What is tea tree oil?
Tea Tree, also known as Melaleuca essential oil has historically been used to promote skin health, as well as support immunity. Melaleuca has reported health benefits from maintaining beautiful hair to purification and freshening the room, cleansing the air, keeping skin clean, toned and healthy looking, supporting nails and ear health, and so much more… No wonder everyone wants a little bit of this oil! However, this oil is not safe for all species.
Tea tree is very useful in supporting the skin, hair and nails. This oil is also very useful in dealing with emotional issues of codependent relationships, particularly horses that cannot leave a particular friend.
How to use tea tree oil with animals:
Tea tree oil be diffused, applied topically or given internally.
For horses and large animals, use this oil topically directly over the area of concern. It is particularly useful with for scrapes or minor cuts, or even itchy skin mixed with lavender and frankincense or helichrysum. This is very helpful for hoof health as well. A must have on any farm!
For dogs, tea tree is not typically indicated for use with dogs without veterinary oversight. It is included in several blends, and these blends can be diffused using a water diffuser (2-4 drops maximum), and ensure the dog can leave the area. I have used this oil in rare circumstances with dogs under oversight by a veterinarian or trained animal aromatherapist and diluted properly. However, it’s best to start with an oil like Geranium, Myrrh, Arborvitae, or Melissa which are safer as well as powerful in their own right.
For cats, tea tree is not for topical or internal use. If diffusing a blend with Tea Tree oil in it, ensure the area is well ventilated and the cat can leave the area.
For birds and poultry, water diffusion or use in combination with other oils as an ointment. This oil can be used in chicken coops to help keep them healthy and, as a bonus, it can repel unwanted creepy crawlies as well.
