Pennyroyal

Mentha pulegium

Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, astringent, promotes menstruation, induces sweating; brings on delayed menstruation, calms the stomach, lowers sudden high fever.

Safety notes

Pennyroyal oil is lethally toxic to the liver and kidneys even in small amounts. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Not in pregnancy. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Avoid pennyroyal oil: this essential oil is one of those best left out of homemade remedies entirely.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Western herbalism: Not in pregnancy. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.

Preparation

Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.

Use in traditions

In Greece pennyroyal was a common culinary herb and was mixed with barley and water into kykeon, the drink of the Eleusinian Mysteries. Pliny described it against fleas, which explains the Latin name pulegium (from pulex, flea). Hildegard of Bingen praised it as an herb against fever. In high doses, as a means of inducing abortion, it has proved fatal.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Western herbalism

Attributed effects

Stimulating, astringent, promotes menstruation, induces sweating; brings on delayed menstruation, calms the stomach, lowers sudden high fever.

Preparation and amount

Traditionally used forms: tea, tincture, oil.

Caution: Not in pregnancy. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Tincture

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

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