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rx

herb

Mentha pulegium (European Pennyroyal)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Mentha pulegium

synonyms: European pennyroyal

part(s) used:

qualities:

affinities:

actions:

dosage:

therapy:

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b

toxicity: 2; essential oil is very toxic

» contraindicated during pregnancy; an abortifacient

» intoxication results in severe headaches, nausea, retching, often without emesis; also dysphagia, and severe labor-like uterine pains with a sensation of bearing down may be experienced; abdominal tenderness, prostration, dyspnea, semi-paralysis of the limbs, and nonspecific neuromuscular weakness have been noted (Felter and Lloyd, p. 977)

» Essential oil: 12-15 ml. cause retching, unconsciousness and collapse; the patient will experience a dry throat and strong thirst. Pupils may appear dilated or constricted and cold, clammy skin may also be noticed. Twitches, paresthesias, nervousness, confusion, and delirium occur in severe cases. This can be followed by convulsions, and respiratory depression which may lead to death (von Oettingen, p. 482).

» Irreversible renal and hepatic damage, and ultimately death, may occur even following use of small amounts. One half teaspoon may cause tetany, opisthotonos, convulsions and coma; two tablespoons cause death within two hours (Duke, pp. 307-308; Westbrooks and Preacher, p. 178)

constituents: volatile oil, consisting mainly of pulegone; miscellaneous: bitters and tannins; American pennyroyal contains similar constituents

footnotes

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.

Westbrooks, R.G., Preacher, J. W. 1986. Poisonous Plants of North America. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

cal Publications.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.

Westbrooks, R.G., Preacher, J. W. 1986. Poisonous Plants of North America. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

alifornia Press.