Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) herb cut and sifted - Bulk.

All of our bulk herbs are organic when available, otherwise herbs are wildcrafted and responsibly sourced.

Available in either increments of 2 oz or save 20% when you purchase a pound.

SUGGESTED USE:

Make an infusion using 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Steep 15 minutes, covered. Strain. Dose: 1 cup of the infusion (tea) 2 times per day as needed.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Not for use in pregnancy

EXTRA INFORMATION:

Pennyroyal is the smallest of the mint family, and has some very distinctive properties. The taste and odor of Pennyroyal is stronger and far more pungent than other mints, which makes it disagreeable to many people. It's also disagreeable to insects. Pennyroyal is a good herb to plant in gardens to keep bugs away.

The species names of the European and American varieties derive from the Latin "pulex", meaning "flea," in reference to the plant's insect-repelling properties. The genus name of American Pennyroyal, Hedeoma, derives from the Greek "hedys", meaning "scented." The genus name of European Pennyroyal, Mentha, is taken from that of Minthe, in Greek mythology a nymph taken by Pluto as a lover; Pluto's jealous wife, Persephone, turned Minthe into a peppermint plant. The common name Pennyroyal derives from an old Anglo-French name for this plant, "puliol real".

European Pennyroyal is a perennial that grows to 2 feet in height. The small leaves are opposite, ovate, serrate, and fuzzy to the touch. The flowers are lavender hued and grow from the leaf axils. The plant is often found in the wild in moist areas. It can tolerate full sun or shade and spreads readily. American Pennyroyal is an annual that grows from 6 to 18 inches in height. The leaves are opposite and lance shaped and can be toothed or entire. The two-lipped, hermaphroditic, bluish flowers have three short and two long teeth and grow from the leaf axils. The plant is often found in the wild in sunny locations with moderately fertile soil.

Pennyroyal is not generally considered edible, though the tea is refreshing and is sometimes used as a culinary flavoring.

In ancient Greece Pennyroyal was believed to purify bad water; in the Middle Ages it was used as a strewing herb. Pennyroyal was an excellent bug repellent. The plant is rubbed on or the diluted essential oil dabbed onto the skin, providing protection against ants, chiggers, fleas, flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and ticks. The essential oil is sometimes used in dog and cat shampoos and flea collars to repel these pests. Smudging (burning the dried herb) or sprinkling the dried plant around is another method of repelling insects. The dried herb is also sometimes included in sachets to repel moths from stored clothing and is sometimes used in cleaning products.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.