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Pennyroyal
(Hedeoma pulegioedess)
American pennyroyal, mock pennyroyal, mosquito plant,
squaw balm, tickweed
 Description:
An annual, aromatic plant. The erect, square, branching
stem is about 18 inches. It bears small, opposite, thin,
ovate leaves, which are sparingly toothed. The axillary
clusters of small, tubular, lavender or purplish flowers
are barely visible. Found in eastern and central U.S.
on dry fields, open woods, and is widely cultivated. True
pennyroyal (Mentha pelegium) does not occur in wild America.
Medicinal:
It is a carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, and sedative.
The herb, helps in colds, to promote menstruation, helpful
for nausea, nervousness, headaches, menstrual cramps and
pain. Use 1 tsp. herb to 1 cup water. Take 1-2 cups a
day. Use a wash for skin eruptions, rashes and itching.
Could cause an unwanted abortion if taken during the first
3 months of pregnancy. It is taken with brewer’s
yeast to induce abortion, but very painful and dangerous.
Use only with medical supervision. Repels ants and fleas
and mosquitos.
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