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

Baldwin & Chea 2018 JEVSBaldwin & Chea, J Equine Vet Sci 2018 — Lavender inhalation & stress

Ferguson 2013 JVBFerguson et al., J Vet Behav 2013 — Lavender aromatherapy in horses

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024

Equiterna Score

76/100

high overall

Science7.7/10

Practical experience8/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageInhalation/aromatherapy: a few drops of essential oil on carrier material near the stable (situational). Oral use: no established equine dose. Coordinate use.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencemoderate

Products containing Lavender

Magen

MagenMild

PerNaturam

Not orderable →

Nerven

Balsama

PerNaturam

Not orderable →

Knowledge connections

Related conditions

Nervousness & Stress →inhalation/aromatherapy briefly stress-reducing (studies) — check FEI status for sedative use

All sources in the study library →

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.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.