swab

This is an extract from a class discussion. As therapists we are often asked to assist horses who compete where they may be penalised for using prohibited substances.

This is a very vague subject, but one that has a specific outcome if a horse at a level where he will be tested comes up with a positive swab. One problem is that particularly in racing laboratories (and they tend to do the competition tests as well), is that they don’t want to give too many specifics because they believe or give the excuse that if people knew what tested, they would cheat.

In the past Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary have been specifically mentioned. The main reason for this is the camphor content. So one could safely assume that any essential oil high in camphor would swab if still in the blood. Camphor is considered a prohibited substance as it had been used to hide the presence of drugs in the system, it gives a false reading.

Keep in mind some lavenders have a high content of camphor.

You can expect some constituents to show up in urine tests within four hours. We tend to avoid essential oils that might swab within a week of competition or a race. This is a very general idea, as some constituents that lodge in fatty tissue may stay in the system longer. With racehorses who here in Australia tend to race once a fortnight (every two weeks) if I wish to use essential oils with them, I do so just after a race so I have a fit horse metabolising the residue in plenty of time. I have accidentally massaged a horse within three days before a race with camphorous essential oils, and been swabbed and not shown up a positive, however this was close to ten years ago and the tests are now more refined so I would not consider it safe now, and I can tell you I was uneasy about the horse racing.

You can’t simply name the essential oils that will definitely swab and those that will not. After several discussions with people in the know, the consensus is they can swab for anything. As the FEI sub committee that decides what is prohibited are primarily veterinarians, you will find there is a bias against anything considered ‘herbal’. They made a ruling about five years ago that using anything to calm a horse, whether proved to or not, was considered unsportsmanlike. If a ruling body say at a state or federal level wished to, all they would have to do is ask from their laboratory to screen for “……” whatever they may consider being used in such a manner. In once case with showing Arabs is the popularity of chamomile as a feed additive and that herb being made prohibited.

I would be wary of using geranium and marjoram because they too can have camphor present. Caroline Ingraham mentions essential oils high in ketones and phenols most likely to swab.

You need to be mindful.

As each of you have done segment one, I usually discuss with you that there is some argument in the aromatherapy circles as to how much of an essential oil is absorbed through the skin. Some say only some of the constituents are, others say none and all the absorption occurs through the respiratory system. You need to be aware of these discussions, even though no one is yet 100% sure. BUT if these people are correct, then you even have to be careful what essential oils you recommend clients use at a competition.

In reality, not many of your base of clients are affected by this. For those that are, it is important as a professional you keep their career and professional status in mind so as not to do anything that may be of detriment to them. Don’t be lax, and don’t let your egos get in the way of any chance of them being labelled a ‘cheater’.

A lot of calming herbs are being added to the list of herbs not to use, as well as any that contain salicylates. The calming herbs usually contain essential oils, so you have to be mindful here as well.

I tend to use essential oils for after a competition and recovery to help the horse maintain its level of fitness in any level where they may be tested. I have found this works well, and if I do need to include a visit close to a competition, then I use other modalties such as massage and kinesiology to protect my client, because ultimately it is their reputation you could damage.

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