Pennyroyal which is known scientifically asMentha puleguim is an herbaceous plant belonging to
the Labiatae family and is a relative of mint. The herb thrives in damp areas and is a native of Europe,
the Middle East and North Africa. Pennyroyal is also commonly known by a number of other names
including mosquito plant, pudding grass and squaw mint. When crushed, the herb gives off a very strong
aroma reminiscent of spearmint.
There has been a vast increase in natural remedies over the last ten years or so, and some of this is due
to the sometimes-fatal side effects of modern pharmaceuticals. It may also be due to the increasing
number of companies that are offering high quality products that can help you improve your health in a
natural way. One of the better documented herbs is Pennyroyal. This herb has been studied and used
for hundreds of years. Some of the Pennyroyal tea benefits include its qualities as a blood purifier and as
a digestive agent for spasm and pain.
While there are many pennyroyal tea benefits, it should be noted that it can be dangerous in certain
circumstances. It can cause spontaneous miscarriage, and pregnant women should not drink Pennyroyal
tea. Otherwise, it is good to promote clarity and stimulation, and has traditionally been used to revive
people who had fainted. It is especially helpful in digestive disorders and can reduce bloating and
cramps from flatulence or constipation. It is thought to be helpful in preventing nervousness and is
supposed to regulate periods or other menstrual issues. It makes a strong mint flavored tea that can
freshen the breath.
One of the more surprising Pennyroyal tea benefits includes its external applications. You can take the
wet and warm teabag and rub it on your skin to repel insects. 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.
This plant is often used to help promote sweating to reduce a fever and is thought to have antimicrobial
effects for healing and infection prevention. It prevents many types of internal and external spasms and
was once used as a treatment for leprosy and hysteria.
The essential oil should be avoided internally, as it can cause a level of toxicity that could be fatal.
However, the Pennyroyal tea benefits include a low dose of the active compounds, which makes it safe
for consumption. It is beneficial to use externally to reduce swelling from bug bites, and can also reduce
bruising, can help treat acne and can help remove spots and scars on the skin. It contains alkaloids that
act to strengthen the gums and is believed to be an excellent and ancient remedy for whooping-cough
and can help clear the liver of toxins with its diuretic qualities.
One of the most popular uses for Pennyroyal is as a flea and pest deterrent. Here is how to use it:
As a flea deterrent. Dried pennyroyal leaves can be scattered around pets' bedding area, and you can
roll up some fresh stems in your dog’s bandana before you go tromping through the woods.
Pennyroyaloil used in flea collars has largely been phased out because it caused miscarriages in cats, so
only use the fresh leafy stuff, please. If a pet or person could be expecting, don’t use pennyroyal at all.
As a pest repellent. Crushed pennyroyal stems stuck in your hat and pockets really will repel gnats and
mosquitoes. Dog owners often see their dogs rolling in pennyroyal patches, and dog instincts can usually
be trusted.
In the garden. We’ve heard from folks who have successfully kept flea beetles off of eggplant by
underplanting the eggplant with pennyroyal, and it may be of use as a companion plant to other pest-
prone crops, too. If you have worked with pennyroyal as a companion crop, please share your
experiences in the comments section below. Should you decide to try intercropping with pennyroyal, be
aware that Pennyroyal can be invasive, though it’s not as thuggish as other mints.
Remember – Nature Heals You Best!