIMUM dilution
3 drops in 5 ml/ 1 tsp. Can be used undiluted in emergency first aid.

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag

Ginger - Zingiber Officinale

HISTORY and CHARACTER
An erect, reed like perennial herb growing from a spreading tuberous pungent rhizome. Native to southern Asia but widely cultivated throughout the tropics. Ginger is a well known cooking spice and healing remedy that has been used

For thousands of years. Best known as a digestive, it is also used for nausea and travel sickness.

Ginger is useful for overproduction of mucous, or diarrhea. Due to its deeply warming nature, ginger is often appreciated by older dogs and those who suffer from arthritis. Energetically, ginger is hot and stimulant and a restorative of Yang energy, giving a boost to those who lack physical energy.

Ginger ignites those who lack confidence and the determination to carry things through, increases the feeling of self worth, and lifts the despondent.

PRINCIPAL USES - Physical
Arthritis, Backache, Congested lungs and sinus (white or clear mucous) Diarrhea, Flatulence, Lack of sexual performance, Muscular aches and pains, Pancreatic problems, Sluggish digestion, Soft lumps on the skin, Travel sickness

BEHAVIORAL
Depression, lack of confidence

I MOST OFTEN USE GINGER FOR
Depressed, run down dogs, especially if they have non-specific skin nodules or other symptoms of excess damp, such as diarrhea or clear mucous. Old dogs that feel the cold and may be stiff.

EXTRACTION and Characteristics
Steam distilled from the unpeeled dried root. The oil is pale yellow to amber liquid.

FRAGRANCE
Warm, spicy, slightly earthy, pungent

ACTIONS
Analgesic, anticatarrhal, carminative, digestive, expectorant, general tonic, sexual tonic, stomachic.

SAFETY & Cautions
Generally held to be non-toxic, non-irritant, but long term use can cause sensitization. Dilute well.

MAXIMUM dilution
2 drops in 5ml/ 1 tsp

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag

GERANIUM - Pelargonium Graveolens

HISTORY and CHARACTER
A sprawling aromatic perennial shrub with hairy serrated leaves and small pink flowers. Pelargonium graveolens is native to South Africa but widely cultivated. Until recently the essential oils was mostly produced in reunion(Bourbon),

Egypt, Madagascar and China, with the Bourbon oil being the most prized. South Africa now produces a very good quality oil as well.

Since there is so much confusion between pelargonium, which we call geranium, and true geranium, which we call cranesbill or herb Robert, it is not clear what the historical uses of the plant were. Nevertheless, the stronger physical and energetic action of geranium oil is " to regulate". This is due to its powerful effect on the adrenal cortex, which regulates hormones and other endocrine functions.

It is one of the most Yin of the essential oils and helps us to reconnect with the feminine principle, increasing sensitivity, spontaneity, and the ability to receive. And making us feel secure in ourselves. Geranium can be used anywhere there is a lack of Yin, which is characterized by dryness, rigidity, or overheating, and is especially good for mature females.

PRINCIPAL USES
all endocrine imbalances, Dry or greasy flaky skin, facial neuralgias, Fungal infections of the skin, Hormone problems, Lice and mosquitoes, Skin problems, especially greasy dandruff

BEHAVIORAL
Insecure, moody types, New home or other disruptions to lifestyle

I MOST OFTEN USE GERANIUM FOR
Insecure or depressed dogs who lack self confidence, especially if their moods are cyclical or their skin is over dry, greasy or unbalanced. older females/adolescent males who show a lack of receptivity.

EXTRACTION and CHARACTERISTICS
Steam distilled from the leaves, stalks and flowers. The oil is a wonderful clear green colour.

FRAGRANCE
Avery sweet and fresh, slightly spicy top-note , with green-mid notes and a musty, river-bottom-note.

ACTIONS
Analgesic, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-fugal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cicatrizant, decongestant, digestive, hemostatic, insect repellent, phlebotonic (lymph) relaxant, tonic to liver and kidneys.

SAFETY & CAUTIONS
Generally held to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. It has been known to trigger dermatitis in some individuals, especially with the Bourbon type.

MAXIMUM dilution 7 drops in 5 ml/1 tsp.

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag 

FENNEL, SWEET - Foeniculum Vulgare Var. Dulce

HISTORY and CHARACTER

Fennel is a hardy perennial or biennial herb with soft , green, ferny leaves and umbrels of yellow flowers. Native to the shores of the Mediterranean it is now widely cultivated . Aromatherapy uses Sweet or garden fennel, not bitter or common fennel, which has a high level of the potentially harmful ketone, fenchone.

Traditionally, fennel has been used as a culinary herb worldwide. The Ancient Greeks used it as a diuretic to help lose weight and to promote strength. In Europe, fennel was hung over cottage doors as protection against witchcraft. It was known as an antidote for all sorts of poisons.

Strangely enough, however, snakes were said to rub against it to improve their eyesight. Perhaps due to its anti-toxic properties, fennel was said to provide courage, strength and longevity.

It is a warm, dry oil that has great affinity with the female reproductive system and the energy of nurture and care. Since it is helpful in finding ways of expressing a caring nature constructively, it is good for those who think too much, worry about the welfare of others, or have an obsessive need to nurture (sometimes manifesting as phantom pregnancy). It also helps release gas and bloating in the digestive system, and generally relieves dampness, which can lead to fatty lumps and edema.

PRINCIPAL USES -PHYSICAL
Arthritis, rheumatism, Constipation, Fatty lumps, Fluid retention, Intestinal gas, Phantom pregnancy, Poisonous bites, Problems with lactation, Spasmodic colic, To regulate hormonal cycles, Urinary infections.

BEHAVIORAL
Anxiety related obsessive behaviour, Over-or under-active nurture impulses, Those who worry about others or seek constant reassurance

I MOST OFTEN USE FENNEL FOR:
Emotionally insecure animals who are over concerned with others, especially if there is a history of digestive upsets, flatulence, hormonal imbalance or fluid retention., Obsessive anxiety, Tumors and soft lumps, especially mammary.

EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERISTICS
Steam distilled from the crushed seeds. The oil is a colourless to pale yellow.

FRAGRANCE
A sweet anise like fragrance, sharp green with a warm earthy undertone.

ACTIONS
Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, carminative, cholagogic, circulatory, stimulant, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogic, hormone-like, lactogenic, laxative, litholytic, estrogen like, respiratory tonic (rapid breathing);

SAFETY
Generally considered to be non-sensitizing, but moderately irritating to the skin. Use only in high dilutions. Do not use during pregnancy.

MAXIMUM DILUTION
1 drop in 5ml/1 tsp.

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag