A powerful plant to be handled with care

It is now mainly used for external use or in aromatic formulations for insect repellent purposes. It remains of interest in traditional herbalism, but only under professional supervision.

Description

Cut aerial parts (stems, leaves, flowers), green-grey, very aromatic, intense menthol and camphor smell, strong and spicy taste.

Nomenclature

• Common name: Pennyroyal, Pennyroyal, Wild Mint
• Latin name: Mentha pulegium
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Part used: Whole plant (aerial part)
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: Southern Europe, North Africa
• English name: Pennyroyal
• German name: Polei-Minze
• Name in Spanish: Poleo
• Name in Italian: Menta poleggio
• Name in Arabic: النعناع البري

Main virtues

Digestive, expectorant, emmenagogue (with reserves), repellent (lice, fleas, mosquitoes).

Main constituents

Essential oils (pulegone, menthone), flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids.

Traditional use and dosage

• Infusion (boxed): 0.5 to 1 g maximum per cup taken occasionally.
• External use: as a lotion, fumigation or aromatic foot bath.
• Repellent: maceration in alcohol or oil against insects.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• ⚠ Prohibited for prolonged or unsupervised use – potential liver toxicity at high doses.
• Strictly contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and people with epilepsy.
• Use restricted to professionals and controlled preparations.

History and use

Pennyroyal has been used since Roman times for its digestive and purifying properties. It was once added to baths, potions, and feminine remedies. Today, its use is restricted to specific applications, including repellents and regulated herbal remedies.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: lined kraft bag or opaque airtight jar.
• Storage: away from light, air and humidity.
• Shelf life: 12 to 18 months.

Sources and references

• ANSM – List of plants with restricted use
• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• European and traditional pharmacopoeia

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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