COMMON NAME

Standardized: European pennyroyal

BOTANICAL NAME

Mentha pulegium L.
Plant Family: Lamiaceae

OVERVIEW

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.

The use of pennyroyal oil in products has become controversial when products using the oil were implicated in the deaths of two women. The herb is known to be toxic when taken in large doses, and skin contact with the pure oil can cause dermatitis.

PARTS USED

The entire aerial portion, preferably in the flowering stage.

TYPICAL PREPARATIONS

Usually as a tea but sometimes in extract and seldom in capsules. Topically the oil or fresh herb can be used.

SUMMARY

Pennyroyal is a good herb to plant in gardens to keep bugs away.