Pinching Your Pennys... Pennyroyals, that is!
Those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are fast approaching that time of year when we can at last emerge blinking from our modern dens and enjoy the strengthening rays of the Sun. As we wander out to our gardens and barbecues, languid evenings also tend to remind us of just how much life is stirring... Slap! Mosquitos! Don't reach for the insecticide, just grab the Pennyroyal!
Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium
(Mock or American Pennyroyal is Hedeoma pulegioides)
COMMON/FOLKLORE NAMES: Lurk in the ditch, Mosquito plant, Organ Broth, Organs, Organ Tea, Piliolerian, Squaw Balm, Pudding Grass, Squaw Mint, Tickweed, Run-by-the-Ground, Piliolerial
PENNYROYAL IN HISTORY
Pennyroyal was indeed a Royal Herb, or at least a favorite of the early English royal families. We know that it was accredited with medicinal properties as early as Pliny, who also remarked on it's effectiveness against fleas. In fact, its Latin name of Pulegium is derived from pulex mean "flea".
Native American Indians were well aware of its benefits, and taught the settlers to rub the leaves over the skin to repel insects. In fact, tribal uses were many...the Chickasaw would soak the entire plant in water and place it on the forehead to relieve headache and watery eyes. Other tribes used it for stomach aid, still others to relieve cold and flu. This appears to contradict records indicating that Pennyroyal was one of the plants introduced by the Pilgrim settlers.
MEDICINAL USES
CAUTIONS: While it can be effective in small amounts, it is no longer recommended that anyone take Pennyroyal internally. Pennyroyal can have a toxic effect on the liver, and overdose can cause vomiting, high blood pressure, paralysis, respiratory failure, acute poisoning or even death. The primary use of Pennyroyal today is in oil form and only for external use.
Pennyroyal should not be used long term under any conditions. It is abortive and should not be used in any form if pregnancy is apparent or suspected. Do not use in any form while breastfeeding. Use medicinally only under the supervision of your doctor or homeopathic professional.
The New Age Herbalist echoes my sentiments when they say "The plant world offers a perfectly effective range of natural insect repellents and yet the chemical companies continue to produce products whose effects on animal and bird life are lethal and on human health uncalculated." I couldn't agree more, especially when Nature offers us such an effective alternative to chemicals and sprays.
While Pennyroyal has a rich history of medicinal uses, we now know the cautions of using it internally. Today, the best use of Pennyroyal is externally, as a natural insect repellant. Simply grab a handful of the fresh herb, and rub it on the skin to repel flies, mosquitos, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas. The slightly rosey-minty smell is much more pleasant than smelling like a chemical insecticide.
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