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Horse Mint

Mentha longifolia

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Other Information

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Lamiales

Family:

Lamiaceae (Dead-nettle)

Also in this family:

Annual Woundwort, Apple Mint, Balkan Clary, Basil Thyme, Bastard Balm, Betony, Bifid Hemp-nettle, Black Horehound, Breckland Thyme, Bugle, Catmint, Common Calamint, Common Hemp-nettle, Corn Mint, Corsican Mint, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle, Cut-leaved Germander, Cut-leaved Selfheal, Downy Woundwort, False Apple Mint, Field Woundwort, Garden Catmint, Garden Clary, Ginger Mint, Ground Ivy, Ground-pine, Gypsywort, Hedge Woundwort, Henbit Dead-nettle, Lamb's-ear, Large Thyme, Large-flowered Hemp-nettle, Lemon Balm, Lesser Calamint, Lesser Skullcap, Limestone Woundwort, Marjoram, Marsh Woundwort, Meadow Clary, Northern Dead-nettle, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pyramidal Bugle, Red Dead-nettle, Red Hemp-nettle, Rosemary, Round-leaved Mint, Selfheal, Sharp-leaved Mint, Skullcap, Somerset Skullcap, Spearmint, Spotted Dead-nettle, Sticky Clary, Tall Mint, Variegated Yellow Archangel, Wall Germander, Water Germander, Water Mint, White Dead-nettle, White Horehound, Whorled Clary, Whorled Mint, Wild Basil, Wild Clary, Wild Thyme, Wood Calamint, Wood Sage, Yellow Archangel

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

2 metres tall

Habitats:

Fields, gardens, meadows, roadsides, wasteland.

Flower:

Purple, 4 petals

The inflorescence is a crowded flower spike. The flowers are small and pale purple (rarely white). Flowers each measure about 4mm in diameter. Insect pollinated.

Fruit:

The fruit is a nutlet. The seeds ripen in September and October.

Leaves:

The leaves are silvery-green and downy. They are oblong to lance-shaped, measuring up to 10cm (4 inches) long and 3cm (1 inch) wide. Perennial.

Aroma:

Smells similar to Peppermint.

Other Names:

Bergamot Mint, Brook Mint, Horsemint, Long-leaved Mint, Silver Mint, Silver-leaved Mint, Water Mint, Wild Mint.

Frequency (UK):

Rarely seen

Summary

Mentha longifolia, also known as horsemint, wild mint, or bergamot mint, is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and is known for its minty scent and small, white or pink flowers. The plant typically grows in open, sunny areas such as meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It can reach up to 2 meters tall and it has a square stem and lanceolate leaves. The leaves are fragrant, hairy, and have a serrated margin. The flowers are small, white or pink and arranged in terminal spikes. This plant is used for medicinal purposes, particularly as a tea to relieve digestive issues, respiratory problems and headaches. It is also used as an insect repellent and it is a popular ornamental plant.

Blog

Horse mint, also known as Mentha longifolia, is a species of mint that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. Horse mint has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and its culinary uses. In this blog, we will discuss the various aspects of horse mint, its uses, and its benefits.

Appearance and Habitat

Horse mint is a tall plant that can grow up to a height of 2 meters. It has a square stem that is covered with fine hairs. The leaves of horse mint are long and narrow, and they have a serrated edge. The flowers of this plant are pink, purple, or white, and they bloom in the summer months. Horse mint grows in moist soil, and it prefers full sun to partial shade.

Culinary Uses

Horse mint has a strong and pleasant aroma, which makes it a popular herb in the culinary world. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they can be added to various dishes to enhance their flavor. Horse mint is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is used in making tea, salads, and sauces. It is also used as a garnish for desserts and cocktails.

Medicinal Properties

Horse mint has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-bacterial properties. Horse mint has been used to treat various ailments such as stomachache, headache, fever, and respiratory infections. Its leaves can be made into a tea or used as an essential oil for aromatherapy.

Digestive Health

Horse mint is beneficial for digestive health. It can help in reducing bloating, gas, and indigestion. Horse mint tea can also help in relieving nausea and vomiting. It is also used in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders.

Respiratory Health

Horse mint is effective in treating respiratory infections such as cough, cold, and bronchitis. It has a soothing effect on the respiratory system, and it can help in reducing inflammation and congestion. Horse mint tea can also help in relieving sore throat and sinusitis.

Skin Health

Horse mint is beneficial for the skin. It can help in reducing skin inflammation and irritation. Horse mint essential oil can be added to a carrier oil and used for massage. It can also be used in skincare products such as creams, lotions, and soaps.

Horse mint is a versatile plant that has various culinary and medicinal uses. Its strong and pleasant aroma makes it a popular herb in the culinary world, and its medicinal properties make it a valuable plant in traditional medicine. Horse mint is a plant that is easy to grow, and it can be a great addition to any herb garden.

Propagation

Horse mint can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. The seeds should be sown in the spring, and the cuttings should be taken in the summer. Horse mint grows well in moist soil, and it prefers full sun to partial shade.

Other Uses

Apart from its culinary and medicinal uses, horse mint has other uses as well. Its essential oil is used in perfumes and cosmetics. Horse mint is also used in making insect repellents and natural cleaning products.

Cautions

Although horse mint is generally safe for consumption, it should be used in moderation. Large doses of horse mint can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Pregnant women should avoid using horse mint as it can cause uterine contractions. Horse mint can also interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using it for medicinal purposes.

Some Additional Uses of Horse Mint

Here are some additional benefits and uses of horse mint:

Relieves menstrual cramps: Horse mint tea can help in reducing menstrual cramps and other menstrual-related symptoms. Its anti-spasmodic properties help in relaxing the muscles and reducing pain.
Aids in weight loss: Horse mint tea can aid in weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting digestion. It can also help in boosting metabolism, which can lead to faster weight loss.
Enhances cognitive function: Horse mint can help in improving cognitive function and memory. Its aroma can help in reducing stress and anxiety, which can improve mental clarity and focus.
Improves oral health: Horse mint has antibacterial properties that can help in preventing bad breath and tooth decay. It is also used in mouthwash and toothpaste for its refreshing and cleansing properties.
Boosts immunity: Horse mint is rich in antioxidants, which can help in boosting the immune system. It can also help in reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative damage to the body.
Reduces fever: Horse mint tea can help in reducing fever and other symptoms of cold and flu. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties help in fighting off infections and reducing inflammation.

Overall, horse mint is a valuable plant that has numerous health benefits and uses. It is a versatile herb that can be used in various forms, including tea, essential oil, and culinary dishes. However, it is important to use it in moderation and to consult a healthcare provider before using it for medicinal purposes.