Modern Herb: Benefits of Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal oil has powerful antimicrobial properties (1). The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of pennyroyal are the result of its toxic nature. Even in trace quantities, it is poisonous for microbes. It protects us from the infections caused by them. It also exhibits antifungal activity. The numbing effect on the nerves, and stimulating effects on the blood circulation making it an ideal anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic agent. It promotes the removal of uric acid from the body. The uses include its impact on circulation that increases blood flow to vital organ systems, bringing warmth to the affected places.

Also,

• Pennyroyal oil prevents sepsis of these organs.
• Certain reports say that it acts as a blood purifier.
• A study found that pennyroyal essential oil increased hemoglobin, white blood cells, and red blood cells (2). The increase in white blood cells indicates that it can boost immunity.
• Pennyroyal essential oil also improves performance, organ weight, serum lipids, and intestinal morphology. It increased nutrient absorption in the intestines.

In a 100g serving of pennyroyal, the nutrition facts are Total Fat 0.72g, Sodium 30mg, Carbohydrate 8.33g, Dietary Fiber 6.7g, Protein 3.26g,  Calcium 198mg, Iron 11.76mg, Potassium 453mg, Vitamin A 4010 IU, and Vitamin C 13.1mg.

Fact

How to Use Pennyroyal?

Pennyroyal tea is used as an insect repellent, antiseptic, fragrance, flavoring, as an emmenagogue, antispasmodic and for bowel disorders, skin eruptions, and pneumonia. There are various Pennyroyal tea benefits.

Pennyroyal for Delayed Menstruation

• Take two tablespoons of blue cohosh root in combination with three tablespoons of pennyroyal leaves and two tablespoons of tansy.
• Boil the blue cohosh root in a quart of water for five minutes, and place the pennyroyal tea and tansy in a separate jar.
• After the water has boiled, pour it into the second jar and allow it to steep for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, strain the herbs and reheat the liquid.
• It is recommended to take a hot cup every four hours, up to five days, or until bleeding occurs.
• To enhance the effectiveness of pennyroyal tea, add a tablespoon of brewer’s yeast to every cup.

Pennyroyal oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant, which is from the mint family. The oil has many folklore medicinal uses. Its strong spearmint fragrance makes it suitable to be used as a herb to flavor tea and as an insecticide.

Pennyroyal for Infection/Cramps/Mouth Sores

• Mix with some other mint in vinegar and place under the nose to rouse someone who has fainted.
• Massage it on your body to ease headaches and relieve breast and stomach aches.
• Mix it with honey, salt, and vinegar to calm cramps and convulsions.
• Boil it with milk to use as a cough remedy as well as for healing mouth sores.
• Add some drops of pennyroyal in a diffuser with water or on wooden balls scent the air with the smell of wild mint to repel mosquitos and other insects.
• Dilute in water or vegetable oil (100-200 drops per 100 ml) and apply it to eliminate lice in hair.

Although poisoning with pennyroyal herb is rare, it can be severe and has even led to death. In humans, the use of 10 ml of the oil has resulted in acute toxicity, with reports of fatalities within 1 to 2 hours of 15 mL consumption. Since tea and oil made from the herb are of uncertain concentration, toxic effects are relatively common. Early signs of oil poisoning may include nausea and vomiting, agitation, and abdominal pain.

Severe symptoms may consist of: Cardiovascular collapse, excessive bleeding, acute liver injury, early liver failure, death. Side effects from the consumption of pennyroyal may include dermatitis, an increase in blood pressure, an increase in pulse rate. Hallucinations and seizures.

It can also cause nerve toxicity, delirium, or shock. It can also lead to miscarriage, premature birth, uterine contractions, or injury to the fetus.

Pennyroyal has many potent constituents. It has antimicrobial and antiseptic potential. It can be used to prevent and treat multiple infections. It also proves useful in relieving delayed menstruation. Pennyroyal essential oil is used for massage, combined in inhalers, and as a cure for mouth sores. It finds its use in relieving cough and cramps.

There is enough evidence that its use can prevent infections and strengthen the immune system. All these properties make it an excellent at-home medicine. However, there are many side effects to its users; it can be very poisonous and may even cause death if used without proper consultation. It may lead to abortion or injury to the newborn.

FAQs

1. How Much of Pennyroyal Is Toxic?

Well, studies have shown that more than 10ML of pennyroyal could lead to severe health conditions and in some cases, even fatalities after 1-2 hours of consumption.

2. What Does Pennyroyal Taste Like?

Pennyroyal looks like mint, smells like mint, and even tastes like mint, but unlike mint, it contains pulegone, a very poisonous compound that is dangerous for the liver and acts as an abortifacient. It has been used as a culinary herb for thousands of years.