Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal became popular during the first century after the Roman naturalist Pliny noted the aromatic plant repelled fleas, hence its name, fleabane.  When rubbed on the skin or strewn, it also repels other insects, hence such common names as tickweed and mosquito plant.

In addition to its use against fleas, Pliny touted pennyroyal as a cough remedy and digestive aid and recommended hanging the plant in sickrooms in the belief its fragrance promoted healing.  The Greek physician Dioscorides seconded Pliny's recommendations, adding that pennyroyal stimulates menstruation and helps expel the afterbirth.

During the early Middle Ages, pennyroyal was recommended for truly bizarre purposes. Phyician/philosopher Saint Albertus Magnus wrote that by covering drowning bees in its warm ashes, "they shall recover their life after a space of one hour," though it remains unclear why anyone would want to revive drowning bees.

In the 16th century John Gerard touted pennyroyal's ancient use as an expectorant: "Penny-royale taken with honey cleanseth the lungs and cleareth the breast from all gross and thick humors."

Seventeenth-century English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended the herb for many other conditions: "Drunk with wine, it is of singular service to those stung or bit by any venomous beast..aplied to the nostrils with vinegar, it is very reviving for fainting...being dried and burnt, it strengtheneth the gums, and is helpful for those troubled with the gout"

Early American colonists introduced European pennyroyal (M. pulegium) into North America, but found the Indians already using the American herb (H. pulegioides) for similar uses - externally to dress wounds and repel insects and internally to treat colds, flu, cough, congestion and to stimulate menstruation and abortion.  Folk healers also recommended aromatic pennyroyal garlands for headache and dizziness.

During the early 18th century, Thomsonian herbalists packed pennyroyal leaves into the nostrils to treat nosebleeds.  After the Civil War, the Eclectics adopted it as a stimulant, fever treatment, digestive aid, and menstruation promoter.  Their text, King's American Dispensatory, called it "an excellent remedy for the common cold" and recommended it for arthritis, whooping cough, "colic in children...and hysteria" (menstrual discomforts).

Starting around 1887, the Eclectics were among the first to use pennyroyal oil, which they considered more convenient than the raw herb.  They also recognized its potential hazards.  King's mentioned a case of pennyroyal poisoning caused by ingesting 1 tablespoon.

From 1831 to 1916, pennyroyal was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a stimulant, digestive aid, and menstruation promoter.  From 1916 to 1931, pennyroyal oil was listed as an intestinal irritant and abortion inducer.

Contemporary herbalists advise against taking pennyroyal oil because of its toxicity, but they recommended using the herb externally as an insect repellent and treatment for cuts and burns.  They also recommend taking the herb (bot the oil) internally for colds, cough, upset stomach, flatulence, anxiety, and menstruation promotion.

For repelling insects, rub fresh, crushed plant material around the body, or mix pennyroyal tincture into a skin cream and rub that on.

Fro an herbal pet flea collar, try a pennyroyal garland or a bag of the herb hung from a regular collar.

For an infusion to help treat cough, congestion, or upset stomach, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water.  Steep 10 to 15 minutes.  Drink up to 2 cups a day.  The aroma resembles spearmint, but it's sharper and not quite as inviting