Native Pennyroyal

Mentha satureioides

Physical Characteristics

Mentha satureioides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods. A herb tea is made from the leaves.

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Alterative Antiseptic Antispasmodic Blood purifier Carminative Digestive Emmenagogue Tonic The leaves and flowering plant are alterative, antispasmodic, blood purifier, digestive, emmenagogue and tonic. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, coughs, colds, headaches, digestive disorders, menstrual complaints and various minor ailments. It can be used as a substitute for both pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) and peppermint (Mentha x piperita). Like those species, it should not be prescribed for pregnant women since it can procure an abortion. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use. The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic, though it is toxic in large doses and can cause abortions.

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, large quantities of some members of this genus, especially when taken in the form of the extracted essential oil, can cause abortions so some caution is advised.