Herbs Past

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a perennial herb. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-9. It is native to continental Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. In the early 18th century one of the frequently used botanical names for pennyroyal was Pulegium. When he issued the Capitulare de Villis in about 800 A.D., the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne required that pennyroyal (puledium in Carolingian Latin) be grown on all his imperial estates. In Medieval and Early Modern Europe, pennyroyal was frequently used as a strewing herb. It is supposed to repel fleas and ants. It was also frequently used to add a minty flavor to sauces and puddings.

In traditional medicine. pennyroyal tea was used to treat headaches. It was also administered as an emmenagogue. Pennyroyal contains significant concentrations of the chemical compound pulegone. Therefore, pennyroyal or pennyroyal tea should never be consumed by women who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Pennyroyal or pennyroyal tea should not be consumed by anyone in any significant quantity.

In the Victorian language of flowers pennyroyal represents “flee away.”

Herbal Trivia: “Pennyroyal Tea” is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. The song was written by Kurt Cobain. Originally intended for release in April 1994 (the month in which Cobain died), it was finally released in April 2014. It reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles sales chart.

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