What are Essential Oils?

 

Essential oils are the volatile, aromatic compounds found in plants.  These oils are extracted from the flowers, leaves, stems and bark of the plants and give the plant its characteristic smell.  In addition to smelling beautiful, the essential oils are the plants’ defense system.  These complex compounds act in many ways to protect the plant from bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Pure essential oils may be used in three ways:

1. Aromatically- diffused into the air and inhaled
2. Topically- applied directly to the skin or diluted with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil and absorbed readily
3. Internally- ingested in a glass of water or in a capsule

Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils, are safe for dogs, cats, children, babies, adults and the elderly.  They can be used safely by your family or pets for a variety of wellness applications. However, there are several safety guidelines that you should follow when using essential oils and essential oil products.

1. Be sure to use only pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and follow all label warnings and instructions.
2. Essential oils should not be used in the eyes, inside the ear canal, or in open wounds. In the event of accidental contact with the eye, dilute with vegetable oil NOT water.
3. Do NOT consume an essential oil internally unless labeled with a Supplement Facts box with specific dietary supplement, use instructions, and warnings.
4. When using on children, apply a very small amount of the oil to test skin or other sensitivity. Do not use oil on a child’s hand as they may transfer to their eyes or mouth.
5. Consult your physician/veterinarian before using essential oils if you or your pet are under a doctor’s care, if you are pregnant or have other safety questions regarding essential oils.
6. If you are taking medication you may want to consult your pharmacist.

Essential oils do not interfere with medications and do not have any side effects.  Because essential oils are complex in their chemical makeup, they are impossible to duplicate in a laboratory.   And, because of this complexity, each individual oil has several different uses or benefits.  For example, lavender is a natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, soothing for cuts, scrapes and minor burns and improves the quality of sleep.

Essential oils have been used as remedies for thousands of years and are mentioned over one hundred times in the bible.   Now, thanks to advanced science and technology, we have identified the chemical constituents of numerous essential oils and can measure and guarantee the quality of each oil.   Pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils offer the most therapeutic value and can be ingested safely.

Please join me on a journey to greater natural health for our pets.

 

Dr. Mia Frezzo, DVM is an established veterinarian with over 15 years of experience based in New Jersey. She will be opening her own animal hospital in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ in 2014.  

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