Jul 04, 2023

Avian Aromatherapy: Discovering Bird-Safe Essential Oils

The use of aromatherapy is not only a pleasant experience, but it can have therapeutic benefits. Some people are unaware of the different ways essential oils can be used and what they are best suited for. This article will focus on applying a few different types of essential oils to companion birds.

Aromatherapy is primarily used to benefit the mind, body, and soul by using various plant-derived aromatic compounds like essential oils. The use of aromatherapy can be a great method for birds to use to relax as well as treat common illnesses. Essential oils are most often blended with carrier oils for therapeutic purposes.

Best Essential Oils that are Safe For Birds:

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemons have a pleasant odor, and their aroma is expressed by lemon essential oils, which show high effectiveness in treating eye disorders. It has a beneficial effect on the eyes and can be used to treat conjunctivitis. It is also considered to be an excellent remedy for treating bacterial eye infections. Lemons are commonly used in the home environment, and it is easily available in most households. It has a high therapeutic effect on both external and internal diseases.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary also known as Rosmarinus officinalis is a forest plant that has a sweet, warm fragrance that can be used to treat many skin conditions such as redness, swelling, itching, poisoning of the skin due to insect bites and stings, dermatitis and numbing of the skin or tingling sensation. It also relieves pain in muscles and joints by dilating blood vessels. It can be used on both the skin and in inhalation. Its antimicrobial properties make it an effective treatment for wounds. Rosemary essential oil can also be used to treat insect bites and stings.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon oil is one of the most popular essential oils known for a myriad of uses, including its many aromatic benefits to promote health. It is a versatile aid and is commonly used in many household products such as toothpaste, shampoo, seasoning, cleaning agents, toiletries, and soaps such as mouthwash and throat drops, among many other uses. It has been known to help support healthy digestion by maintaining immunity against external pathogens and internal parasites.

Clove Essential Oil

As a traditional herbal medicine, clove essential oil is commonly used for treating respiratory tract infections and ulcers. It has also been associated with improving cardiovascular health, and also helping with abdominal cramps making it a great treatment for digestive system health.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is widely used to treat colds, flu, or any other respiratory conditions. It also acts as an expectorant and has strong antimicrobial properties which further helps with treating many infections. It also increases blood circulation which helps to promote overall health and well-being.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is commonly used for nausea, digestive problems, and respiratory symptoms such as asthma and bronchitis. It has a refreshing smell and promotes relaxation through its predictable menthol effect.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil has many uses such as treating acne or fungal nail infections. This healing oil is commonly used as a topical solution for skin problems because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Step-by-step Guide on How to Apply Essential Oils Safe For Birds:

Step 1: Place the bottle of essential oil in a dark place and leave it there for 24 hours.

Step 2: After exposure to air, open the bottle and shake the bottle. The next step is to use a dropper to drop 4-5 drops of essential oils on your chosen area.

Step 3: The next step is to massage generously on your pet bird's chosen area until it has absorbed into the skin.

Step 4: For best results, you should try to massage the feather-covered skin for at least 20 minutes.

Step 5: If you are using lemon essential oil as a treatment for the pet's eye problems, you should massage fresh lemon juice on all affected areas and then wait 30 minutes before applying the essential oil.

Step 6: It is highly recommended to stop using lemon essential oil once the infection clears up. Make sure to check on your bird daily and if any new symptoms start to appear then discontinue the use of the citrus essential oil and consult a veterinarian.

Step 7: If you are using rosemary or tea tree essential oils, you should be careful not to apply them on broken skin because they will cause more harm than good.

Step 8: Always replace the cap on the bottle and put it back in the dark place after you are done applying essential oils to your bird's body.

Step 9: You should not use more than 20 drops of essential oils on a bird.

Step 10: Only replace the cap and put the bottle back in a dark place once you are done using all the essential oils.

Step 11: Give your pet bird time to rest after applying the essential oils.

Step 12: For daily maintenance, you should repeat steps 1-3 only once for your pet bird's healthy skin and feathers.

FAQs:

How do essential oils affect a bird's skin?

An essential oil is made up of volatile substances, which are easily absorbed into the bird's skin. The volatile substances in the essential oil are known to have a wide effect on the bird's skin, which may include causing redness or itchiness.

My bird has a lot of pimples, should I put essential oils on them?

If you suspect your pet bird has a bacterial infection, it is recommended that you get professional help. To treat mild acne, it is best to use a commercial acne product from your local health store or supermarket. Your veterinarian will also be able to help treat and clear up any infection appearing on your pet bird's skin.