Mentha pulegium:
Record ID:47Naming |
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|---|---|
| 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 |
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| 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: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.2AbCQBcWb6-hdweZuQJ-BQHaFV%26r%3D0%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=84a3c754a0ccd6e42fbb4f00745973362ae3fc885fc4363f07a7a2228c2e6048&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |