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Muzzle Butter At-Ease formula has recently taken the equestrian world by storm for its FEI-legal, natural calming effects. But what are the ingredients that make it so effective? Let's discuss each of the ingredients in detail, as they appear on the label.
What are the Ingredients in Muzzle Butter:
Corn Starch - A thickening agent derived from corn.
Plant-based waxes & oils - Coconut oil, candelilla wax, cocoa butter, and olive oil make up the main form of the Butter.
Sodium bicarbonate - Also known as "baking soda," this ingredient activates the mixture and makes it lighter.
Essential Oils - Lavender, Vetiver, and Patchouli essential oils are the "active ingredients," or those that are doing the work! Vanilla essential oil binds the other three and keeps them inside the Butter.
Let's go into more detail on each of these essential oils!
Lavender Oil
Lavender is one of the most well-known essential oils, if not the most well-known. As such, there is a mountain of research behind the calming effects of lavender, both for horses and people! Lavender releases a vapor called linalool, which, when smelled, activates certain sensor proteins in the brain, releases a compound called linalyl acetate and produces a calming effect. Previously, it was thought that linalool was absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs, but new research proves that it heads straight to the brain through smell.
Importantly, this study also shows that linalool exerted “an anxiolytic effect without motor impairment" on test subjects, meaning it is a non-drowsy calming aid, and is safe to use during physical activities, such as riding or training!
Vetiver Oil
Used in ancient perfumes and known as the "oil of tranquility," vetiver is another stellar calming essential oil derived from the vetiver grass. In a landmark study, vetiver was shown to reduce the heart rate of horses by an average of 7%, an amount that was found to be "very statistically significant," and that performed the best out out of the tested oils.
Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil rounds off the three main essential oils trio in Muzzle Butter At-Ease. There are many studies showing the effectiveness of Patchouli in producing anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects in people and other animals, as well as lots of anecdotal evidence for its use on horses. However, the main reason we chose to include Patchouli oil is for its well-documented antimicrobial properties. Patchouli keeps the entire Muzzle Butter mixture clean, and better ensures a healthy application to the horse. Not to mention, it perfectly rounds-out the scent profile!
Vanilla Oil
Vanilla is what's known as a "grounding" or "binding" oil. The other essential oils on this list have a tendency to vaporize and fly away from mixtures if they are not burdened down by heavier oils. Vanilla does this perfectly, keeping the other scents locked-in, while also having the benefit of a pleasant aroma!
Conclusion
When we designed Muzzle Butter At-Ease, we were committed to a 100% vegan formula comprised of ingredients that were easy to recognize. We want our customers to know exactly what they are putting on their horse. Muzzle Butter was designed to be a safe and simple way to give horses the benefits of essential oils. If left undiluted, or if applied too heavily, essential oils can cause irritation, and even have negative effects. That's why our pre-diluted, easy-to-use Muzzle Butter is the perfect barn staple!
References
Harada H, Kashiwadani H, Kanmura Y, Kuwaki T. Linalool Odor-Induced Anxiolytic Effects in Mice. Front Behav Neurosci. 2018 Oct 23;12:241. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00241. PMID: 30405369; PMCID: PMC6206409.
Kosiara, S. and Harrison, A.P. (2021). "The Effect of Aromatherapy on Equine Facial Expression, Heart Rate, Respiratory Tidal Volume and Spontaneous Muscle Contractures in M. Temporalis and M. Cleidomastoideus." Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, vol. 11, pg. 87-103. ISSN: 2165-3364 https://doi.org/10.4236/ojvm.2021.112005.
Johansyah, Fadilla & Pramyrtha Hestianah, Eka & Rimayanti, Rimayanti & Hidajati, Nove & Santoso, Kuncoro & Sudjarwo, Sri & Hidayatik, Nanik. (2023). Essential Oil of Patchouli Inhalation Exhibits An Anxiolytic-Like Effect in Mice: Elevated Plus-Maze Test. Jurnal Medik Veteriner. 6. 31-36. 10.20473/jmv.vol6.iss3.2023.31-36.
Yang X, Zhang X, Yang SP, Liu WQ. Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of patchouli oil. Iran J Pharm Res. 2013 Summer;12(3):307-16. PMID: 24250637; PMCID: PMC3813264.