Frosty’s Favorite Oil
Peppermint oil – I mean, it just goes right along with candy canes, right? Maybe THAT’S why it’s Frosty’s favorite essential oil! 
Peppermint really is a jack of all trades. What can you do with Peppermint essential oil for horses? Here’s a short list, but I could go on and on….
Improve Focus and Energy
Peppermint is uplifting in its aroma and works wonders for improving focus and increasing energy. Simply place a drop in the palm of your hand and allow your horse to smell. You can also apply a drop to their poll and rub it in for a topical application.
Allergy and Respiratory Support
Peppermint is quite effective for helping with seasonal allergies! Even better – combine Peppermint with Lemon and Lavender for a triple punch to combat those allergy symptoms. Doterra actually makes a gel capsule with these specific oils called TriEase for human consumption. Check them out here!
If your horse is suffering from a respiratory issue, Peppermint is a great oil to help ease their symptoms. I would recommend both the aromatic and topical approach – simply allow them to inhale the oil (example of how is shown in the video below). You can then apply a drop or two of the oil directly to the horse’s chest for absorption and ease of continued inhalation should they choose.
Insect, Tick and Rodent Repellant
As much as Frosty loves Peppermint, so the opposite goes for insects, ticks, and rodents. They can’t stand the odor! That’s great news for us! Peppermint is an ingredient that I use in all of my bug sprays at the farm. Not only does it help with the insects, but it is so good at deterring ticks – NO one wants ticks on their horses!
Here’s a great hack for Peppermint: have a problem with mice or other rodents? Place a few drops of Peppermint on some cotton balls and tuck them into corners or wherever the rodents tend to run. We actually got rid of some voles that were coming into our basement with this little trick! No worries about your barn cats or dogs accidentally ingesting poison left out for the little buggers…this is safe and just as (if not more) effective.
GI Support
Does your horse suffer from stomach or intestinal issues? Pull your Peppermint out! Peppermint is helpful for combating many GI issues, including those of the lower GI tract. How would you use this oil to help them? You can apply directly to their abdomen with some carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, etc). You can also have them ingest a few drops on a treat. It’s recommended to use 1-2 drops per 500 lbs of body weight for horses. **Be sure to use CPTG (certified pure tested grade) oils, especially if ingesting them! I prefer Doterra oils, especially with the rigorous testing – both in house and 3rd party – used on each bottle.
Release Muscle Tension
Peppermint is soothing to tense muscles. This oil has great analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, so works well with those tight, inflamed muscles. It also contains menthol, so has a cooling effect – so soothing! Give this one a try on those sore muscles and see how your horse feels afterward! Heck, give it a try on your own sore muscles after those hard days at the farm!
Important to note
It’s important to note that I ONLY recommend these uses when using Certified, Pure Tested Grade (CPTG) essential oils. I prefer Doterra essential oils. These are proven to be safe, 100% pure essential oils. They are rigorously tested, and are sourced directly from the purest of plants across over 60 different countries worldwide. If you’d like to learn more about why I choose these oils to use with both my horses and my family, please reach out! I love to share!
Have you used Peppermint oil? If you have, what are some of your go-to uses? Grow my list by commenting below – I bet someone else would love your hacks!
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