Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Lamiaceae
• Common Names: Pennyroyal, European Pennyroyal, Pulegium Mint
• Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, flowering tops)

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Description

Mentha pulegium is a low-growing, highly aromatic mint species native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Traditionally used for digestive support, menstrual regulation, and as an insect repellent, pennyroyal has a long history in both folk and formal herbal medicine. However, due to its high concentration of pulegone, it must be used with caution.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in ancient Greek and Roman medicine as a digestive aid and menstrual regulator.
• Employed in European herbalism for treating colds, fevers, and respiratory congestion.
• Traditionally applied as an insect repellent and flea deterrent.
• Used in small amounts for digestive complaints, bloating, and nausea.

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Constituents

• Pulegone (a ketone, toxic in high doses)
• Menthol
• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Rosmarinic acid

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Actions

• Carminative
• Diaphoretic
• Emmenagogue
• Expectorant
• Antispasmodic
• Insect repellent

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Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Health:
Traditionally used to relieve bloating, gas, indigestion, and sluggish digestion.

2. Menstrual Regulation:
Used to stimulate delayed menstruation (emmenagogue), though extreme caution is advised due to potential toxicity.

3. Respiratory Support:
Acts as an expectorant to clear mucus and ease symptoms of colds, bronchitis, and congestion.

4. Fever Reduction:
Promotes sweating (diaphoretic action) to help break fevers.

5. Insect Repellent:
Historically used to repel fleas, mosquitoes, and lice when crushed and applied topically.

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Preparation and Dosage

⚠️ Use with extreme caution due to its potential toxicity. Essential oil should never be ingested.

Infusion (Tea):

• 1 tsp of dried leaves per cup of hot water. Steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink in moderation (no more than 1 cup per day).

Tincture:

• Not commonly recommended due to toxicity risks.

Topical Use (Insect Repellent):

• Crushed leaves or diluted essential oil applied externally. Avoid prolonged skin contact.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Strictly contraindicated; pennyroyal can induce miscarriage.
• Liver and Kidney Disease: Avoid use, as pulegone is hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic in large amounts.
• Children: Not recommended for internal or external use.
• Essential Oil Caution: The essential oil is highly toxic and should never be ingested or used undiluted on the skin.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Western Herbalism: Warming and stimulating; used for digestion, menstruation, and colds.
• European Folk Medicine: Historically used for menstrual disorders and fever reduction.
• Ayurveda: Balances Kapha and Vata, but excessive use may aggravate Pitta.

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Combinations

• For Digestive Support: Combine with fennel and chamomile.
• For Cold and Flu Relief: Combine with elderflower and yarrow.
• For Insect Repellent: Combine with citronella and lavender essential oils.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Leaves and flowering tops are collected in summer.
• Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
• Storage: Store dried plant material in airtight containers away from light and moisture.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Mentha pulegium’s carminative, expectorant, and insect-repelling properties, but also highlight its potential toxicity due to high pulegone content.

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⚠️ Due to its toxicity, pennyroyal should only be used externally or in very limited internal doses under professional supervision.