A Note of Caution on Essential Oils: While essential oils hold potential for helping epileptic dogs, their proper use and care are paramount. Misuse or overuse of certain essential oils can lead to adverse effects, including increased seizure risk, skin irritation, vomiting, or even death. Never let your dog ingest any essential oils. Consult with a veterinarian experienced in integrative medicine before incorporating essential oils into your dog's health regimen. For detailed guidance on the safe application of essential oils for dogs, see our comprehensive guide on how to use essential oils on dogs.
Understanding Essential Oils: Potent Plant Extracts
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from plants through processes like distillation or cold pressing. Unlike the plants themselves, which may have mild effects, essential oils pack a powerful punch due to their concentrated nature. Just a small amount of essential oil contains the essence of many pounds of the plant, making them much more potent. Essential oils are expensive because it takes so much plant material to make them. For example, it takes about 250 lbs of lavender flower to make 1 lb of lavender essential oil. This extreme concentration is why essential oils can be more beneficial or dangerous than their plant counterparts. The strong, active compounds in these oils can significantly impact the body, leading to beneficial medical uses, and sometimes adverse reactions such as seizures. Therefore, it's crucial to handle essential oils with care and use them responsibly.
Introduction to Essential Oils and Their Traditional Uses
Historically, essential oils have been utilised as anticonvulsants (seizure prevention) in traditional medicine across various cultures worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, India, China, and Brazil. The extensive traditional use of essential oils in these regions has spurred significant research efforts by local institutions to scientifically validate their anti-epileptic effects. This cultural and scientific legacy underscores the potential of essential oils in modern epilepsy management.
Essential Oils and the Blood-Brain Barrier
A critical property of essential oils in the context of epilepsy treatment is their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). For a drug to be effective against neurological conditions, it must be able to penetrate this barrier. Typically, compounds likely to cross the BBB are small (less than 400 Daltons) and exhibit high lipid solubility. Virtually all compounds found in essential oils meet these criteria, making them promising candidates for neurological therapies, including seizure management.
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Compounds in Essential Oils with Anticonvulsant Properties
Essential oils contain natural compounds that can influence how the brain functions, particularly by affecting GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a key chemical in the brain. GABA acts like a natural calming agent, preventing overexcitement and reducing the likelihood of seizures. Additionally, some compounds in essential oils can influence ion channels in neurons, which are crucial for regulating electrical activity in the brain. By modulating these channels, the compounds help stabilise neuronal activity and further prevent seizures. Let's explore the specific compounds in these essential oils and how they help prevent seizures in dogs.
Linalool (Lavender & Coriander Oil)
Linalool, abundant in lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) essential oils, shows promising anti-convulsive effects by influencing calcium and potassium channels in neurons. Linalool enhances GABA receptor function, suppressing seizure activity. It also modulates sodium channels and increases potassium currents, contributing to its anticonvulsant properties.
Additionally, linalool may protect the brain by interacting with NMDA receptors, potentially shielding neurons from calcium toxicity during seizures. Studies demonstrate lavender oil's efficacy in preventing convulsions, showcasing linalool's potential in epilepsy management.
Citral (Lemongrass Oil)
Citral is a key component found in the essential oils of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and other Cymbopogon species. Citral works by modulating GABA, the brain’s natural calming agent. Studies have shown that it could help with seizures by increasing the time before seizures start and reducing their severity.
Asarone (Ginger Oil)
Asarone is found in the roots of plants like wild ginger (Asarum species) and their essential oils. There are two types: alpha-asarone and beta-asarone. Research shows that alpha-asarone can help prevent seizures by increasing calming GABA levels in the brain. However, beta-asarone, found in high quantities in calamus (Acorus calamus), might actually raise the risk of seizures, so the specific type of asarone is very important.
Carvone (Mint Oil)
Carvone is a natural compound found in mint plants and some Mediterranean spices. It comes in two forms: (S)-carvone and (R)-carvone. The (S)-carvone form, found in plants such as dill (Anethum graveolens) and caraway (Carum carvi) oils, has been shown to have anticonvulsant properties by increasing GABA activity in the brain without causing drowsiness. On the other hand, the (R)-carvone form, which is found in spearmint (Mentha spicata) and some types of calamint (Calamintha officinalis), does not have these benefits.
Eugenol (Clove/ Bayleaf Oil)
Eugenol is a key compound found in essential oils like clove oil (Eugenia caryophyllata) and bay leaf oil (Laurus nobilis). Its anticonvulsant properties come from the fact that it blocks the sodium channels in the brain. This action helps calm overexcited neurons and reduces the likelihood, severity, duration, and damage of seizures. However, it should be noted that Eugenol has a depressive effect on the nervous system, and requires extra care and dilution when working with essential oils that fall in this category.
Citronellol (Geranium/ Lemongrass Oil)
Citronellol is a compound present in various aromatic plant oils such as citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), and lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus). Studies have shown it protects against convulsions caused by drugs and electric shocks in animal models. It significantly reduces seizures and delays the onset of clonic seizures, providing strong anticonvulsant protection. This effect is partly due to its ability to reduce the strength of action potentials in neurons.
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Compounds in Essential Oils That May Increase Seizure Risk
While some essential oils have beneficial anticonvulsant properties, others can act as convulsants and increase seizure risk. Certain compounds within these specific oils can influence brain activity in ways that heighten the risk of seizures, almost the inverted effect of the beneficial oils above. While some compounds in essential oils bolster the calming effects of neurotransmitters like GABA, reducing seizure activity, others may disrupt these processes, leading to increased brain excitability. Let's explore the specific compounds in these essential oils and how they interact with the brain in ways that may increase seizures.
Thujone (sage, wormwood, thuja, cedar)
Thujone is found in sage, wormwood, thuja, and cedar, and at high concentrations in their essential oil forms. Thujone interferes with the balance of chemicals in the brain, potentially disrupting the activity of neurotransmitters like GABA, which helps calm nerve activity. This disruption can lead to abnormal electrical signals in the brain, triggering seizures. Multiple reports and studies in humans and animals alike clearly link this compound to seizures.
1,8-Cineole (eucalyptus and rosemary)
Also known as eucalyptol, 1,8-cineole is found in eucalyptus and rosemary, which becomes more concentrated when these plants are turned into essential oil. 1,8-Cineole has been linked to seizures in both humans and animals at higher dosages; however, some studies show that 1,8-cineole can have anticonvulsant effects in animal models. For instance, essential oils from plants like cardamom and guava, which contain 1,8-cineole, showed some protective effects against seizures.
This paradox might be due to 1,8-cineole acting as a weak partial antagonist of GABA receptors. GABA receptors are crucial for calming neuronal activity and preventing seizures. 1,8-cineole may bind to these receptors but does not activate them strongly, potentially blocking stronger convulsant agents from provoking seizures. This weak antagonistic effect can create a misleading appearance of calming or anticonvulsant action in some contexts.
Camphor (camphor, sage, eucalyptus, and rosemary)
Camphor, present in camphor, sage, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils, can disrupt GABA neurotransmission and trigger seizures. Camphor disrupts normal brain function by interfering with neurotransmitter activity, particularly affecting GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps calm neuronal activity. By blocking the calming effects of GABA, camphor can cause neurons to become overly excited, leading to seizures.
(Note: rosemary essential oil is very different to rosemary extract, which is a common natural preservative that is completely safe for epileptic dogs. It is a myth based on confusion around rosemary essential oil, vs. extract, vs. plant. If you want to read about it you can do so here)
Pinocamphone (hyssop, pines)
Pinocamphone is found in hyssop and some pine species. It has been identified as a convulsive agent for both animals and humans, meaning it can trigger seizures at certain doses. The convulsive effects of pinocamphone are linked to its impact on the nervous system.
Like many of the other compounds discussed here, Pinocamphone can interfere with the normal function of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to inhibit neuronal activity and maintain a calm, stable nervous system. By disrupting GABA receptor function, pinocamphone can lead to overexcitation of neurons, increasing the risk of seizures.
Essential Oils that May Help in Seizure Management for Epileptic Dogs:
Please note that all essential oils should be introduced slowly with extreme care. They should all be heavily diluted with a base oil, making up 0.25-1% of the entire solution. Read our using essential oil guide and speak to your vet.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender oil essential oil, rich in linalool, delays seizure onset and reduces their intensity by enhancing GABA activity and stabilizing neuron ion channels, making it an effective natural anticonvulsant.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Primarily composed of citral, lemongrass essential oil has been shown to delay the onset of seizures and decrease their intensity in various seizure models. Studies suggest that citral enhances GABA activity, which helps calm the brain and prevent seizures.
Wild Ginger (Asarum species): High in alpha-asarone, wild ginger essential oil can help prevent seizures by increasing calming GABA levels in the brain.
Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus): Also high in alpha-asarone, sweet flag essential oil can help increase GABA levels in the brain.
Caraway (Carum carvi): Containing a substantial amount of (S)-carvone, caraway essential oil has been shown to have anticonvulsant properties by increasing GABA activity in the brain without causing drowsiness.
Dill (Anethum graveolens): Similar containing a substantial amount of (S)-carvone, dill essential oil has been shown to have anticonvulsant properties by increasing GABA activity in the brain without causing drowsiness.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): Rich in eugenol, clove essential oil works by depressing the nervous system, which can have a calming effect to lessen seizures but also can impair motor function. Note this essential oil needs to be used with extra care and heavy dilution as it can be toxic.
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum verum): similarly, cinnamon bark essential oil is rich in eugenol, which works by depressing the nervous system, which can have a calming effect to lessen seizures but also can impair motor function. Note this essential oil needs to be used with extra care and heavy dilution as it can be toxic.
Essential Oils to Avoid:
The following essential oils should be avoided where possible, especially at higher doses or concentrations.
Sage (Salvia officinalis): Contains high levels of thujone, which interferes with the balance of chemicals in the brain, potentially disrupting the activity of neurotransmitters like GABA.
Cedar (Cedrus spp.): Contains high levels of thujone, which interferes with the balance of chemicals in the brain, potentially disrupting the activity of neurotransmitters like GABA.
Thuja (Thuja plicata): Contains high levels of thujone, which interferes with the balance of chemicals in the brain, potentially disrupting the activity of neurotransmitters like GABA.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): Contains 1,8-cineole and camphor, both of which disrupt normal brain function by interfering with neurotransmitter activity.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Contains 1,8-cineole and camphor, both of which disrupt normal brain function by interfering with neurotransmitter activity. Please note that rosemary essential oil is different than rosemary extract. Rosemary extract, a common natural preservative, is safe for dogs as these 2 chemicals are stripped out in the process of making the extract. Read more here
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora): High in camphor, which disrupts normal brain function by interfering with neurotransmitter activity.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis): Contains pinocamphone.
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium): may cause epileptic and toxic effects due to its pulegone and menthofuran content which are toxic for the body and lead to tissue breakdown.
Fennel (Anethum graveolens): is also documented for having proconvulsive effects
Conclusion: Can Essential Oils Help Prevent Seizures for Dogs with Epilepsy?
Essential oils have diverse effects on seizure management, which are largely determined by their specific chemical constituents. Understanding the nuanced roles of these compounds is critical for safely utilising essential oils in epileptic dogs. Oils containing alpha-asarone, (S)-carvone, citral, eugenol, and linalool show potential anticonvulsant benefits. In contrast, oils with thujone, 1,8-cineole, camphor, and pinocamphone pose seizure risks, especially when used internally or at high doses.
For dog owners and veterinarians, it is crucial to approach the use of essential oils with a thorough understanding of their chemical properties and potential impacts. Consulting with a veterinarian experienced in integrative medicine can help ensure the safe and effective use of essential oils for managing epilepsy in dogs.
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