Mint (Mentha spp.)

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
  1. Digestive Aid – Eases gas, bloating, indigestion, and colic.
  2. Appetite Stimulant – Encourages fussy eaters to consume their feed.
  3. Respiratory Support – Clears airways and relieves nasal congestion.
  4. Cooling Effect – Helps with heat stress and inflammation.
  5. 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
  1. Digestive Support – Helps with bloating, nausea, and bad breath.
  2. Respiratory Relief – Eases coughs and congestion.
  3. Mild Pain Relief – Soothes muscle aches and inflammation.
  4. Calming & Cooling – Useful for stress, nervousness, and overheating.
  5. 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.

Calming

Digestion

Inflamation

Respiratory

Wellbeing

Milk Vetch (Astragalus membranaceus) Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)