Pennyroyal Herb Uses

This herb is a native of Europe  including North Africa and now widespread in comparable climates.

Pulegium is derived from the latin 'pulex', meaning flea because both the fresh plant and the smoke from the burning leaves were used to exterminate the insect.

Puliol was an old French name for Thyme and this plant was designated Royal Thyme, thence Puliol Royale and the corruption Pennyroyal. Today the French name is La Mentha Pouliot, which reflects this history.

Long ago, the wise women of the village used pennyroyal to induce abortion. It has since been used to facilitate menstruation.

The Elizabethan Herbalist John Gerard called it Pudding Grass. He claimed it would purify corrupt water on sea voyages and that it would cure 'swimming in the head and the pains and giddiness thereof.

SPECIES

Mentha pulegium

Pennyroyal

Also known as Creeping Pennyroyal.

Semi-evergreen hardy perennial. Ht 15cm (Gin). At creeper, spread indefinite. Mauve flowers in late spring. Bright green leaves, very strong peppermint scent.

Mentha pulegium 'Upright'

Pennyroyal Upright

Semi-evergreen hardy perennial. Ht 30cm (12in). Spread indefinite. Mauve flowers in late spring. right

green leaves, very strong f peppermint scent. The American pennyroyal is Hedeoma pulegioides or

Rock Pennyroyal. It has a I similar aroma and usages to the European pennyroyal.

CULTIVATION

Propagation

Seed

Pennyroyal upright can be grown from seed and come true to species unlike most mints. The seed is very fine, so sow under protection in prepared seed or plug trays in late spring, then cover with Perlite. Germination is 10-20 days. Leave to become well established before planting out in early summer and leave at least 30cm (12in) between plants.

Cuttings

Both can be propagated by root cuttings. Unlike ordinary mint, which travels underground, the pennyroyals travel on the surface, and where the plant touches the soil there a small root system develops. Dig up a plant in late spring and divide into small clumps. The miniature root systems are ideal for putting in prepared plug trays with the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Water in well; they will be fully rooted in 4 weeks.

Division

If the plant becomes invasive in the garden, simply remove a section.

Pests and Diseases

Pennyroyal can suffer from lea) rotting mildew if too wet in winter or spring. Pick off anv damaged leaves. If the plant is in a container and the weather is mild enough, put it outside and allow the air to get at it. Also, cut back on watering.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seed. Divide established plants.

Summer: Cut back after flowering.

Autumn: Divide plants. Dig up some plants to winter in a cold frame or greenhouse.

Winter: Although this mint is hardy it hates wet winters followed by frosts. It will also suffer if the temperature falls consistently below -8°C (18°F). It is difficult to protect because if you lay a mulch over it the leaves will rot off. Therefore as a precaution dig up in the Autumn and winter it in a cold frame or greenhouse.

Garden Cultivation

This mint prefers a rich but free-draining soil in a sunny spot, but - this may seem a contradiction - it does like water in summer, so water freely. The creeping pennyroyal can be grown as aromatic ground cover, but make sure that the ground is very free draining, does not get over wet in winter, and offers protection from hard frosts.

Harvest

Pick leaves as required for use fresh. Pick either side of flowering for freezing purposes. Not worth drying.

CONTAINER GROWING

Both pennyroyals are good in containers. When the upright pennyroyal flowers it sends out long branches covered in little circles of mauve flowers. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Feed during flowering with a liquid fertilizer.

MEDICINAL

It has long been considered dangerous to use when pregnant because it is abortive. However, it has now been found that only the oil produced from the plant is active in this way. This oil, which is highly toxic, also leads to irreversible kidney damage. Therefore it should only be prescribed by a professional.

In a hot infusion this herb has always been a favorite remedy for colds as it promotes sweating.

American Pennyroyal, Hedeoma pulegioides, has similar properties and uses. It is also an antispasmodic and calmative, and is used in minor gastric disturbances, flatulence, nausea, head-aches and menstrual pain.

CULINARY

This mint has a very strong peppermint scent and flavor, so use sparingly in dishes.

It makes a strong mint sauce, and is a good substitute for peppermint in water ice.

OTHER USES

If you rub pennyroyal in the path of an army of ants, it will re-route them.

More practicably, if you grow pennyroyal outside the kitchen door, it will prevent ants entering the house.

If you rub leaves onto bare skin it acts as a very good insect repellent. Equally, if you rub a leaf on a mosquito or horseflv bite, the itch will disappear. I have rubbed it on a wasp sting and it has brought relief.