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.

Constituents & Their Actions

Plant Part	Constituents	Primary Actions
Leaves	Menthol, flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils, rosmarinic acid	Carminative, antispasmodic, cooling, digestive support
Stems	Volatile oils, tannins	Mild digestive and circulatory support
Flowers	Volatile oils, flavonoids, antioxidants	Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
Essential Oil	Menthol, menthone, limonene, pulegone (varies by species)	Cooling, antiseptic, expectorant

Key Constituents and Effects

Menthol – The cooling compound in peppermint, relieves pain, soothes digestion, and supports respiratory function.
Flavonoids – Offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tannins – Provide mild astringent and antimicrobial benefits.
Rosmarinic Acid – Supports anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

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):
- in food.
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.

Conclusion

Mint (Mentha spp.) is a versatile and widely used herb, valued for its digestive, cooling, and respiratory benefits. Used in equine and canine herbal medicine, it is particularly helpful for digestion, stress relief, and respiratory health. Steeped in British and Manx folklore, it remains a symbol of purification, prosperity, and protection.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Nettle (Urtica dioica)