Welcome to the Aromatic Wisdom Institute Blog! Today, we’re diving into a topic that blends my love for animals and my passion for hydrosols. Hydrosols are a big part of my life, and I’ve explored their therapeutic properties extensively in my podcast episodes, blog posts, and courses. In this post, I’ll share why hydrosols are an excellent choice for our furry friends, especially small domestic pets.
What Are Hydrosols?
First, let’s define hydrosols. A hydrosol is the aromatic water produced during the steam distillation of botanical materials. For instance, if you distill lavender flowers, you’ll get two products: lavender essential oil and lavender hydrosol. Hydrosols are incredibly therapeutic, gentle, and safe to use with humans, infants, and animals alike.
While I diffuse essential oils in my home, I don’t recommend applying them directly to animals. Instead, hydrosols are perfect for topical use and can be beneficial for a variety of issues. Below are ten ways you can safely use hydrosols with your pets.
1. Skin Irritations and Wounds
Hydrosols are excellent for treating minor skin irritations and wounds. For example, if your pet gets scratched during playtime, rinsing the wound with lavender or helichrysum hydrosol can promote healing. I’ve used hydrosols on my cats for everything from scratches to hot spots, and they work wonders.
2. Ear Cleaning
A gentle hydrosol like chamomile can be used to clean your pet’s ears. Simply wet a cotton ball with the hydrosol and gently clean the inner ear. This helps keep their ears clean and can prevent infections.
3. Oral Care
Hydrosols like peppermint can be a great addition to your pet’s oral hygiene routine. Dampen a warm washcloth with peppermint or spearmint hydrosol and gently clean your pet’s teeth. This not only freshens their breath but also promotes good oral health.
4. Face Cleaning
Just like ear cleaning, you can use hydrosols to keep your pet’s face clean. Use a soft cotton pad or flannel cloth, dampened with warm hydrosol, to wipe around their face gently.
5. Eye Care
For pets prone to eye discharge, cornflower hydrosol can help clean the area safely. Dampen a cloth with the hydrosol and gently wipe around your pet’s eyes to remove any crusties and prevent infections.
6. Paw Care
After walks, it’s essential to check your pet’s paws for irritations. Rinsing their paws with lavender or calendula hydrosol can soothe and clean any irritation from rough surfaces or debris.
7. Bath Additive
Adding a calming hydrosol like lavender or rose to your pet’s bath can enhance the bathing experience. It soothes the skin and helps your pet relax during their bath time.
8. Calming Anxiety
Hydrosols can be beneficial for pets dealing with anxiety or nausea. Spraying a little lavender or peppermint hydrosol in their bedding area can help calm their nerves. It’s also a great way to soothe a car-sick pet by placing a cloth with hydrosol nearby.
9. Environmental Freshener
Spraying hydrosols like rosemary or peppermint in your pet’s environment can neutralize odors and freshen up their living space. Just be sure to let the area dry before they lay down.
10. Digestive Aid
You can add a small amount (about a teaspoon) of fennel or ginger hydrosol to your pet’s drinking water to support digestion. It can help soothe an upset stomach and promote overall digestive health.
A Word of Caution
While hydrosols offer many benefits using them to avoid ticks and fleas is not an option as their effectiveness in this area is questionable. If your pet has specific health concerns, consult your veterinarian before trying new remedies.
Final Thoughts
Hydrosols are a versatile and safe option for animal care. I hope you found these tips helpful and inspiring! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out through my website or at Patreon.com/aromaticwisdom
Stay tuned for more insights from the Aromatic Wisdom Institute!
