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Plai, also known as Thai Ginger, essential oil has a rich, earthy ginger-like scent that I love. It's used to ease discomfort, support clear airways, and balance our emotions – basically, I diffuse this oil to create a calming environment in the house, especially during storms, when we've been cooped up in the house (weather or sickness), or when I'm feeling stressed.
According to the ADR II Essential Oils for Animals, Plai (or Zingiber montanum), is a member of the ginger family and is known primarily for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. And according to Dr. Melissa Shelton, Plai is safe to use around our pets, although she believes more data is needed.
Plai Essential Oil
Aroma: Fresh, spicy, woody and peppery
Blends well with (according to Plant Therapy): Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Chamomile Roman, Elemi, Geranium (both), Ginger Root CO2, Grapefruit Pink, Jasmine Absolute, Lavender (all), Lemongrass, Marjoram Sweet, Peppermint, Rosemary 1,8-Cineole, Sandalwood (both)
Benefits of Plai Essential Oil
Plai essential oil is used…
- calm cold and flu symptoms
- digestive issues, gas
- joint/muscle pain, cramps, arthritis
- swelling
Alleviate Cold Symptoms
When you start feeling cold symptoms, diffuse the following essential oils and breathe it in…
- 3 drops Plai
- 3 drops Lemon-Eucalyptus
- 6 drops of Frankincense
Upset Tummy / Stomach Cramps
When you (or your dog) has tummy issues, create a message oil blend to massage on the tummy (and back):
- warm 25ml Sweet Almond Oil and 5ml Neem oil (combined, makes 1 fluid ounce)
- 6 drops Lavender
- 4 drops Sweet Marjoram
- 3 drops Clary Sage
- 3 drops Plai
Tummy Rub (for pain)
Another blend for tummy pain; mix the below ingredients, shake, and massage on the belly when you feel discomfort:
- 30ml (or 1 oz) Jojoba wax
- 6 drops Plai
- 6 drops Turmeric
- 5 drops Peppermint
For Tense / Sore Muscles
If your muscles are tight and sore due to stress or over-training, create the following blend:
- warm 30ml (or 1 oz) of a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, etc.)
- 15 drops Plai
- 2 drops Eucalyptus
- 4 drops Frankincense
How I Use Plai Essential Oil with My Dogs
I diffuse Plai essential oil in the house, which is mainly for my benefit. Living with anxiety and depression sucks for me and my dogs, and I work hard to stay positive because I know this is the best environment for me and my dogs. If I'm having a particularly stressful day, I'll mix Plai with a carrier oil in a roller bottle, or I create a balm with Plai and coconut oil and apply it like perfume to breathe it in for a few hours.
However, I've learned to go easy when I diffuse Plai essential oil. I only add a few drops (10 at the most), and I like to add Bergamot essential oil to compliment the scent. Zingiber Dream by animalEO, which is an alternative made for use with pets, has a more pleasant scent. I diffuse Zingerber Dream for the scent and because it supports the following health issues in dogs:
- liver support
- digestive issues
- some respiratory issues
- some inflammatory conditions
I do NOT apply this blend directly to my dogs' skin. I would dilute it with a carrier oil if I want to use it for liver support or digestive issues. But it's much easier to use animalEO blends Liver Boost and GI Goe for those issues. For anything more serious, I would work with a veterinarian experienced/trained in essential oil usage with pets.
