Uses of the Herb Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a highly aromatic member of the mint family. Pennyroyal has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. Both the plant and flowers are pulverized and distilled into a powerful essential oil for medicinal uses. The primary uses of Pennyroyal today are external, and while small amounts of Pennyroyal may be effective when taken internally, Pennyroyal can have a toxic effect on the liver. Exercise extreme care when using this herb.

Insect Repellant

• The main role of Pennyroyal today is as a powerful insect repellent. Simply take the leaves of the Pennyroyal plant and rub the greenery directly onto your exposed skin. The scent of Pennyroyal is a pleasant rosey-mint fragrance that is far easier to tolerate than the chemical odor of commercial insect repellents. When rubbed onto the skin, Pennyroyal is said to repel flies, mosquitoes, ticks, gnats and fleas. As an anti-inflammatory, Pennyroyal is also effective in reducing the swelling and itch of bug bites. You can even hang bunches of dried Pennyroyal in your home to repel bugs as well as keep vases of the fresh herb throughout the home to keep the insects away. Be sure to keep the herb out of reach of children and pets. You can even use Pennyroyal as a natural insecticide in your garden by planting a border around your garden to protect the plants on the interior.

Treatment For Menstrual Cramps

• While many warn about taking Pennyroyal internally, some insist that with proper dosage and care, this herb is useful in treating menstrual pain and cramping. It is said to regulate and promote regular menstrual flow. One of the most serious effects of Pennyroyal is its abortifacient properties. According to the Orgone Lab, the herb induces uterine contraction which may contribute to abortions. Due to the serious effects of Pennyroyal oil, it is not recommended for women to use if they suspect pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Use Pennyroyal medicinally only under the supervision of your doctor or health professional. Heed the warnings of professionals like author Richard Mabey who warns, "the oil taken internally can be highly toxic and there are a number of cases of the deaths of women who tried to procure abortions by taking the oil."

Treatment of Coughs and Colds

• Pennyroyal has been used over the years to treat mild coughs and colds. As a diaphoretic, Pennyroyal reduces fevers by inducing perspiration. Traditionally, Pennyroyal was used by Native Americans to treat whooping cough by crushing the juice, turning the juice into a lozenge and dissolving this slowly in the mouth. Hot Pennyroyal tea is said to ease cold symptoms, nausea and headaches. Due to the toxicity of the herb, always consult qualified practitioners before taking Pennyroyal in any form or dose.