Muzzle Butter At-Ease 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. Muzzle Butter can be applied directly to the horse's nose and can maintain its scent for up to three hours! And the number one essential oil ingredient in the At-Ease Formula? Lavender! If you're looking for a non-invasive way to give your horse a helping hand in chilling out, Muzzle Butter At-Ease Formula may just be the product you've been looking for.

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.
• Regular - Lavender, Vetiver, and Patchouli essential oils (the active ingredients). Vanilla essential oil binds the other three and keeps them inside the Butter.
• Red Rose - Lavender and Patchouli essential oils (the active ingredients). Vanilla essential oil binds the other two and keeps them inside the Butter.
• Chamomile - Roman Chamomile Oil and Patchouli essential oils (the active ingredients). Vanilla essential oil binds the other two and keeps them inside the Butter.
• Impulsion - Peppermint, Cedarwood and Grapefruit essential oils (the active ingredients). Vanilla essential oil binds the other two and keeps them inside the Butter.

Let's go into more detail on some 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!