For many centuries, essential oils were used for religious rituals, the treatment of illness, and other physical and spiritual needs. Records dating back to 2700B.C. describe the use of essential oils by the Egyptians for medicinal purposes. There are over 200 references to aromatics throughout Bible, and it was the revered oils of frankincense and myrrh that the wise men were reported to have presented to baby Jesus. Perhaps the people of ancient times had a greater understanding of essential oils than we have today!
Essential oils are basically liquids that are distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. They are chemically very complex and consist of anywhere from 80 to 300 different chemical compounds. What determines the purity of an oil and essentially its therapeutic value are its chemical constituents. These constituents are affected by a number of variables including the part of the plant from which the oil is produced, soil condition, fertilizer (organic or chemical), geographical region, climate, altitude, harvesting methods, and distillation process.
Today the ability of essential oils to act on both the mind and body is what makes them truly unique among natural therapies. On a psychological level essential oils can be energizing and stimulating or calming and sedating for the purpose of relieving stress. On a physiological level, they can stimulate the immune system, regenerate damaged tissue, or combat infectious disease by killing viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. They also have the ability to exert strong effects on the brain, in particular the hypothalamus(the hormone center of the body), and the limbic system(the center of emotions) and can even dramatically increase oxygenation and activity in the brain. Aside from their long list of applications, these oils are quite versatile in how they can be used. They can be applied topically, ingested internally, and inhaled directly or through a diffuser.
One of the more popular ways in which essential oils are used is with Raindrop Therapy. This is a method by which 9 different oils are applied and massaged primarily along the spine and down the limbs. It was developed to correct spinal misalignments thought to be caused by muscle spasms and inflammation producing bacteria and viruses. It brings the body into structural and electrical alignment and essentially promotes overall well being and healing from within. In addition, raindrop therapy is highly effective in combating many types of tissue infections and therefore wonderful at supporting a weakened immune system.
Just some of the applications that essential oils have in veterinary medicine are as follows:
- Tendon/ligament repair
- Skin cancers such as melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas
- Endocrine issues
- Infections of all kinds
- Immune support
- Increased circulation and oxygenation
- Respiratory diseases
- Behavioral issues