Pennyroyal

( Mentha pulegium )

A member of the mint family, pennyroyal has many similarities to peppermint. In small doses it could help with gas and bloating, encourage sweating, and ease the symptoms of colds, colic and indigestion. But its more famous, and most controversial, use was to bring on menstruation and/or cause a miscarriage.

These emmenagogic properties were only achieved with a dose that was close to a toxic level for the patient, and therefore it was very dangerous to administer. The oil is an irritant, toxic to both the liver and kidneys, and should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.

Pennyroyal placed in the shoe was said to prevent weariness and strengthen travelers. It was also thought to be an herb of peace that could ward off evil if worn by an individual or added to a room spray.











THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.




text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html