Herbs Guide

Pennyroyal

Family Name: Labiatae

Botanical Name(s): Mentha Pulegium

Popular Name(s): Pennyroyal, American Pennyroyal, European Pennyroyal, Tickweed, Sqaw Mint, Stinking Balm, Thickweed

Parts Used: Aerial parts and Oil

Habitat: It is a native of most parts of Europe and parts of Asia.

Description: The leaves are opposite, shortly stalked, more or less hairy on both sides, round oval, grayish green, about 1 to 1 1/2 inch long and 1/2 inch broad. The flowers are in whorled clusters of ten or a dozen, rising in tiers one above the other at the nodes, where the leaves spring in pairs, beginning about the middle of the stem, their color reddish purple to lilac blue. The flowers bloom during July and August. The seed is light brown, oval and very small.

Uses: Its main use is as an emmenagogue to stimulate the menstrual process and to strengthen uterine contractions.