Table of Contents
Where is pennyroyal found?
The plant is found in humid, low-coastal regions along the Mediterranean Sea, and grows best in fertile, moist soils with partial shade (14.1-8). American pennyroyal grows on dry, sandy soils and is commercially cultivated to only a very limited extent.
What is the herb 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.
Can humans eat pennyroyal?
Pennyroyal is a traditional folk remedy, emmenagogue, abortifacient, and culinary herb, but is toxic to the liver and has caused some deaths.
What pennyroyal looks 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.
Why is pennyroyal toxic?
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. Later on, it can lead to failure of the liver and kidneys, resulting in bleeding, seizures, multiple organ failure, and death.
Does pennyroyal grow in California?
Although considered uncommon in much of California, pennyroyal occurs in the Sierra foothills, Central Valley, and most coastal counties from the Mexican border to Oregon. Pennyroyal grows in flooded or seasonally wet areas: seeps, streamsides, vernal pools and swales, marshes, and ditches.
What were pennyroyal pills?
Pennyroyal has always been associated with women’s bodies and sexuality: it was used in love potions, served as an obscene metaphor for female pubic hair, and was employed as a symbol of illicit sexuality. It has also been known since antiquity as a powerful abortifacient.
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.
Is pennyroyal toxic to animals?
We now know that, whether it’s applied to the skin or ingested, pennyroyal oil is toxic to cats and dogs. The oil comes from two species of pennyroyal plants, which are in the mint family. When pennyroyal oil is applied to the pet’s skin, dermatitis can occur. A more serious side effect is liver damage.
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.
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.
How do you use pennyroyal as an insect repellent?
To keep flies, gnats and mice away, colonists planted pennyroyal around their farms and homes. To use as an insect repellent, rub the leaves on your clothing rather than on your skin. Because of its strong oils always always wash your hands after working with pennyroyal.
Does pennyroyal grow in the wild?
Wild pennyroyal(Piloblephes rigida) is a low-growing, evergreen, herbaceous to semi-woody shrub. It typically flowers in late winter through spring, but can bloom year-round. It occurs naturally in scrub, scrubby and pine flatwoods, sandhills, dry prairies and ruderal areas.
Does pennyroyal come back every year?
Pennyroyal plant is a perennial herb that was once widely used but is not as common today. It has applications as an herbal remedy, culinary use,s and as a decorative touch. Growing pennyroyal in the herb or perennial garden will add color with its reddish purple to lilac blooms.
What is tincture of pennyroyal?
Pennyroyal has been found helpful in easing coughs and congestion from colds and other respiratory infections. An expectorant, it alleviates dry, hacking coughs and helps expel phlegm. As a diaphoretic, Pennyroyal herbal tincture may help to reduce fevers by inducing perspiration.
Is mint toxic to humans?
Like many herbs, mint can adversely affect some people. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should not use mint in an attempt to soothe digestive issues. According to a 2019 review , mint commonly acts as a trigger for GERD symptoms. Taking peppermint oil in large doses can be toxic .
How can you tell the difference between pennyroyal and other mints?
Pennyroyal has small oval leaves, greyish in colour. Flavour: Spearmint is generally a sweet flavour imparting a cool sensation to the mouth. Peppermint has a stronger menthol taste. Pennyroyal is strong with a medicinal flavour.
How do I get rid of pennyroyal?
(pulling, cutting, disking) Pennyroyal infestations can be suppressed by manual removal of individual plants and small patches before flowering, including the rhizomes and stolons, followed by the removal of seedlings as soon as discovered.
Is Mentha Pulegium invasive?
M. pulegium is naturalised in North and South America and is considered an invasive alien species in Australia. In Britain, the distribution of the native plant is obscured by introductions.
