by Judith C Evans

Created on: November 24, 2009   Last Updated: November 25, 2009

The smallest species of mint, pennyroyal enjoys an ancient reputation as an effective healer. This member of the Labiatae family is traditionally known as "Lurk-in-the-Ditch" and "Pudding Grass." European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a perennial which is native to most of Europe and parts of Asia. It is most at home in moist soil near ponds or streams. It grows upright or creeps close to the ground, and has small round hairy leaves and purple flowers. American pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides) is an annual which grows in fields and woods from the Atlantic coast to the Midwest. It grows upright to 18 inches in height, and has a square stem with grayish green leaves. It is believed that the Puritan settlers introduced pennyroyal to the American continent.

American and European pennyroyal have similar properties, although the American variety has twice the amount of essential oils and may be more powerful. Pennyroyal is used medicinally as a carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, and sedative. The name "pulegium," which means "flea," originates from the Roman use of the herb as a powerful insect repellent. The ancient Greeks associated the herb with immortality. Native Americans used pennyroyal as an insect repellent, as well as for headache, colic, cold, and menstrual cramp relief.

Today, aromatic pennyroyal still serves as an effective insect repellent. Infused oil can be applied to the skin or clothing; pillows can be stuffed with dried pennyroyal for the same purpose. For cough or cold relief, add a few drops of essential oil to hot water (do not add oil while water is boiling) and inhale the vapors. On a cautionary note, ingesting the essential oil is dangerous and possibly fatal.

Herbalists have long valued pennyroyal as a remedy for menstrual cramps and suppressed menstrual flow. Susun Weed, in her book "New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way," recommends one or more cups of strong pennyroyal tea "for the three days of the new moon" for amenorrhea. This herb, which is an abortifacient, should not be used during pregnancy. Susun Weed also advises against the use of tinctures or capsules of pennyroyal, due to its blood-thinning properties. Other herbalists, such as John Lust, write that a 20- to 60-drop dosage of the tincture is permissible.

Prepare an infusion by placing a handful of the dried herb in a quart canning jar, and filling the jar with boiling water. Cover tightly and brew for at least four hours or overnight. Juliette de Bairacli-Levy recommends

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