Pennyroyal Tea: Learn the Benefits of Pennyroyal Tea
Pennyroyal Tea
Pennyroyal (also known as mosquito plant, tickweed, squaw balm, and pudding grass) belongs in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is the smallest plant in the mint family but has a stronger taste and odor than other mints, including spearmint and peppermint.
The essential oil of pennyroyal is highly toxic and should never be taken internally. Small doses (as little as 1/2 teaspoon) can cause convulsions, coma, and even death. There are reported cases of death.
Pennyroyal tea (made from the plant and not the oil) is safe to ingest if taken appropriately. It should not be taken for more than five days.
Pennyroyal stimulates uterine contractions and has been used for many years in folk medicine to induce abortion and stimulate menstrual flow. This is not recommended and one should not attempt to do so. To be effective, lethal or near-lethal dosages are needed.
Benefits of Pennyroyal Tea
Native Americans used pennyroyal as a remedy to treat painful menstruation, colds, and fever. Today, it is most commonly used to settle an upset stomach. Other benefits of pennyroyal tea, although little or no evidence supports this, include treating the following:
- anxiety
- asthma
- cancer
- chest congestion
- cough
- diarrhea
- flatulence
- headache
- indigestion.
Precautions
Side effects from drinking pennyroyal tea can include nausea and dizziness.
Drinking pennyroyal tea longer than five days may cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system.
Children under the age of 18 and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not drink pennyroyal tea.
Preparing Pennyroyal Tea
Never make pennyroyal tea with essential oil.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried pennyroyal herb, cover, steep for 10-15 minutes, and strain. To sweeten the taste of your pennyroyal tea, add a little honey and stir. No more than 3 cups should be taken per day.
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