American Pennyroyal

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What is American Pennyroyal?

The essential oil of pennyroyal is considered toxic. Death has been reported after consumption of half an ounce (15ml) of the oil.



Side Effects

Upset stomach, nausea, stomach cramping, burning in the throat, vomiting (sometimes containing blood), lung damage, rash or hives when used on the skin, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, stiff muscles, fever, agitation, delirium, nerve pain, seizures, shock, death, vision abnormalities, hallucinations, low blood pressure or slow, irregular heartbeats, breathing difficulties, urinary tract irritation, menstrual bleeding, abnormally low numbers of red blood cells, spon...



Reactions / Interactions

Drugs that alter blood sugar levels (like insulin), drugs that lower blood pressure, and other herbs and supplements that have similar effects.



What is American Pennyroyal?

The essential oil of pennyroyal is considered toxic. Death has been reported after consumption of half an ounce (15ml) of the oil.

Side Effects

Upset stomach, nausea, stomach cramping, burning in the throat, vomiting (sometimes containing blood), lung damage, rash or hives when used on the skin, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, stiff muscles, fever, agitation, delirium, nerve pain, seizures, shock, death, vision abnormalities, hallucinations, low blood pressure or slow, irregular heartbeats, breathing difficulties, urinary tract irritation, menstrual bleeding, abnormally low numbers of red blood cells, spontaneous abortion may also occur, increase the risk of bleeding, brain, kidney and liver and damage. Signs of overdose include nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills, fever, headache, ringing in the ears, dizziness, low blood pressure, difficulty swallowing, extreme thirst, rapid heartbeats, muscle spasms, restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue, tremor, excessive talkativeness, hallucinations, mania, seizures, and coma.

Reactions / Interactions

Drugs that alter blood sugar levels (like insulin), drugs that lower blood pressure, and other herbs and supplements that have similar effects.

Safety

Avoid pennyroyal if you have a known allergy to pennyroyal or any of its components, including pulegone. Pennyroyal has been associated with numerous toxicities and death. Dangerous reactions may occur if pennyroyal is taken by mouth or is used on the skin. Use cautiously with prescription drugs that control blood sugar levels.

Dosage

Adults (18 years and older)

Capsules, tablets, or liquid extract: Doses of beta-glucan from maitake range from 0.5-1 milligram per kilogram daily, taken in divided doses.

Children (18 years and younger)

Not enough scientific data available.

Evidence

Condition: Abortion Grade: C

Condition: Increased menstrual flow Grade: C

Disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

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While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

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