What Is Pennyroyal Used For

Despite serious safety concerns, pennyroyal is used for colds, pneumonia, and other breathing problems. It is also used for stomach pains, gas, intestinal disorders, and liver and gallbladder problems. Women use it to start or regulate their menstrual periods, or to cause an abortion.

Is it safe to drink pennyroyal tea?

Pennyroyal tea and leaf extracts have been used without serious side effects. Pennyroyal oil, however, is highly toxic, and even small doses (one tablespoon, 15 mL) can cause syncope, seizures, coma, cardiopulmonary collapse, acute liver injury, renal insufficiency and multiorgan failure.

What was pennyroyal used for in the 1800s?

Pennyroyal tablets and “female pills,” sold to women in the 19th century. Women regulated their menstruation for centuries, and in many cases, ended pregnancies without drama or incident.

How much pennyroyal is toxic?

The toxicity of pennyroyal oil is well recognized, with many documented reports of adverse events and fatalities. In humans, consumption of 10 mL of the oil has resulted in moderate to severe toxicity, with case reports of fatalities 1 to 2 hours after consumption of 15 mL.

Does pennyroyal keep mosquitoes away?

Pennyroyal. Pennyroyal is an extremely potent species of mint. If too much of its oil gets absorbed into the skin or consumed, it can be toxic to humans and animals. But when grown and used carefully, pennyroyal is one of the most effective mosquito repellent plants.

What does pennyroyal taste like?

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), looks like mint, smells like mint and even tastes like mint but unlike mint contains pulegone, an extremely poisonous compound that is toxic to the liver and acts as an abortificant. Pennyroyal has been used as a culinary herb for thousands of years.

Is pennyroyal tea an abortive?

Pennyroyal tea has long been used by herbal medicine practitioners as an abortion herb. When steeped in water and mixed with other abortive herbs, pennyroyal can be used to cause the body to reject an early pregnancy.

Is pennyroyal a contraceptive?

Pennyroyal, we came to learn, is an abortifacient, an old friend to “luckless girls in need,” as the Nebraskan novelist Mari Sandoz once wrote. Too much of it can damage the liver and cause convulsions, coma or even death. A little less can end a pregnancy.

How do you use pennyroyal?

Some people use it as a stimulant and to counteract weakness. Pennyroyal is applied to the skin to kill germs, keep insects away, and treat skin diseases. It is also used topically for gout, venomous bites, and mouth sores; and as a flea-killing bath. In foods, pennyroyal is used for flavoring.

How do you drink pennyroyal tea?

To make the tea, the leaves of the plant are boiled in hot water. The lower concentration of toxic chemicals in these teas are less harmful than pennyroyal oil. It is recommended that people only drink pennyroyal tea periodically, as it is taxing on the body and should not be drunk on a regular basis.

Can you cook with pennyroyal?

Nutrition. Pennyroyal used to be a good deal in cooking, for teas, and for medicines. However, the latest studies show that it can have toxic effects on the liver and on women in particular, and so the recommendation is that it should not be consumed or taken internally in any way.

What type of liver toxicity is most associated with pennyroyal?

Pennyroyal oil contains pulegone, which is highly toxic, particularly to the liver. Ingestion can lead initially to gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

How do you use pennyroyal as an insect repellent?

Fill with crushed pennyroyal leaves, cover with an unscented oil (light olive, safflower or sunflower are all suitable). Place on a sunny windowsill for about three weeks, shaking every few days. Strain and use. Try sprinkling a few drops of pennyroyal oil into water to repel mosquitoes, or rub it on your skin.

What are the effects of pennyroyal?

It can cause serious liver and kidney damage, as well as nervous system damage. Other side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, burning of the throat, fever, confusion, restlessness, seizures, dizziness, vision and hearing problems, high blood pressure, lung failure, and death.

Is pennyroyal plant safe for dogs?

Pennyroyal Oil from Poisonous Plant for Dogs. Pennyroyal oil is derived from plants within the mint family known as Labiatae. It is frequently used in flea powders and sprays and in fragrances. It can be toxic to dogs, particularly when ingested.

Who wrote pennyroyal Tea?

What plant keeps snakes away?

Onion & Garlic Onions and garlic are very useful garden plants for repelling snakes. Both plants give off a smell that snakes not only dislike, but it also confuses them. Garlic plants are thought to be the best plants that repel snakes. The plant gives off an oily residue when a snake slithers over a clove.

What is the best homemade mosquito repellent?

Here are 5 homemade mosquito repellent sprays that work best: Lemon eucalyptus oil mosquito repellent spray. Neem oil and coconut oil mosquito repellent spray. Tea tree oil and coconut oil mosquito repellent spray. Lavender oil, vanilla and lemon juice mosquito repellent spray.

What plants do mosquitoes hate the most?

11 Plants & Herbs That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes Citronella. Chances are, you’ve heard of this one before- it’s one of the most common ingredients in most mosquito repellents. Lemon Balm. Catnip. Marigolds. Basil. Lavender. Peppermint. Garlic.

Can you eat pennyroyal herb?

Its action is unpredictable and dangerous. The dose at which the herb induces abortion is close to lethal, and in some cases it is lethal. Pennyroyal is not considered safe for ingestion for any use.

What is English pennyroyal?

European pennyroyal, also known as English pennyroyal, is a perennial mint native to Europe and Asia. The herb has naturalized throughout North America since its introduction to the continent by early European colonists.

What does English pennyroyal look like?

The plant features long, weed-like stalks with vibrant green leaves and tight purple blooms. When crushed, pennyroyal’s leaves emit a fragrance similar to that of spearmint. For centuries, pennyroyal plant has been used as an herbal preparation to deter pests like fleas and gnats.