Herb: American Pennyroyal


Latin name: Hedeoma pulegioides


Family: Labiatae



Medicinal use of American Pennyroyal:

American pennyroyal has a long history of medicinal use by various native North American Indian tribes and has become a traditional household remedy in North America. It is used mainly in the treatment of digestive disorders, colds, whooping cough, painful menstruation and as an aid in childbirth. A tea made from the leaves or flowering stems is carminative, rubefacient, stimulant. It is used to treat colds because it promotes perspiration. A tea with brewers yeast can induce an abortion. The plants are harvested when flowering and can be used fresh or dried. The essential oil is distilled from the plants when they are in flower and used medicinally in the same ways as the leaves. Caution is advised since the pure essential oil is very toxic and ingestion can be lethal whilst skin contact can cause dermatitis.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
July to
September

Scent:
Scented
Annual

Habitat of the herb:

Dry soils.

Edible parts of American Pennyroyal:

The leaves have a very strong mint-like aroma and taste, they can be brewed into a refreshing tea that promotes good digestion, or they can be used as a culinary flavouring. An essential oil from the plant is used by the food industry as a flavouring in beverages, ice cream, baked goods etc.

Other uses of the herb:

The essential oil is used as an ingredient in commercial insect repellents and cleaning products. The plant is used as an insect repellent. When rubbed on the body it is said to repel ticks.

Propagation of American Pennyroyal:

Seed - sow in situ in spring or autumn.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry soils.

Known hazards of Hedeoma pulegioides:

In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted essential oil, can be toxic if taken internally. Skin contact with the pure essential oil can cause dermatitis

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.