Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia · Lavender
Mechanism
Lavender essential oil contains mainly linalool and linalyl acetate, attributed anxiolytic properties. In the horse there is comparatively good — if small — evidence for inhalation/aromatherapy: Baldwin & Chea (2018) and Ferguson et al. (2013) showed a short-term reduction of stress parameters (heart rate, heart rate variability) in stressful situations after inhalation of lavender oil. The effects are short and situational; a sustained or orally mediated calming effect is much more weakly established. Application is usually environmental/inhalational, not primarily as feed. As lavender is used topically/inhalationally and is not named on the EPSL, it is currently not listed for competition; with sedative intent the status should nonetheless be checked beforehand.
Cautions
- · Established effect mainly inhalational and short-term, not oral
- · Do not apply essential oils undiluted to mucous membranes; irritation potential
- · With deliberately sedative use, check FEI status before competition
Sources
Knowledge connections
Frequently asked questions
Is Lavender a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes Lavender as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is Lavender allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, Lavender is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for Lavender?
Stated in the profile: Inhalation/aromatherapy: a few drops of essential oil on carrier material near the stable (situational). Oral use: no established equine dose. Coordinate use. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for Lavender?
The profile cites: Baldwin & Chea 2018 JEVS, Ferguson 2013 JVB, and FEI EPSL 2024.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.