The Use of Essential Oils in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine: Small Animal Practice

Abstract

Essential oils (EO) have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Advancing to the present day, these aromatic plant-based compounds are proving to effectively treat human medical conditions as well as promote physical and mental health in maintenance programs and are supported by a growing body of scientific literature. The EO’s have a long history associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and exhibit the TCM functions characteristic of the Five Elements, Yin and Yang and Channel affinity. The use of EO’s is growing in veterinary medicine and similar to humans, they can be administered by several routes which include inhalation (water based diffusers, nebulizers), topical (diluted, undiluted) and ingestion. It is important for safe use in domestic animals to be attentive to species differences, purity of the product, route of administration and concentration of the EO. This therapy is predominately used as an adjunct to both conventional medicine and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) therapy and allows increased treatment flexibility and efficacy for a variety of veterinary medical conditions.