Mint (Mentha spp.)
Botanical Description
- Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
- Common Species:
- Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
- Mentha spicata (Spearmint)
- Mentha arvensis (Wild Mint)
- Mentha suaveolens (Apple Mint)
- Common Names: Mint, Wild Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint, Horse Mint
- Parts Used: Leaves, Stems, Flowers, Essential Oil
- Native Habitat: Found throughout the UK and Isle of Man, growing in damp meadows, woodlands, riverbanks, and gardens.
Mint is widely recognized for its digestive, cooling, and antibacterial properties, making it a valuable herb for humans, horses, and dogs.
Equine Use of Mint
Benefits for Horses
- Digestive Aid – Eases gas, bloating, indigestion, and colic.
- Appetite Stimulant – Encourages fussy eaters to consume their feed.
- Respiratory Support – Clears airways and relieves nasal congestion.
- Cooling Effect – Helps with heat stress and inflammation.
- Calming Properties – Soothes stress and nervous tension.
Administration for Horses
- Dried Leaves in Feed:
- for digestion and appetite support.
- Tea Infusion:
- Add cooled mint tea to drinking water for hydration and gut support.
- Inhalation for Respiratory Relief:
- Fresh mint or essential oil can be placed near the nostrils.
⚠ Precautions
- Avoid excessive use in pregnant mares.
- Not recommended for horses prone to gastric ulcers (may relax the lower esophageal sphincter).
- Do not use essential oil directly on the skin.
Canine Use of Mint
Benefits for Dogs
- Digestive Support – Helps with bloating, nausea, and bad breath.
- Respiratory Relief – Eases coughs and congestion.
- Mild Pain Relief – Soothes muscle aches and inflammation.
- Calming & Cooling – Useful for stress, nervousness, and overheating.
- Anti-Parasitic Properties – Naturally repels fleas and ticks.
Administration for Dogs
- Dried Leaves (Food Additive):
- Tea Infusion (For Digestion & Hydration):
- dried mint steeped in warm water, given cooled.
- Essential Oil (External Use Only):
- Diluted in a carrier oil for insect repellent.
⚠ Precautions
- Avoid excessive amounts, as it may cause stomach upset.
- Do not use essential oil directly on puppies or sensitive dogs.
- Not recommended for dogs with acid reflux.
UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Mint
Folklore & Historical Use
- Sacred to the Celts & Druids – Used in rituals for protection, purification, and prosperity.
- Isle of Man Herbal Traditions – Mint was planted around homes to ward off evil spirits.
- Healing & Purification – Traditionally added to baths and teas to cleanse the body and spirit.
- Symbol of Hospitality – Used in ancient Britain as a welcoming herb for guests.
- Love & Luck Charm – Worn or carried in pouches for good fortune.
Calming
Digestion
Inflamation
Respiratory
Wellbeing
Milk Vetch (Astragalus membranaceus)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)