PENNYROYAL.

Pennyroyal, or Fleamint, the Mentha Pulegium of botanists, of the order Labiatae, is perennial. It flowers in September. It is a well-known plant. There is a larger kind than the ordinary sort found wild with us, now cultivated in gardens, and differs from it in the largeness of the leaves and stalks, in rising higher, and not creeping upon the ground so much. The flowers are purple, growing in rundles about the stalks like the other. The wild species grows in marshy places.

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Uses of Pennyroyal:

-Dioscorides says, that Pennyroyal makes tough phlegm thin, warms the coldness of any part to which it is applied, and digests raw or corrupt matter. The herb is warm, pungent, and aromatic; somewhat similar to spearmint, but less agreeable. It is used as a popular remedy with much confidence in obstructions of the courses, especially if attended with pain and hysteria. The oil is pungent and peculiar, differing from the other mints, which it resembles in its properties. A strong decoction of tine whole herb is a good application for the gout, the place being rubbed with it till it is red, and if some salt be added, it is a rubefacient for the side in liver complaints, and for the itch. It is very warming and strengthening to stiff and cold joints, and removes cramps. The green herb bruised and put into vinegar, cleanses foul ulcers, and takes away marks, bruises, or blows about the eyes. The oil is a remedy for tooth-ache. Pliny says that Pennyroyal and Mint together, help faintings, being put into vinegar, and smelled, or put into the nostrils or mouth. It eases headache, pains of the breast and belly, and gnawing of the stomach. Boiled in milk and drank, it is effectual for coughs, and for ulcers and sores in the mouth. Matthiolus says the decoction cures the jaundice and dropsy, all pains of the head and sinews that come of a cold cause, and it clears the eyesight.

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This page and the rest of the encyclopedia of medicinal herbs was reproduced from old herbals written in the 1700 and 1800s. They are of historical interest to show the traditional uses of various herbs based on folk medicine and ancient wisdom. However the traditional uses for these herbs have not been confirmed by medical science and in some cases may actually be dangerous. Do not use the these herbs for any use, medicinal or otherwise, without first consulting a qualified doctor.

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