Pennyroyal Information And Uses

There are two different genera of pennyroyal, American (Hedeoma pulegioides ) and European (Mentha pulegium ). Both are members of the mint family and are quite similar in appearance. The American species, native to the eastern United States, is a bushy annual, with longer leaves and a more upright growth, preferring dry, pH acid soil and full sun. The European species, native to central and southwest Europe and the Mediterranean region, is a perennial, with upright to decumbent growth, preferring pH neutral, rich, moist soil, and full sun to part shade. The flowers on both species are produced in distinct whorls in late summer to early autumn.

Both plants have a long history of use as an insect repellant. Pliny the elder remarked on it's effectiveness against fleas and it's latin name, mentha pulegium was derived from pulex irritans, meaning flea. The leaves were rubbed onto the skin for protection against gnats and mosquitos, or strewn on the floor to deter fleas, ticks and other crawling insects. Many commercial repellants today contain pennyroyal oil.

The essential oil of pennyroyal (and this applies for all essential oils) should NEVER be used internally, even in small amounts it is a deadly poison, and the amount of oil required to be effective as an abortifacient is also the amount that is toxic. The oil contains 85 to 90 percent pulegone, which is a toxic chemical, and can cause convulsions, coma and even death.

Traditionally the herb, fresh or dried is drunk as a tea for digestive disorders, colds, to combat nausea, to increase sweating and to promote menstruation (Amenorrhoea). Cultivation
M.pulegium is propagated either by taking cuttings or by root division. H.pulegioides is generally propagated by seed, though root cuttings can be taken. Harvesting can be at any time, but best when in full bloom. Hang to dry and store the dried leaves in an airtight container. Use them in potpourris etc.

Constituents: - pulegone,isopulegone, menthol, isomenthone, limonene, piperitone, neomenthol, bitters and tannins.
Parts Used: - Aerial parts, especially young leaves and flowers.
Actions: - Carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, emmenagogue.
Preparations: - Tea Infusion, Tincture, Essential Oil

Insect Repellant

1/4 cup vegetable oil or vodka
1/4 Tsp Citronella essential oil
1/4 Tsp Eucalyptus essential oil
6 drops (1/8 tsp) Pennyroyal essential oil
6 drops Cedar essential oil
6 drops Geranium essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and apply mixture to exposed skin. Keep away from eyes and mouth. This repellant will last a year, so you can make up large quantities for the summer.

Potpourri (use dried flowers and leaves)

2 cups lavender
1 cup rosemary
1 cup southernwood
1/2 cup spearmint
1/2 cup santolina (cotton lavender)
1/4 cup pennyroyal
1/4 cup tansy
1/4 cup mugwort
1/4 cup cedar shavings>br> 10 yellow tulips or flower of choice
3 Tblsp orris root powder

Gently combine the flowers and leaves until well mixed and place in an airtight container. Sprinkle on the orris root, close the container and give it a shake. Store in a warm dry place for six weeks to mature. Give the container a shake every 2-3 days. Display the mixture in an open bowl, or glass container.