Aromatherapy

The therapeutic application of aromatic essential oils is known as aromatherapy. The administration of the oils by diffusion or aerosolization is most common, but topical and oral applications are also effective routes for some formulations. The essential oils act on the underlying vibrational energy of the patient to restore the energetic imbalance causing the disease or condition. By increasing the vital force of the patient, aromatherapy strengthens the natural immune system and promotes self-healing.

Birds are extremely susceptible to any aerosolized agents, including essential oils used in aromatherapy. Therefore, care must be taken not to overwhelm the bird’s respiratory system with too strong of a treatment. An electric aromatic diffuser can be used in a well-ventilated room for five-minute intervals, several times daily for certain conditions. The scent of the essential oils should be barely detectable, so as to not overwhelm the bird’s respiratory system. Some aromatic agents may be inherently too strong or noxious for use around birds, therefore use with caution. This therapy is used less commonly in birds, except for cases of stress reduction, due to the potential respiratory risks.

Some conditions in pet birds respond well to aromatherapy including certain respiratory ailments and stress and anxiety issues. A respiratory essential oil blend for diffusion consists of eucalyptus (50%), pine (25%), tea tree (10%), and niaouli or cajeput (15%). This blend is diffused near the cage several times daily for five minute intervals. A 15ml essential oil blend for stress and anxiety is composed of lavender (10 ml), marjoram (4 ml) and neroli (1 ml).This is diffused for five minutes near the cage, repeated four to five times daily. A diffusion of lavender, bergamot or ylang ylang in the exam room provides a calming and relaxing effect on the patient, client and doctor. The electric aromatic diffuser can be turned on in the waiting room or exam room for five to ten minutes every three to four hours during the day.

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