Pennyroyal is also known as pulegium, pudding grass, mosquito plant, squaw mint, and European pennyroyal. It is a perennial herb native to Europe, as well as parts of Asia. An American species, Hedeoma pulegioides, is closely related and is also used to produce oil, as well as Micromeria fruticosa from Turkey.
Pennyroyal with its scientific name Mentha Pulegium is inherent to Europe. Other common names for Pennyroyal are Cayote Mint, Dwarf Thyme, Wild Bergamot, American Pennyroyal, European Pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium, Menthe Pouliot, Penny Royal, Mosquito Plant, Pennyroyal Leaf, Piliolerial, Pennyroyal Oil, Poleo, Pouliot Royal, Pouliot, Pudding Grass, Pulegium Vulgare, Pulegium, Squaw Balm, Stinking Balm, and others. As it has the smell of mint when the leaves are crushed, it has “Mentha” in its scientific name. Pennyroyal essential oil is extracted with the use of steam distillation method using the fresh plant. The vital components of Pennyroyal are neomenthone, iso menthone, pulegone, and menthone. Due to its high concentration of pulegone, it forms a harmful poison. Since ancient times, it is used for blood purification, curing fevers, and preventing menstrual problems.
| Name | Pennyroyal essential oil facts and benefits |
|---|---|
| Pennyroyal essential oil facts and benefits | Native to Europe |
| Common/English Name of Pennyroyal plant | Cayote Mint, Dwarf Thyme, Wild Bergamot, American Pennyroyal, European Pennyroyal, Dictame de Virginie, Hedeoma pulegioides, Frétillet, Huile de Menthe Pouliot, Melissa pulegioides, Menthe Pouliot, Mentha pulegium, Menthe Pouliote, Penny Royal, Mosquito Plant, Pennyroyal Leaf, Piliolerial, Pennyroyal Oil, Poleo, Pouliot Royal, Pouliot, Pudding Grass, Pulegium vulgare, Pulegium, Squaw Balm, Run-By-The-Ground, Squawmint, Tickweed, Stinking Balm |
| Name in Other Languages of Pennyroyal plant | French: American false-pennyroyal, church work, brotherwort, flea mint, mock pennyroyal, fleabane, mosquito plant, poley, pennyroyal of America, pudding herb, squaw mint, pudding grass, squaw balm, chickweed, stinking balm, Run-by-the-Ground, tickweed, Lurk-in-the-Ditch; chassepuces, mentha pouillot, dictamne de Virginie, herbe aux puces, fretillet, herbe de Saint-Laurent, poley, petit baume, pouliot royal; Greek: Fleskouni; |
| Extraction method | Steam distillation |
| Color | Clear to Light yellow |
| Flavor/aroma | Minty, herbaceous |
| Health Benefits |
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| Traditional uses |
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| Precautions |
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| Other Facts | It blends well with essential oils of geranium, citronella, rosemary, lavender, and sage. |
Health Benefits of Pennyroyal essential oil
Let us take a look at the health benefits provided by Pennyroyal essential oil:
Control hysteric attacks
Hysteria patients experience hysteric attacks such as unconscious violent behavior, convulsions, and fainting. They should be away from height, abrasives, water, fire as they are likely to fall, cut, drown and burn when they undergo these attacks. Pennyroyal essential oil is useful for hysterical fainting by controlling these attacks.
Prevent infections
Pennyroyal essential oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which are highly toxic even in small quantities. A little bit of misbalance in amounts could result in death. It eliminates bacteria and microbes and also counteracts infections that are caused by them.
Treat arthritis
It has a depurative property that provides a numbing effect on nerves, stimulating and cordial effects on blood circulation. It also provides the anti-arthritic and anti-rheumatic treatment. It eliminates toxins such as uric acid which is the cause of rheumatism. It has a stimulating effect on the circulation of blood that increases the flow of blood to vital organs and cures arthritis and rheumatism.
Destroy germs
Uterus, kidneys, urethra, urinary tract, and wounds have high chances of being septic due to the infection made by germs. Due to its antiseptic properties, it is highly poisonous and destroys bacteria, germs that are the cause of sepsis. As it is irritant and poisonous, it should be used in moderate amounts.
Purifies blood
Pennyroyal essential oil purifies blood being a depurative. It nullifies the toxins from the blood. It promotes the circulation of blood by assisting the proper mixture of oxygen and blood. It purifies the blood as well as cells and organs by making it oxygenated.
Antimicrobial & Antibacterial
Research published in 2019 in the journal BioMed Research International found that pennyroyal essential oil has strong antimicrobial properties. [1]Pennyroyal oil has had many folklore medicinal uses for at least 2000 years. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of pennyroyal oil are the results of its toxicity. You can imagine that even in trace quantities (mere parts per million) how deadly this poisonous oil might be for those tiny microscopic living beings (microbes) if it is so deadly for humans. Even a few milliliters can cause death. It kills microbes and bacteria and protects us from the infections caused by them. It also exhibits antifungal activity.
Anti-Rheumatic & Anti-Arthritic
The depurative property, which is seen as the numbing effect of this oil on the nerves, as well as its cordial and stimulating effects on blood circulation, make it an ideal combination as an anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic treatment.
Being a depurative, it promotes the removal of toxins like uric acid from the body, thereby eradicating the biggest cause behind rheumatism. The numbing effect on the nerves also helps withstand the pain of rheumatism and arthritis. Its cordial or warming effect heats up the affected area and gives a more comfortable feeling. Finally, its stimulating effect on blood circulation increases blood flow to important organ systems, bringing warmth to the affected places, while also curing them of rheumatism and arthritis.
Antiseptic
Wounds and internal organs, particularly the urinary tract, urethra, kidneys, and uterus may become septic due to infection by the germs. The highly poisonous nature of pennyroyal oil makes it an antiseptic since it kills the germs or bacteria that cause sepsis. However, this oil should be used in very mild doses, as it is highly poisonous and an irritant.
Depurative
There are certain reports that say that this oil can be used as a depurative, that is, a blood purifier. Certain components of this oil may help neutralize the toxins in the blood. Since it promotes blood circulation, it also helps proper mixing of fresh oxygen with the blood. In this way, it can purify the blood and keep the organs and cells properly oxygenated.
An animal study found that pennyroyal essential oil increased hemoglobin, white blood cells, and red blood cells, but did not have any effect on other blood indices. The increase in white blood cells indicates that it can strengthen the immune system. [rx]
Emenagogue
This is also well known and proven property of the pennyroyal essential oil. It can open blocked and delay menstruation. It can make it more regular by stimulating the production of some hormones like progesterone and estrogen.
Digestive
In an animal study published in 2018 for the journal Heliyon, it was found that pennyroyal essential oil improved performance, organ weight, serum lipids and intestinal morphology. It increased nutrient absorption in the intestines. [rx]
Pennyroyal is been in used in folk medicine to facilitate digestion. This property is also reportedly present in its essential oil and it promotes digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices.
Emmenagogue
Pennyroyal essential oil is sometimes used in herbal medicine as an emmenagogue. It is believed to open blocked and delayed menstruation cycles. The resultant stimulation of certain hormones like estrogen and progesterone makes the cycle more regular. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this.
It was also used as an abortifacient. Writing for the book Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition), writers Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young pointed out pennyroyal’s use as an emmenagogue and abortifacient from ancient times. However, its action as an abortifacient was linked to its toxicity. The amount required for abortion also endangered the pregnant woman’s life, found the authors. [rx]
Insecticide
Since this oil is toxic to humans and to other animals, it is toxic to insects as well. It is a very efficient insect killer and is very effective if used in fumigants, sprays, and vaporizers. Insects also try to stay away from this oil. This oil is highly praised and reputed as an insect repellant. An experiment undertaken to study the acaricidal effects of different herb essential oils found that the pennyroyal derivative was the most effective. [rx]
Astringent
Traditionally, this oil is used as a gum strengthener, which is probably due to its astringent properties. This makes the gums contract and tighten their grip on the teeth. The effects of its astringency can also be felt on other parts of the body since it induces muscle contraction, pulls up loose hanging skin, gives the face a lift, strengthens hair roots, and helps stop hemorrhaging by contracting the blood vessels.
Cordial
Due to its stimulating property, the essential oil of Penny Royal increases blood circulation, which in turn warms up the whole body, thus behaving as a cordial. This warming effect gives relief from feelings of cold that often result from a fever. If taken in excess, pennyroyal essential oil can be toxic. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Decongestant
The toxicity of this oil makes it an antiviral and fights infections in the lungs. This also loosens the phlegm and catarrh deposition in the lungs and the respiratory tracts, as well as promotes their expectoration. This way, it behaves as a decongestant for the lungs and respiratory tracts.
Stomachic
Used in very low doses, this oil can cure stomach problems and can settle the stomach. It cures infections in the stomach, helps maintain the acid-base balance in the stomach by stimulating the secretion of acids and bile into the stomach, and also soothes inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.
Supports digestion
In folk medicine, this essential oil is used to stimulate digestion by promoting digestive juice secretion.
Cordial
It has a stimulating property which means that it can increase blood circulation, which in turn will warm up your whole body and at the same time it will behave as a cordial. This property of the pennyroyal essential oil can give you relief from feelings of cold which often result from a fever.
Astringent
In traditional medicine, the pennyroyal essential oil has been used as a gum strengthener which is probably due to its astringent properties. This makes the gums contract and it tightens their grip on the teeth. The effects of this property can be also felt on other parts of the body because this property induces contraction in other muscles and it tightens them, helps stop hemorrhaging by contracting the blood vessels, strengthens hair roots, gives the face a lift, and pulls up loose hanging skin.
Menstrual problems
Pennyroyal essential oil opens delayed menstruation and makes it regular with the stimulation of hormone production such as progesterone and estrogen.
Kill insects
This oil is toxic to humans as well as animals and insects. It kills insects if used in sprays, vaporizers, and fumigants. This oil is highly regarded as an insect repellant.
Strengthen gums
It possesses astringent properties which strengthen gums and contract gums and also tighten the grip on teeth. It stimulates the contraction of muscles. It prevents hemorrhaging by the contraction of blood vessels.
Increase circulation
Pennyroyal essential oil increases the blood circulation that warms the body and provides relief from fever and cold.
Tea Benefits
As a tea, pennyroyal was used for many things. It was recommended to steep the herb and drink in order to use as a:
- Anthelmintic to expel parasites and worms
- Antispasmodic for cramping and convulsions
- Antitussive to relieve cough
- Carminative to reduce flatulence and abdominal bloating
- Decongestant and expectorant to thin and reduce mucus
- Digestive and stomachic tonic to aid in digestion and relieve stomach issues
- Diaphoretic to induce sweating
- Emmenagogue to induce menses
- Febrifuge to reduce fever
Pennyroyal tea was also applied topically as a(n):
- Antiseptic to clean and heal wounds
- Insect repellant, particularly to keep gnats away from the face
- Refrigerant to cool the body and reduce fever
- Rubefacient to redden the skin as a counter-irritant [rx]
In Mother’s Remedies, it was stated that a five-cent package can be bought at any drug store.”
Pennyroyal Essential Oil Uses
Pennyroyal is an herb with a medicinal history almost as long as herbal medicine itself.
Its healing qualities date back to the first century, in the time of Pedanius Dioscorides. In his five-volume work, De Materia Medica, you can find pennyroyal mentioned for a wide variety of ailments, particularly those of women. Likewise, the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder described many virtues of the herb during that time as well, such as its ability to purify water.
Ancient Uses
This particular mint was one of many such herbs that were referred to as ‘pot herbs’ for their wide deployment in culinary use. One of the pennyroyal’s former names, pudding grass, was from a time when it was mixed with currants, spices, and flour. This was then stuffed into a hog’s entrails. It was an old-time stuffing, which at the time was deemed pudding.
Flavoring & Scenting
Pennyroyal is said to resemble spearmint (Mentha spicata) in taste. It has been used throughout history to flavor wine and food, as well as to make herbal teas.
As it also smells like spearmint, it has been used to scent colognes, perfumes, detergents, and soaps. [2]
Historical Medicinal Uses
Before there were tests to determine the toxicity of a substance, pennyroyal was considered to be one of the most important medicinal herbs.
In Culpepper’s The Complete Herbal, he begins the section on the herb by saying, “Pennyroyal is so well known unto all, I mean the common kind, that it needs no description.”
He then states the methods in which Dioscorides used the plant:
- Thinning out thick phlegm
- Bringing on menstruation
- Warming any cold part
- Abortions
- Causing vomiting when mixed with water and vinegar
- As an antidote to poisonous bites and stings when mixed with wine
- Mixed with vinegar to awaken those who have fainted
- Dried and burnt to strengthen gums
- Soothes gout
- Made into plaster to remove facial marks
- Soothes itches when used as a wash
- Bruised and mixed with vinegar to clean ulcers
- Eliminates bruises of the eyes and burns on the face
- Calms toothache pain when boiled in wine and mixed with honey and salt
- Used as a wrap to take away joint pain
He goes on to write that Pliny added his own remedies to Dioscorides:
- Mixed with other mints in vinegar and placed under the nose to rouse someone who has fainted
- Ease headaches
- Relieved breast and stomach aches
- Mixed with honey, salt, and vinegar to calm cramps and ‘convulsions of the sinews’
- Cough remedy when boiled with milk, as well as healing mouth sores
- Brought about menstruation and abortion when drank in wine
Culpepper further notes that Matthiolus, a doctor in Siena that died in 1577, came up with his own uses for the well-rounded herb:
- A decoction of the herb helps edema and jaundice
- Heals headaches and other issues caused by cold
- Clears eyesight
- Eased burns when applied with barley
- Soothed earaches when applied within
- Gave energy to the lethargic
In the latter part of the book, there is an interesting synopsis of the virtues of this herb:
“Pulegium: Pennyroyal; hot and dry in the third degree; provokes urine, breaks the stone in the reins, strengthens women’s backs, provokes the menses, easeth their labor in child-bed, brings away the placenta, stays vomiting, strengthens the brain, breaks wind, and helps vertigo.”
In yet another text, Mother’s Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, there were, even more, uses for this wonder.
One of the dosing instructions was an infusion of the herb, one ounce to a pint of water steeped but not boiled, that could be used without reserve. The other dose called for 2-5 drops of the oil.
These could be used for:
- Stimulant purposes
- Bringing on sweating
- Menstrual troubles
- Suppressed lochia (the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth for a couple of days up to six weeks)
- Suppressed menses
- Flatulent colic in children
- It is used for blood purification, menstrual problems, digestive ailments, and feverish colds.
- It stimulates the menstrual blood flow and promotes abortion.
- It alleviates tension and cramps.
Aid Drowning ‘Victims’
Since it has such a reputation for being an enemy of bugs, it is interesting to note that in another text from days gone by, The Old English Herbals, that pennyroyal had another use.
It stated that the warm ashes of the burnt herb could be used to revive drowning flies and bees. Upon placing them in the ash, “they shall recover their lyfe after a little time as by ye space of one hour.”
Side-Effects of Pennyroyal
According to WebMD, there are numerous detrimental effects of using pennyroyal: [rx]
- Kidney, liver, and nervous system damage
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Burning sensation in the throat
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Hearing and vision problems
- Abortion
- Increased blood pressure
- Liver failure
- Brain damage
- Death
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS
Pennyroyal is LIKELY UNSAFE for anyone to use, but it is especially unsafe for children and people with the following conditions.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is LIKELY UNSAFE to take pennyroyal by mouth or apply it to your skin. There is some evidence that pennyroyal oil can cause abortions by causing the uterus to contract. But the dose needed for this effect could kill the mother or cause her life-long kidney and liver damage. Pennyroyal leaf tea seems to be able to start menstruation, which could also threaten a pregnancy.
- Children: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to give children pennyroyal by mouth. Two infants developed serious liver and nervous system injuries after taking pennyroyal, and one infant died.
- Kidney disease: The oil in pennyroyal can irritate the kidney and make existing kidney disease worse.
- Liver disease: The oil in pennyroyal can cause liver damage and might make existing liver disease worse.
DOSING
The appropriate dose of pennyroyal depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pennyroyal. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Pennyroyal Essential Oil Research, Facts, and Studies
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
With all of the danger surrounding pennyroyal, it is interesting to note that the herb, both American and European, is listed on the “Everything Added to Food in the United States” (EAFUC) list. [rx]
Herbal Tea Toxicity in Infants
Two infants were severely hurt, one fatally, after ingesting mint tea. Upon examination, it was determined that the teas contained pennyroyal. The first infant developed sudden cerebral edema, liver failure, and necrosis. The child tested positive for only menthofuran but died from its injuries. The second infant tested positive for both pulegone and menthofuran. The baby developed epileptic encephalopathy and hepatic dysfunction but survived. [rx]
Statistics of Self-Induced Abortion Attempts
There are numerous cases throughout history when women have attempted to induce abortion by using pennyroyal in various forms.
- a. 1897 In Britain, a 23-year old woman took a tablespoon of pennyroyal oil in order to induce menstruation, which had been absent for six months. She came into the hospital after vomiting for four days.
- b. The doctor, W.T. Allen of the Parish Missionary in Liverpool, treated her with morphia (morphine), and rectal alimentation (nourishment through rectal delivery), which resolved the vomiting. However, her condition continued to deteriorate, and she died eight days after ingestion, on March 19, 1897. The druggist who had sold the young lady the pennyroyal stated he had never heard of poisoning by the substance in his 30 years of work. [rx]
- c. 1909: A man was convicted after prescribing pennyroyal pills. The woman had a miscarriage and died two months later.
- d. 1912: This case also involved pills, which were ingested by a 16-year-old trying to abort her baby. This one was also fatal.
- e. In 1954, there was a case in which a woman swallowed a vial of pennyroyal, purchased another the day after, and drank that as well. She went to her doctor after feeling ill, who prescribed codeine pills. When she was later admitted to the hospital and it was discovered she had severe vaginal bleeding, she confessed to taking the poison in an effort to induce the abortion of a three-month pregnancy. This was on October 15th. She died on October 28th, after suffering severe liver and kidney damage. [rx]
- f. 1961: A 23-year old woman took three pennyroyal tablets 3-4 times a day for four days in an effort to induce abortion. She ended up having epileptic fits, hallucinations, and severe confusion. After a brief hospitalization, she survived and later delivered a daughter. [rx]
- g. 1978: An 18-year old ingested two ounces of oil to induce abortion. She died after seven days. [rx]
- h. 1994: In this case, it is unclear whether the 24-year-old woman died from complications from an ectopic pregnancy or from pennyroyal poisoning. She had drunk a pennyroyal extract-infused herbal tea prior to her death.
Herbal Toxin
Abstract from 1996 stated that the herb, which is widely available, is an “herbal toxin of public health importance.” The authors propose a greater understanding of the toxic mechanism and stricter control of the herb to the general public. [rx]
Treatment for Pennyroyal Toxicity
The antidote for overdoses of pennyroyal is glutathione, which detoxifies the metabolic toxins. In hospital settings, N-acetylcysteine is administered in a similar way as it is for acetaminophen overdose. [rx]
Precautions
- This oil is very harmful because its small intake could cause the death of humans and animals.
- Pregnant and Lactation women should avoid it due to its abortifacient properties.
- It is not recommended for aromatherapy use because its inhalation in small quantities could damage respiratory tracts, lungs, and liver seriously.
- Extreme care should be taken for using this oil both externally or internally.
- Do not use it on the skin.
- Excessive use could be fatal.
From Where To Buy
or
The International Federation of Aromatherapists, The Leading Aromatherapy Associations (Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association, Aromatherapy Trade Council, and others) all state that essential oils should not be taken internally (regardless of purity or organic origin) unless under the guidance of a health care practitioner trained at an appropriate level or supervision of a Medical Doctor who is also qualified in clinical Aromatherapy. All cautions listed for individual oils do not include those cautions from ingestion. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
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