Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Mentha pulegium:
|
| Common Names: |
Pennyroyal , European Pennyroyal, Pudding Grass
|
| Key Name: |
Pennyroyal
|
| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowering tops
|
| Sister Plants: |
Mentha spicata, Mentha piperita, Mentha aquatica
|
| Comments: |
Perennial aromatic herb valued for leaves; attracts pollinators; thrives in moist soils
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Perennial herb (6-18 inches), square stems, small oval leaves, purple to lilac flowers in whorls, aromatic
|
| Stem: |
Square, erect, branching, green to reddish, 15-45 cm
|
| Leaves: |
Oval to lance-shaped, 1-3 cm, serrated edges, aromatic
|
| Flowers: |
Small purple to lilac flowers, 2-4 mm, in dense whorls, blooming June-August
|
| Fruit: |
Tiny nutlets, 0.5-1 mm
|
| Taste: |
Pungent, minty (leaves), bitter (flowers)
|
| Odour: |
Strong, minty scent
|
| Root: |
hallow, fibrous root system
|
| Image URL: |
|
Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to Europe, North Africa, Western Asia; naturalized in North America
|
| Cultivation: |
Full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil; propagate by cuttings or seed in spring; space 12-18 inches apart
|
| Harvest: |
Leaves and flowering tops: Summer (June-August)
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Carminative, emmenagogue, stimulant, abortifacient
|
| Medical Uses: |
Leaves for digestion, menstrual regulation, colds; historically as an abortifacient (caution: toxic in high doses)
|
| Constituents: |
Pulegone, menthol, limonene, flavonoids
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture), oil
|
| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water, 1 time daily (low dose); Tincture: 1-2 mL
|
| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion, tincture (sparingly); External: Poultice
|
| Formulas: |
|
| Contra Indications: |
Toxic in high doses; may cause liver damage, seizures; avoid during pregnancy or lactation; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water 10 min
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for digestive issues in livestock (low doses)
|
| Homeopathic: |
Used homeopathically for menstrual issues'
|
Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
Yes
|
| Pollinator: |
honeybees, native bees, summer pollinators
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts honeybees, native bees, summer pollinators
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Insect repellent, fragrance, ornamental
|
| Culinary Uses: |
Leaves in teas, flavoring; use sparingly due to toxicity
|
| History: |
Used since ancient Greece for medicine and pest control; name from "penny" (old coin) and "royal" (aromatic)
|
| Reference: |
'2',
'https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mentha+pulegium',
1,
'herbalist1',
'Herbal Community',
|
| URL: |
https://usbm.ca/ency
|
| Share: |
Public
|