Also known as "lurk-in-the-ditch" and "pudding grass," pennyroyal is a species of mint that has been used for centuries to prevent fleas and provoke abortions, among other uses, but more research is required to confirm efficacy. Pennyroyal can be poisonous, toxic and even deadly. Use extreme caution when using the herb pennyroyal to help avoid potentially devastating effects.
History
The Ancient Romans used pennyroyal to help rid dogs of fleas. Cooks also used pennyroyal to create stuffing for pork dishes. One popular stuffing involved pennyroyal, pepper and honey, according to "A Modern Herbal" author Maud Grieve.
Description
The smallest plant of the mint family, the pennyroyal plant has round or oval, hairy leaves, weak stems, and small clusters of flower blossoms in colors ranging from lilac blue to reddish purple. Originating in Europe and Asia, pennyroyal was later introduced to North and South American environments. Strongly fragranced, pennyroyal aromatics are comparable to spearmint and peppermint but more pungent.
Use
Pennyroyal's leaves and oil are used as medicine. The oil is made from distilling the plant's stems and flowers, according to Purdue University Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Despite the potential for danger, some individuals use pennyroyal for colds, pneumonia and breathing problems, according to the National Library of Medicine. Women have used pennyroyal to regulate menstrual cycles or cause abortions. Externally, pennyroyal use includes application to the skin to kill germs, discourage insects and treat skin diseases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves small doses of pennyroyal to be used in flavoring, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Effectiveness
Insufficient evidence exists to confirm the effectiveness of pennyroyal in reducing spasms, pneumonia, fluid retention, killing germs and addressing skin conditions, according to MedlinePlus. Although major doses of pennyroyal can cause abortion, this carries serious risk for the mother. Death and irreversible kidney and liver damage are possible results. Additionally, the MedlinePlus confirms that there is insufficient evidence to describe how pennyroyal might interact with the body.
Serious Warnings
Using pennyroyal oil is unsafe, according to MedlinePlus. Possible results include liver and kidney damage, vomiting, seizures, dizziness, vision problems and high blood pressure. Lung failure and brain damage are possible effects of pennyroyal use. Death can result after using an alcoholic pennyroyal extract for two weeks. Not enough is yet known about the safety of ingesting pennyroyal tea. Some populations are especially sensitive to pennyroyal and should definitely avoid use. Children, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should steer clear of pennyroyal. Additionally, individuals with liver disease or kidney disease should avoid pennyroyal, as this herb can worsen conditions.
