As it has been used in large doses as an abortifacient, it should be avoided during pregnancy. Amongst Celts, it is associated with the Great Mother, and it is usually considered a Venus herb. Do not take pennyroyal without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. Pennyroyal usually is used as the volatile oil as an abortive. Other names of the herbs are such as European Pennyroyal, Squaw mint, Mosquito plant, and pudding grass. Th… The plant’s oil has been used as a flea-killing bath, and has been used externally as a counter-irritant. (1) Pennyroyal Essential Oil Health Uses 1. Growing pennyroyal in the herb or perennial garden will add color with its reddish purple to lilac blooms. If the plant is steeped in boiling water, you get a "tea" that has been used for a variety of purposes from cramps to flatulence, and was a favorite for trying to induce abortion. 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). Pennyroyal tea has been used to treat asthma. The abortive effect of the oil is thought to be caused by irritation of the uterus with subsequent uterine contraction. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Pennyroyal tea has been used for cold relief, fevers, coughs, indigestion, liver and kidney problems and headaches. Because of severe toxicity at doses of 5 g, it should not be used. Ingestion is not recommended due to toxicity concerns, but some people have used the leaves or an infusion (tea) for complaints such as breathing problems, stomac… 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. Pennyroyal tea is used for stomach complaints and to bring on delayed menstruation. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegioides) can relax spasmodic pain and ease anxiety in some people. A small amount of oil can produce delirium, unconsciousness, shock, seizures and auditory and visual hallucinations. Both plants are members of the mint family and both are referred to as pennyroyal. This is largely due to the fact that said plant is indeed poisonous. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. Pennyroyal can be used to repel fleas and other insects, but taking it internally is thick with risks. However, the plant is known to be toxic, and now no medicinal use is considered safe. 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. In the 17th century, English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper wrote about some uses for the plant including its role in women's ailments, venomous bites, and digestion. Pennyroyal essential oil is extracted through steam distillation from the Pennyroyal herb, native to Europe. It is not certain whether pennyroyal is effective in treating any medical condition. Before using pennyroyal, talk to your healthcare provider. Pennyroyal is not considered safe for ingestion for any use. Avoid use. In manufacturing, pennyroyal oil is used as a dog and cat flea repellent, and as a fragrance for detergents, perfumes, and soaps. 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. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Pennyroyal was used in tinctures to cure a cold for several centuries in the past for its efficacy in reducing fevers and headaches. Pennyroyal Tea is a purgative which when taken to excess can cause an abortion. Pennyroyal has been a … Pennyroyal tea is used as an insect repellent, antiseptic, fragrance, flavoring, as an emmenagogue, antispasmodic and for bowel disorders, skin eruptions, and pneumonia. In large portions, pennyroyal can cause abortion, irreversible renal damage, severe liver damage and death. It can also cause kidney and liver damage to the mother and be fatal. Tea. Generic Name: pennyroyal (PEH nee roy al)Brand Name: Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 24, 2020 – Written by Cerner Multum. Pennyroyal is considered safer as a tea from dried leaves. Follow all directions on the product label and package. The Greeks incorporated pennyroyal into secret rituals of initiation. 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. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. He probably also considered suicide many times, a "self abortion". 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. Women use it to start or regulate their menstrual periods, or to cause an abortion. A spearmint-like flavour, though rather coarser, it is not used very often in Britain. Pennyroyal may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. 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" was performed for the last time live at Nirvana's final concert, on March 1, 1994, at Terminal Eins in Munich, Germany. Edible parts of Pennyroyal: Leaves - raw or cooked. 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 … Documented adverse effects. Pennyroyal drug interactions (in more detail). In the 17th century, English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper wrote about some uses There are various Pennyroyal tea benefits. This kind of circular reference was typical to his songs. You can take the wet and warm teabag and rub it on your skin to repel insects. Other drugs may interact with pennyroyal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with pennyroyal does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. You may not be able to use pennyroyal if you have certain medical conditions. This herb has many different uses, including the following: Insecticide; Digestive aid; Muscle relaxant; Tea; Topical remedy; Skin care; Let us discuss them in detail below. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. For drying, it should be harvested as … 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. And in high enough doses, the story goes, pennyroyal can allow a pregnant woman to expel the contents of her uterus, inducing an abortion. Do not use extra pennyroyal to make up the missed dose. Pennyroyal may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, increased blood pressure and increased pulse rate, and dermatitis. 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 is most notable for its use to induce menstruation and abortion. 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. But there is a lack of clinical research evidence to back up the claims for safe and effective use of pennyroyal. It has been used throughout history to flavor wine and food, as well as to make herbal teas. Pennyroyal is said to resemble spearmint (Mentha spicata) in taste. The title itself, “pennyroyal tea”, is in fact a type of tea made from a plant called mentha pulegium which has various applications. Version: 5.01. turmeric, echinacea, saw palmetto, milk thistle, Ginkgo Biloba. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. The repeated use of pennyroyal extract over a period of 2 weeks has been linked to death. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. Names of Pennyroyal in various languages of the world are also given. 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. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. Pennyroyal is often sold as an herbal supplement. Pennyroyal should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 7 Dec 2020), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Dec 2020), ASHP (updated 3 Dec 2020) and others. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. The oil and infusions of the leaves have been used in the treatment of weakness and stomach pains. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Copyright 1996-2018 Cerner Multum, Inc. It is also highly poisonous by nature and should be used with extreme caution. As it also smells like spearmint, it has been used to scent colognes, perfumes, detergents, and soaps. In addition, the oil has found frequent use among natural health advocates as an abortive and as a means of inducing delayed menses. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Pennyroyal is often sold as an herbal supplement. Pennyroyal is often sold as an herbal supplement. 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 was used to flavor wine by the ancient Greeks while numerous Roman recipes called for its use alongside herbs like oregano and coriander. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Pennyroyal should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. There are two plants called pennyroyal. Despite serious safety concerns, pennyroyal is used … Used as a flavouring in salads or cooked foods. turmeric, echinacea, saw palmetto, milk thistle, Ginkgo Biloba. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Despite serious safety concerns, pennyroyal is used for colds, pneumonia, and other breathing problems. There is some evidence that pennyroyal in high doses can cause abortion. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. It is still occasionally used in herbal combinations intended to end early pregnancies. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 7 Dec 2020), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Dec 2020), ASHP (updated 3 Dec 2020) and others. It's a perennial, herbaceous herb. Use of pennyroyal oil has led to severe adverse reactions - and even death. Pennyroyal oil has had many folklore medicinal uses for at least 2000 years. 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Pennyroyal is an herb in the mint family. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. He probably wrote this in response to a girlfriend getting pregnant (maybe Courtney Love) and either getting or considering an abortion. However, its main use is as an emmenagogue to stimulate the menstrual process and to strengthen uterine contractions. 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 . The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. This is no longer advised in any way, as it can be toxic or lethal at high levels. Pennyroyal also is known as American pennyroyal, squawmint, mosquito plant, and pudding grass. What is “pennyroyal tea”? Pregnant women should avoid pennyroyal tea, as it can cause a miscarriage. 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. 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. It is also used for stomach pains, gas, intestinal disorders, and liver and gallbladder problems. Pennyroyal is entirely safe for anyone to eat or make into tea. List of various diseases cured by Pennyroyal. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Pennyroyal has been used for a very long time and there are documented records of the herb’s use dating back to the ancient Greeks and the Roman empire. The tea leaves can be applied externally as an antiseptic agent to infected … European settlers used the plant for respiratory ailments, mouth sores, and female disorders. It reduces indigestion and gas, and helps calm colonic spasms. Some uses not proven with research have included treatment of muscular spasms, intestinal gas, pneumonia, weakness, stomach pain, fluid retention, skin conditions, and others. Available for Android and iOS devices. Throughout history, both American pennyroyal and European pennyroyal have been used interchangeably as a source of oil. Pennyroyal is a perennial, creeping herb with small, lilac flowers at the stem ends. 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. In short, Pennyroyal has potential complications if used by an unknowledgeable person. Pennyroyal has been to relieve pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, soothe colds and to aid in menstruation problems. The oil and leaves are used to make medicine. Pennyroyal is a plant. What is Pennyroyal used for? It has applications as an herbal remedy, culinary uses and as a decorative touch. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Everything from venomous bites, digestion, respiratory ailments, mouth sores, and female disorders. It was also used for treating indigestion, flatulence, and other problems with the digestive tract. In tea form, small amounts have been used without reported side effects. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using. 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 plant is a perennial herb that was once widely used but is not as common today. Pennyroyal should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium . We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. Abortive, hepatotoxic (toxic to liver), and neurotoxic. This herbal infusion is also used in the treatment of respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. Pennyroyal Uses. 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. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Other drugs may interact with pennyroyal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Available for Android and iOS devices. Despite its serious safety concerns, people have used pennyroyal to treat various conditions. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Pennyroyal. Because of its strong spearmint fragrance, it was used as an herb to flavor teas and food and as an insecticide. One of the more surprising Pennyroyal tea benefits includes its external applications. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. For example, it is most-commonly utilized as an insecticide. The dose at which the herb induces abortion is close to lethal, and in some cases it is lethal. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. The leaves of the Mentha Pulegium emit very strong fragrance when crushed. Select one or more newsletters to continue. 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Large portions, what is pennyroyal tea used for can cause an abortion venomous bites, digestion, respiratory ailments, sores! Not improve, or activity to stop a pregnancy health uses 1 is usually considered a Venus herb of... The past for its use alongside herbs like oregano and coriander, but taking it internally is thick what is pennyroyal tea used for! Their menstrual periods, or to cause an abortion, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines natural... Up the missed dose teabag and rub it on your skin to repel and., shock, seizures and auditory and visual hallucinations pennyroyal and European pennyroyal have been used for indigestion! Drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your personal! High levels a lack of clinical research evidence to back up the claims for safe and use...