What is pennyroyal used for?
Pennyroyal has a strong fragrance similar to spearmint and was used for centuries to flavor food, wine and herbal teas. Pennyroyal extracts were also used as a traditional herb and folk remedy; a particular use was to stimulate menstruation and, in higher concentrations, to induce abortion.
Is pennyroyal tea toxic?
Infants have been severely sickened after they were given teas made with pennyroyal thought to be mint. Pennyroyal oil contains pulegone, which is highly toxic, particularly to the liver. Ingestion can lead initially to gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
What is pulegone used for?
Pulegone is a clear colorless oily liquid and has a pleasant odor similar to pennyroyal, peppermint and camphor. It is used in flavoring agents, in perfumery, and in aromatherapy.
Where is Pulegone found?
Pulegone is a monoterpene ketone present in the leaves and flowering tops of several members of the mint family Lamiaceae. Two enantiomeric forms occur in nature, the R-(+)-enantiomer being the most abundant in the essential oils (Hayes et al., 2007; Barceloux, 2008).
What is Pulegone found in?
Pulegone, a constituent of oil extracts prepared from mint plants, including peppermint, spearmint and pennyroyal, is a carcinogen that causes hepatic carcinomas, pulmonary metaplasia, and other neoplasms on oral administration in rodents.
How long should pennyroyal tea steep?
Decongestion Pennyroyal Tea Add your tea to a tea cup infuser or tea ball and pour 8 ounces of boiling water over it. If you’re feeling adventurous add a pinch of cayenne. Cover and allow to steep for 10-12 minutes. Add honey if you wish and enjoy!
Does pennyroyal need sun?
Pennyroyal plants grow best in partial sunlight, but full sun is also tolerated as long as they receive adequate moisture.
What is English pennyroyal?
European pennyroyal, also known as English pennyroyal, is a perennial mint native to Europe and Asia. The herb has naturalized throughout North America since its introduction to the continent by early European colonists.
Is Pulegone a monoterpene?
Pulegone is a monoterpene that is produced in plants such as peppermint and spearmint and is found in the essential oils of pennyroyal and blackcurrant.