Pennyroyal has been used for centuries to treat feverish conditions. It promotes sweat, which helps to reduce fevers and cleanse toxins from the body through the skin. It is also a digestive that relieves indigestion, flatulence, and grumbling in the intestines.
PLANT DESCRIPTION:
Pennyroyal is a pungently aromatic, bitter, astringent herb. It is a member of the mint family, and exact naming of the different species has been difficult, as mints interbreed so readily.
Pennyroyal is a perennial with variable growing habits and may range from a low-growing, spreading plant to a lanky upright shrub. Its leaves are bright green and exude a strong peppermint scent, and the herb prefers rich, damp, sandy soil in sun or partial shade. It is considered a weed in many places, and one of its folk names is “grows-in-the-ditch.”
HISTORY:
Pennyroyal is said to be native to Ireland, spreading across south and central Europe to the Ukraine and parts of Asia. The herb was introduced to North America centuries ago, and grows abundantly in the wild lands of the world. American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegiodes) has a long medicinal history in North America, where it was used by the native tribes and settlers alike for headaches, feverish colds, and menstrual cramps to produce abortion.
Pennyroyal was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1831 until 1915. Mentha pulegium and Hedeoma pulegiodes have a similar chemistry and are used in the same manner, but the herb carries severe warnings and should be used only under the supervision of a health care practitioner. In Europe, the leaves of Mentha pulegium are used in herbal teas that relieve the symptoms of cold and flu and for culinary purposes as a flavoring for black pudding and sausages.
MEDICAL USES:
Pennyroyal has been used to promote perspiration and reduce fevers. It is said to relieve feverish colds and the symptoms of coughs, colds and flu. The herb is said to be an expectorant that alleviates dry. hacking coughs and helps expel phlegm and chest congestion. The herb is also thought to ease whooping cough.
Pennyroyal is said to be good for the digestive system, relieving indigestion, colic, flatulence and nausea.
As an emmenagogue, Pennyroyal promotes and regulates menstrual flow and eases painful menstruation. It stimulates uterine contractions and was sometimes used to ease childbirth, but the herb was also used to induce abortion and, as such, was considered extremely dangerous, often causing hemorrhaging and serious complications for the mother. Therefore, it should never be used for that purpose, as amounts needed may cause death.
PRECAUTIONS:
Pennyroyal should be used only with medical supervision. Pennyroyal should never be taken when pregnant. It is not recommended for lactating women and should not be taken by those suffering from kidney problems. The essential oil should never be taken internally, as it is highly toxic.