10 Essential Oils for Horses with Heaves

Heaves in horses, similar to human asthma, has led horse owners to natural remedies like essential oils for relief without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. This post explores 10 essential oils effective in easing respiratory distress and discomfort associated with heaves. Used appropriately and with veterinary advice, these oils can enhance the well-being of affected horses. Discover how these natural solutions can be integrated into your horse’s care regimen.

Roman Chamomile alleviates heaves due to its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Eucalyptus, an antioxidant, requires cautious use due to its strong aroma. Tea Tree and Peppermint oils reduce coughing and inflammation, while Lavender offers relaxation and inflammation relief. Thieves Essential Oil treats heaves effectively. Horse Chestnut and Basil Essential Oils provide anti-inflammatory benefits; Horse Chestnut also has sedative properties. Vetiver and Clove Buds are potent and should be used cautiously. The information aims to equip horse owners with practical knowledge for managing heaves within varied budgets.

Although essential oils for horses with heaves are proven to be efficient in reducing symptoms, the most important aspect of this therapy is identifying the cause of the symptoms accurately. This is why, in most cases, you need to work with a veterinary.

A bit about horse heaves

Horse heaves, or Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), is a respiratory disease in horses similar to human asthma, marked by chronic cough and breathing difficulty due to allergens like hay and barn dust UPenn.

Onset and Symptoms

RAO typically begins at around 9 years of age, affecting all breeds. Symptoms include flared nostrils, rapid breathing, and a persistent cough, especially during feeding or exercise. In severe cases, horses develop a “heave line” on the body due to the exertion of abdominal muscles aiding breathing [Kansas State University].

Causes and Triggers

RAO results from an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens, with stabled and hay-fed horses being most at risk. Molds in hay and poor ventilation exacerbate the condition UPenn.

Management and Treatment

Treatment involves reducing allergen exposure, changing bedding, and ensuring good ventilation. Medical interventions include bronchodilators and corticosteroids to ease airway obstruction and inflammation MSD Veterinary Manual.

Essential oils for heaves in horses

• Roman Chamomile
• Eucalyptus
• Tea Tree
• Peppermint
• Lavender
• Thieves Essential Oil
• Horse Chestnut
• Basil
• Vetiver
• Clove Buds

Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile Oil contains Angelate, Esters, and Isobutyrate, essential compounds for treating horses with heaves.

Angelate

Angelate reduces airway inflammation and muscle spasms in heaves. A study in “Plants” confirms its role in alleviating respiratory distress in horses (Plants).

Esters

Esters help manage anxiety and stress in affected horses, reducing coughing and breathing difficulties (Essential Oils Ancient Medicine).

Isobutyrate

Isobutyrate alleviates discomfort and pain from chronic inflammation, promoting easier breathing (PMC).

Usage

Administer Roman Chamomile Oil via inhalation therapy or apply it topically, diluted with a carrier oil, to the horse’s chest to aid breathing.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Oil is noted for its effectiveness in managing heaves in horses due to compounds like Alpha- & Y-Terpinenes, and Linalool.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Alpha- & Y-Terpinenes reduce airway inflammation and oxidative stress, crucial in managing heaves. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirms the anti-inflammatory effects of Alpha-Terpinene (source: PubMed).

Relaxant Effects

Linalool aids in easing breathing by relaxing airway muscles, as documented in “Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine“.

Usage

Introduce Eucalyptus Oil to horses through inhalation therapy, using a diffuser placed near the stable, not too close to avoid overwhelming the horse. Adjust usage based on the horse’s response.

Tea Tree Oil for Horses with Heaves

Antimicrobial Properties

Tea Tree Oil, containing Alpha- & Y-Terpinenes and Terpinen-4-ol, is known for its antimicrobial benefits. A study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology (Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Journal of Applied Microbiology, 101(3), 616–624) supports its use in preventing secondary infections in horses with heaves.

Expectorant and Antispasmodic Effects

Terpinen-4-ol, another compound in Tea Tree Oil, is highlighted in the “Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine” book for its role in promoting mucus expulsion and reducing airway spasms, aiding in easier breathing for affected horses.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

P-Cymene’s contribution to reducing airway inflammation is documented in “Plants“, indicating improved respiratory function in horses with heaves.

Administration and Dosage

Tea Tree Oil can be administered through inhalation therapy. Add a few drops to a steaming bowl of water for the horse to inhale. It’s essential to monitor the horse’s response and seek a veterinarian’s advice on dosage and frequency to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Peppermint

Peppermint Oil, rich in Alpha-Pinene, Menthol, and Menthone, is effective in managing heaves in horses.

Bronchodilatory Effect

Menthol relaxes the respiratory tract muscles, improving airflow and easing breathing, as supported by a 2005 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (source: PubMed).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Alpha-Pinene reduces airway inflammation, alleviating breathing difficulties (source: Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine).

Antispasmodic Action

Menthone minimizes respiratory tract spasms, reducing coughing and discomfort (source: DrugBank).

Use

Apply diluted Peppermint Oil topically to the horse’s chest or use a diffuser for aromatherapy. Consult a veterinarian for dosage and application to ensure safety and effectiveness. Ensure the horse is not allergic to the oil.

Lavender

Lavender Oil is effective in managing heaves in horses due to its active compounds Angelate, Esters, and Isobutyrate.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Angelate reduces airway inflammation, improving breathing and reducing respiratory distress, as supported by a study in the journal “Plants“.

Stress Reduction

Esters, especially linalyl acetate, reduce anxiety and stress in horses, mitigating heaves symptoms. “Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine” details Lavender Oil’s relaxation benefits.

Bronchodilatory Effects

Isobutyrate relaxes airway muscles, improving airflow, a benefit for horses with constricted airways, as noted on DrugBank.

Usage Recommendation

For horses with heaves, administer Lavender Oil via inhalation therapy, adding a few drops to a diffuser near the horse, with frequency and duration tailored to each horse and under veterinary guidance.

Thieves Essential Oil

Thieves Essential Oil, a blend of eucalyptus, clove, rosemary, thyme, and sage, is recognized for its potential in managing heaves in horses due to compounds like Alpha-Terpineol, Eucalyptol, Eugenol, Linalool, and Terpinen-4-ol.

Eucalyptol and Alpha-Terpineol have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as evidenced by a study in the Journal of Asthma (DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2011.631243), making them effective in reducing mucus production and airway inflammation.

Eugenol possesses antimicrobial properties, proven by research in the Journal of Essential Oil Research (DOI: 10.1080/10412905.1998.9700959), aiding in preventing secondary infections in horses with heaves.

Linalool, referenced in the Essential Oils Ancient Medicine eBook, relaxes and dilates the airways, alleviating respiratory distress.

Terpinen-4-ol boosts the immune response, as shown in the Journal of Applied Microbiology (DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2005.02645.x), supporting the management of chronic conditions like heaves.

Usage

To use Thieves Essential Oil, apply a diluted form topically to the horse’s chest or use a diffuser in the stable, under professional guidance, monitoring for adverse reactions.

Sources:

• Essential Oils Ancient Medicine eBook
• Journal of Asthma
• Journal of Essential Oil Research
• Journal of Applied Microbiology
• DrugBank

Horse Chestnut

Horse Chestnut contains saponins of oleane type and flavonoids, including glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol, making it beneficial for horses with heaves.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Saponins in Horse Chestnut offer anti-inflammatory effects, crucial for managing respiratory tract inflammation common in heaves. A study in the Plants journal supports the role of saponins in reducing inflammation, aiding in alleviating respiratory distress.

Antioxidant Effects

Flavonoids in Horse Chestnut, specifically glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol, are known antioxidants. They neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in horses with heaves.

Use

Horse Chestnut can be applied topically in a diluted form to the horse’s chest to alleviate respiratory distress, following a patch test to avoid allergic reactions. Dosage and frequency should be veterinarian-approved to match the horse’s specific condition and needs.

Basil Essential Oil

Basil essential oil contains Eugenol, Linalool, and Methylchavicol (Estragole), beneficial for treating horses with heaves.

Eugenol

Eugenol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A 2004 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed eugenol inhibits enzymes causing inflammation, like cyclooxygenase (COX) (source: PubMed). It can alleviate airway swelling and irritation in horses with heaves.

Linalool

Linalool relaxes smooth muscles. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1999) indicated its role in reducing airway contractions in heaves (source: Essential Oils Ancient Medicine eBook).

Methylchavicol (Estragole)

Methylchavicol aids in expelling mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract, clearing obstructed airways in horses with heaves (source: DrugBank).

Usage

Use basil oil cautiously due to its strong aroma and horses’ sensitive respiratory systems. Dilute it with a carrier oil and conduct a patch test. Apply it topically or use in aromatherapy in a well-ventilated area. Always consult a veterinarian before use.

Vetiver Essential Oil for Horses with Heaves

Vetiver Essential Oil is recognized for its potential benefits in managing heaves in horses, attributed to its specific active compounds.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Delta-Selinene is a key component with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s essential in addressing the inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory tract of horses with heaves. A 2019 study in the Molecules journal supports these findings.

Relaxant Properties

Beta-Vetivenene is known for its relaxant effects, which are instrumental in easing the labored breathing associated with heaves.

Immune Modulation

Khusimene plays a role in immune modulation, a critical aspect of managing chronic inflammatory conditions like heaves, as outlined in the book “Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine.”

Usage Recommendations

Introduce Vetiver Essential Oil gradually, observing the horse’s response. It can be applied diluted in a carrier oil to the horse’s chest or used in inhalation therapy. Always consult a veterinarian before introducing any essential oil to ensure it’s safe and effective for your specific horse.

Clove Buds

Clove Buds Essential Oil contains eugenol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential treatment for horses with heaves.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Eugenol can mitigate inflammation, as evidenced by a study in the Journal of Immunotoxicology (2015) (source: NCBI).

Antispasmodic Effects

Eugenol can also alleviate spasmodic coughing in horses with heaves, improving respiratory function (source: Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine).

Analgesic Properties

The compound provides pain relief, enhancing the comfort of affected horses (source: DrugBank).

Usage Recommendation

Clove oil should be used in a diluted form to avoid skin irritation. It can be incorporated into inhalation therapy for horses with heaves, but consultation with a veterinarian is necessary to determine the appropriate dosage and application.

Conclusion

We’ve explored ten essential oils that can alleviate symptoms of heaves in horses when used responsibly and under professional guidance.

Managing heaves involves combining veterinary care with natural remedies like essential oils. Each oil, including Roman Chamomile, Eucalyptus, and Clove Buds, has specific benefits but must be used considering the individual horse’s needs and sensitivities.

The key is informed application and collaboration with veterinarians to ensure safety and effectiveness. This approach offers horses with heaves a path to relief and improved quality of life.