Pennyroyal

Mentha pulegium

Physical Characteristics

Mentha pulegium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.6 m (2ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Centraland southern Europe, including Britain, Mediterranean region, Macaronesia.

Habitats

Ground Cover; Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 9, 27]. Used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods[183]. A spearmint-like flavour, though rather coarser, it is not used very often in Britain[4]. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves[183]. For drying, it should be harvested as the plant comes into flower[4].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Antispasmodic Carminative Diaphoretic Eczema Emmenagogue Sedative Stimulant Uterine tonic Pennyroyal has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Its main value is as a digestive tonic where it increases the secretion of digestive juices and relieves flatulence and colic[254]. Pennyroyal also powerfully stimulates the uterine muscles and encourages menstruation, thus it should not be prescribed for pregnant women since it can procure abortions, this is especially the case if the essential oil is used[238, 254]. The herb is antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative and stimulant[4, 9, 46, 165]. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, minor respiratory infections, digestive disorders, menstrual complaints and various minor ailments[222, 238, 254]. It is occasionally used as a treatment for intestinal worms[254]. Externally, an infusion is used to treat itchiness and formication, inflamed skin disorders such as eczema and rheumatic conditions such as gout[254]. The leaves are harvested in the summer as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use[4]. The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses[222].

Known Hazards

In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so it should not be used by pregnant women[165]. Avoid if patient has fits or seizures and those with liver or kidney disease. oral intake may cause abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion, delirium, auditory & visual hallucinations [301].