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 | 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.
No. Natural ≠ risk-free. Tea tree, wintergreen, menthol, and capsaicin can irritate; wintergreen and capsaicin also carry competition implications. Always patch-test.
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.
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.
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.
It stays on the legs longer and can be used on cuts and bumps
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