Ingredients & Herbal Safety | Draw It Out®

Ingredients & Herbal Safety | Draw It Out®
Reference Guide

Ingredients & Herbal Safety

Transparency matters. This page explains the most common herbs and botanicals used in equine and canine topicals: what they do, where they can irritate, and how major sport bodies view them. Always patch-test and check your current rulebook.

Herbal Ingredient Reference

Herbal Ingredient Benefits Known Irritant Risks Regulatory Status*
Aloe Vera Soothing, hydrating; supports skin comfort and recovery. Rare contact sensitivity; patch-test first. Generally safe topically; no FEI/USEF restriction for topical use.
Arnica montana Traditionally used for bruising, soreness, post-work comfort. May irritate open/broken skin; do not apply to wounds. Topical use allowed; avoid ingestion. No specific FEI topical prohibition.
Calendula Skin-calming; supports minor irritation recovery. Occasional allergy (daisy family). Patch-test sensitive horses. Safe topically; no known competition restriction.
Chamomile Mild anti-inflammatory; soothing to skin/soft tissue. Potential sensitivity (ragweed family). Patch-test. Topical use considered safe; oral forms may be regulated by discipline.
Tea Tree Oil Strong antimicrobial; deodorizing. Can sting or dry skin; toxic if ingested; always diluted. Allowed topically; avoid ingestion. Patch-test; do not occlude on hot days.
Wintergreen (Methyl Salicylate) Counterirritant; perceived circulation support. Skin irritation; heavy/occluded use may elevate salicylic acid. Controlled/threshold via salicylic acid under FEI; avoid close to competition and under wraps.
Menthol Cooling sensation; popular post-work comfort aid. Irritation risk on sensitive skin or mucous membranes. Not typically prohibited but may be monitored; use show-aware timing.
Capsaicin / Capsicum Intense warming “hot” counterirritant. Can burn/irritate; high risk under wraps or heat. Prohibited in FEI/USEF competition. Do not use pre-competition.
Eucalyptus / Peppermint Cooling aromatics; surface comfort; decongestant aroma. May irritate faces/sheath/udder; avoid eyes and sensitive areas. Topical use allowed; practice caution near testing windows.
Citrus Oils (Lemon, Orange) Antimicrobial; fresh scent; cleansing. Photosensitizing; increases sunburn risk post-application. Not prohibited, but avoid sun turnout immediately after use.

*Regulatory notes are generalized for common sport bodies (e.g., FEI/USEF/AQHA/NRHA). Always confirm against the current rules for your discipline and location.

How to Use This Page

  • Patch-test: Apply a pea-sized amount to a small hairless area; check after 24 hours.
  • Go thin: A light layer on clean, dry skin reduces irritation risk and waste.
  • Mind wraps & heat: Avoid heavy occlusion in high heat/humidity, especially with “hot” or “cooling” oils.
  • Show-aware: If you compete, verify every named ingredient before class days.

FAQ

Are “natural” ingredients always safer?

No. Natural ≠ risk-free. Tea tree, wintergreen, menthol, and capsaicin can irritate; wintergreen and capsaicin also carry competition implications. Always patch-test.

Which botanicals are red-flagged for competition?

Capsaicin is prohibited. Wintergreen (methyl salicylate) is regulated via salicylic acid thresholds. Menthol/camphor are generally allowed but should be used with show-aware timing. Always check the latest rulebook.

Can I wrap over herbal products?

Light, breathable wraps can be fine with non-irritating formulas on cool skin. Avoid occluding “hot” or strongly “cooling” oils and re-check legs after 30–45 minutes.

Are these herbs safe for dogs?

Some are (aloe, calendula, chamomile) in dog-specific formulas. Others (tea tree, wintergreen, capsaicin) are higher risk if ingested—use canine-labeled products and follow directions.

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