Pennyroyal is sometimes applied to the skin (topical use) for gout. Pennyroyal Uses. There is some evidence that pennyroyal in high doses can cause abortion. Pennyroyal is often sold as an herbal supplement. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. One to two teaspoons of the dried herb is sometimes steeped for 10-15 minutes in one cup of water that was boiled prior to adding the herb. It does contain the planetary metal for Mars (iron) and has some Mars qualities, though, such as causing sweating (heating) that has been used to chase away a cold. It can also cause kidney and liver damage to the mother and be fatal. Women use it to start or regulate their menstrual periods, or to cause an abortion. It has been used throughout history to flavor wine and food, as well as to make herbal teas. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Composition and lyrics [ edit ] The song's title refers to the tea made from boiling the leaves of the plant Mentha pulegium , or pennyroyal, which is used as an abortifacient , among other things, in traditional medicine . It has applications as an herbal remedy, culinary uses and as a decorative touch. There are various Pennyroyal tea benefits. In large portions, pennyroyal can cause abortion, irreversible renal damage, severe liver damage and death. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. For drying, it should be harvested as … The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. He probably also considered suicide many times, a "self abortion". Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: Pennyroyal is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Despite serious safety concerns, pennyroyal is used for the common cold, pneumonia, fatigue, ending a pregnancy (abortion), and as an insect repellant, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In the 17th century, English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper wrote about some uses Its action is unpredictable and dangerous. A cousin to mint, pennyroyal smells good (if a bit overwhelming) and can help keep fleas and mosquitoes at bay. Abortive, hepatotoxic (toxic to liver), and neurotoxic. Pennyroyal is often sold as an herbal supplement. Both plants are members of the mint family and both are referred to as pennyroyal. H. pulegioides (American pennyroyal) grows in woods through most of the northern and eastern US and Canada while M. pulegium is found in parts of Europe. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The herb has a minty smell and boasts anti-hysteric, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, and digestive properties. Pennyroyal should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium . Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. This herbal infusion is also used in the treatment of respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. Pennyroyal is entirely safe for anyone to eat or make into tea. Not illegal so far as I know. Because of its strong spearmint fragrance, it was used as an herb to flavor teas and food and as an insecticide. Pennyroyal has been recorded in history as far back as the first century AD, when it was mentioned by Roman naturalist Pliny and Greek physician Dioscorides. Pennyroyal tea is used for stomach complaints and to bring on delayed menstruation. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. (1) Pennyroyal Essential Oil Health Uses 1. Follow all directions on the product label and package. The leaves of the Mentha Pulegium emit very strong fragrance when crushed. Despite serious safety concerns, pennyroyal is used for colds, pneumonia, and other breathing problems. And in high enough doses, the story goes, pennyroyal can allow a pregnant woman to expel the contents of her uterus, inducing an abortion. Consuming the essential oil is dangerous for anyone, but there is a big difference between that concentrated phytochemical and the wholeness of the plant. Pennyroyal tea has been used for cold relief, fevers, coughs, indigestion, liver and kidney problems and headaches. Do not use different formulations of pennyroyal (such as tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Pennyroyal tea has been used to treat asthma. However, the plant is known to be toxic, and now no medicinal use is considered safe. "Pennyroyal Tea" was performed for the last time live at Nirvana's final concert, on March 1, 1994, at Terminal Eins in Munich, Germany. The repeated use of pennyroyal extract over a period of 2 weeks has been linked to death. Pennyroyal American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegoides) European Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)Pennyroyal is a well-known abortificant which causes the uterine muscles to contract, it is said to be very effective and is sometimes combined with Blue Cohosh, or mugwort.It is believed to be most effective as tea, drunk while hot. Other names of the herbs are such as European Pennyroyal, Squaw mint, Mosquito plant, and pudding grass. Do not use extra pennyroyal to make up the missed dose. Available for Android and iOS devices. How Pennyroyal is effective for various diseases is listed in repertory format. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Pennyroyal is a perennial, creeping herb with small, lilac flowers at the stem ends. ---Harvesting---Pennyroyal is mostly sold in the dry state for making tea, the stems being cut when the plant is just about to flower and dried in the usual manner. List of various diseases cured by Pennyroyal. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. Pennyroyal drug interactions (in more detail). Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Pennyroyal has been recorded in history as far back as the first century AD, when it was mentioned by Roman naturalist Pliny and Greek physician Dioscorides. Pennyroyal may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Pennyroyal oil has had many folklore medicinal uses for at least 2000 years. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using. The Greeks incorporated pennyroyal into secret rituals of initiation. Ingested as a tea or an oil, pennyroyal can hurry along an annoyingly late period. Pennyroyal is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Collars made from dried pennyroyal can be used on pets to naturally reduce fleas, and pennyroyal extract can also be applied to pet collars, bedding, and used generally around the house. Other drugs may interact with pennyroyal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. Pennyroyal is a highly effective insect repellent, and is often included in commercial products designed to deter insects. In short, Pennyroyal has potential complications if used by an unknowledgeable person. As it also smells like spearmint, it has been used to scent colognes, perfumes, detergents, and soaps. Do not take pennyroyal without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. As it has been used in large doses as an abortifacient, it should be avoided during pregnancy. Pennyroyal tea is able to help when you need to fight a chill brought on by sickness, and is very soothing to the digestive system. The plant’s oil has been used as a flea-killing bath, and has been used externally as a counter-irritant. Pennyroyal is considered safer as a tea from dried leaves. Available for Android and iOS devices. Used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods. If you choose to use pennyroyal, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. One of the more surprising Pennyroyal tea benefits includes its external applications. This kind of circular reference was typical to his songs. The leaves are grayish green and, like other mint family members, very aromatic. Pennyroyal is a plant also known as Dictame de Virginie, European Pennyroyal, Feuille de Menthe Pouliot, Frétillet, Hedeoma pulegioides, Herbe aux Puces, Herbe de Saint-Laurent, Lurk-In-The-Ditch, Melissa pulegioides, Mentha pulegium, Menthe Pouliot, Mosquito Plant, Piliolerial, Poleo, Pouliot Royal, Pudding Grass, Pulegium, Run-By-The-Ground, Squaw Balm, Squawmint, Stinking Balm, Tickweed, and other names. The plant's oil has been used as a flea-killing bath, hence the name pulegioides (from the Latin word meaning flea), and has been used externally as a rubefacient (counter-irritant). Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 7 Dec 2020), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Dec 2020), ASHP (updated 3 Dec 2020) and others. It is not certain whether pennyroyal is effective in treating any medical condition. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Throughout history, both American pennyroyal and European pennyroyal have been used interchangeably as a source of oil. Pennyroyal has been a … In manufacturing, pennyroyal oil is used as a dog and cat flea repellent, and as a fragrance for detergents, perfumes, and soaps. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Stop using pennyroyal and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. But there is a lack of clinical research evidence to back up the claims for safe and effective use of pennyroyal. The dose at which the herb induces abortion is close to lethal, and in some cases it is lethal. Pennyroyal is an herb in the mint family. A spearmint-like flavour, though rather coarser, it is not used very often in Britain. Pennyroyal plant is a perennial herb that was once widely used but is not as common today. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. It is most notable for its use to induce menstruation and abortion. What is “pennyroyal tea”? Pennyroyal also is known as American pennyroyal, squawmint, mosquito plant, and pudding grass. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Pennyroyal tea is used as an insect repellent, antiseptic, fragrance, flavoring, as an emmenagogue, antispasmodic and for bowel disorders, skin eruptions, and pneumonia. The herb Pennyroyal was believed to be the best flea repellent, and was also used in a number of culinary dishes such as stuffing and pudding. Names of Pennyroyal in various languages of the world are also given. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Pennyroyal. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. There are two plants called pennyroyal. The fresh or dried leaves of pennyroyal have also been used when treating influenza, abdominal cramps, to induce sweating, as well as in the treatment of … Use of pennyroyal oil has led to severe adverse reactions - and even death. Other uses for pennyroyal tea include the treatment of headaches, common colds, and toothaches. European settlers used the plant for respiratory ailments, mouth sores, and female disorders. Generic Name: pennyroyal (PEH nee roy al)Brand Name: Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 24, 2020 – Written by Cerner Multum. Pennyroyal should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Version: 5.01. turmeric, echinacea, saw palmetto, milk thistle, Ginkgo Biloba. He probably wrote this in response to a girlfriend getting pregnant (maybe Courtney Love) and either getting or considering an abortion. It is still occasionally used in herbal combinations intended to end early pregnancies. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. It's a perennial, herbaceous herb. Despite its serious safety concerns, people have used pennyroyal to treat various conditions. Documented adverse effects. Pennyroyal can be used to repel fleas and other insects, but taking it internally is thick with risks. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. Other drugs may interact with pennyroyal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Avoid use. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The oil and infusions of the leaves have been used in the treatment of weakness and stomach pains. You can take the wet and warm teabag and rub it on your skin to repel insects. Pregnant women should avoid pennyroyal tea, as it can cause a miscarriage. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegioides) can relax spasmodic pain and ease anxiety in some people. You may not be able to use pennyroyal if you have certain medical conditions. Pennyroyal usually is used as the volatile oil as an abortive. 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