The Benefits of Clove Essential Oil in Equine Wellness
In the realm of horse care, the use of natural remedies has gained significant traction. Among these, essential oils have emerged as a noteworthy addition to the toolkit for maintaining the health and well-being of our horses. One oil I’ve been using more readily is Clove essential oil. Not only is Clove a great oil for natural pain relief for horses, but is rather known for its wide range of uses.
Clove oil has a rich history dating back centuries for its medicinal uses. When it comes to horses, integrating clove essential oil into their care regimen can yield several notable advantages. Let’s delve deeper into the ways this oil can be beneficial for our equine companions:
1. Natural Pain Relief for Your Horse
One of the primary benefits of clove essential oil lies in its analgesic, or pain relieving, properties. Diluted clove oil can be topically applied to alleviate muscle soreness, joint discomfort, or minor injuries in horses. (Be sure to dilute – this is a hot oil so may burn if applied neat!) Its numbing effect can bring relief to localized pain, particularly in the mouth, promoting comfort and aiding in the recovery process.
2. Wound Care for Horses
Clove oil boasts potent antimicrobial properties that can assist in combating bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. This is a great oil to have on hand for first aid and wound care. In fact, this is one of the main ingredients in the blend that was used to heal my horse’s neck when he tore it open on a gate bolt. See the before and after images below. It’s amazing how well he healed! If you’d like the full recipe for his wound healing regimen, just let me know! Horses…never a dull moment!
3. Respiratory Support
Inhalation of clove oil can aid in respiratory health for horses. The aromatic compounds present in clove oil can help clear nasal passages and support overall respiratory function. This can be particularly beneficial in horses exposed to dusty environments. Set up a little portable diffuser at your horse’s stall, in the trailer, or grooming area – voila! Instant support!
4. Insect Repellent for the Farm
Have you ever smelled Clove oil? It’s pretty potent! The bugs think so too 😉 Clove is a great natural deterrent for insects. Creating a diluted spray or using it in diffusers around stables can help repel flies, mosquitoes, and pesky insects, providing horses (and their human caretakers) with a more comfortable living space.
5. Digestive Relief and Support
Clove oil is believed to support digestive health. This oil just might assist in alleviating digestive issues in horses. In fact, this is an ingredient in DigestZen, an oil blend specifically designed for GI support. If you feel your horse may need some help in this area, simply apply a few drops to a horse treat (1-2 drops per 500 lbs) and allow them to ingest. As always, ONLY use Certified Pure Tested Grade (CPTG) oils, especially when ingesting. I personally prefer to use Doterra oils. You can get yours here!
Safety Measures and Usage for Clove Essential Oil
As mentioned above, Clove oil is considered a “hot” oil. What does this mean? This is one that you want to dilute with a carrier oil before applying topically to your horses. Carrier oils can be fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, whatever you have on hand to dilute and more widely distribute the oil when applied.
Want some easy recipes for using essential oils with your horses? Click below for access to my free guide:
I hope you try adding Clove to your repertoire of oils, whether it be for natural pain relief for your horse, or the other many uses shared above for your horse and for your home! What are your favorite uses for this oil, or what are you looking forward to trying? I’d love to hear!