David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHMentha pulegium
Labiatae
Habitat:A common wild or garden plant, in America, Britain, France andGermany.
Collection: The stems should be gathered just before flowering inJuly.
Part Used: Aerial parts.
Constituents: * Volatile oil, consisting mainly of pulegone,isopulegone, menthol, isomenthone,
limonene, piperitone, neomenthol
* Miscellaneous; bitters and tannins.
Actions: Carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, emmenagogue.
Indications: With its richly aromatic volatile oil, Pennyroyal willease flatulence and abdominal colic due to wind. It will relax spasmodic pain and ease anxiety. However, its main use is as an emmenagogue to stimulate themenstrual process and to strengthen uterine contractions. As it has been usedin large doses as an abortifacient, it should be avoided during pregnancy. Theoil should be avoided as it can act far too strongly.
CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy.
Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water ontol-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried leaves and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes. Thisshould be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.`
Jim Strohecker
Daniel Redwood DC