The word Aromatherapy was invented in the 1920's by French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse to describe the practice of using essential oils taken from plants, roots, and seeds for healing purposes. However, Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, with mentioning in the famous Egyptian Ebers papyrus, and later in the Holy Bible.

Essential oils are derived from plants, but their use differs from herbal medicine, since they are only the volatile part of the plant. The oils are very concentrated and powerful, and must be used with extreme care and understanding. Some oils may cause abortion in pregnant animals, so don't be fooled by the gentle way in which they are applied.

The oils can be used in a variety of situations, and can often be used in addition to other holistic therapies and allopathic drugs. However, certain essential oils may reduce the efficacy of homeopathic remedies. Often a combination of holistic treatments is necessary to achieve an optimal effect.

AROMATHERAPY AND YOUR ANIMAL

Before I apply an oil to a patient, I perform a response test to see if they are compatible with him or her. I often let the animal show me which oils he/she is interested in. I never force an oil on an animal, but trust the animal's own instinct. Animals have a highly attuned olfactory system (sense of smell), and may not find certain smells as agreeable as we do.

Horses being such sensitive and natural creatures ,respond wonderfully to the use of aromatherapy, even showing an ability and willingness to choose their remedy. Being herbivores, their instinct leads them naturally to the appropriate plant of therapeutic value. If the correct oil has been chosen, we will often see the "flehmen" response, where the upper lip will curl up.

Dogs, being omnivores, are quite subtle in their response to essential oils and may sometimes pose a challenge for the therapist when selecting the best oils for a particular disorder.

Cats, on the other hand, are not good candidates for aromatherapy. Cats are obligate carnivores and usually don't eat plants. They also exhibit an adverse reaction to alcohol, a constituent of most essential oils. Furthermore, they have extremely sensitive skin.