Pennyroyal Essential Oil

Pennyroyal Essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant’s flowering tops. The oil is pale yellow with a fresh minty scent somewhat reminiscent of peppermint oil. Its main chemical components are monoterpenes, especially pulegone.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) is an aromatic plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to European regions and some parts of Asia. The plant is also commonly known as European pennyroyal. It grows up to 15 centimeters, has fragrant dark-green leaves and small lilac flowers that bloom in late spring. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and warm climate.

Pennyroyal essential oil blends well with Sage, Rosemary, Lavandin, and Geranium.

Pennyroyal Essential oil

Pennyroyal Essential oil : Background

Historically, English herbalists used the plant’s leaves and oil to treat various health conditions, including digestion, abortion, menstrual cramps, venomous bites, and respiratory illnesses. The Greeks and the Romans used the plant’s leaves for food preparation and to flavor their wine. However, the pennyroyal plant is rarely used today because its extracts are toxic even in small doses.

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Pennyroyal Essential Oil : Benefits

Pennyroyal essential oil is considered to be so potent that it is generally unsafe to use. Nevertheless, aromatherapists still use pennyroyal oil to treat various health conditions, some of which are discussed below.

Treats Infections

Pennyroyal essential oil is incredible for preventing and treating infections. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in this oil make it an excellent natural remedy for a wide range of infection-related conditions.

You can add a drop of pennyroyal to your regular skin lotion to treat acne. If you have a persistent cough, cold, flu, or asthma, dilute some pennyroyal in a carrier oil and rub the mixture on your chest. Pennyroyal can also make an effective ointment for treating malignant wounds.

However, given this essential oil’s potency, it is best to use it in tiny doses.

Relieves Menstrual Problems

Cramps during your period are the worst. Fortunately, pennyroyal essential oil can offer you some much-needed relief.

Mix a drop of pennyroyal oil to a carrier like almond and gently massage your abdominal area with the blend. The oil will work fast to alleviate your cramps and streamline your menstrual flow. It will also balance your hormones and improve your mood.

Treats Arthritis

Pennyroyal oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it an effective treatment for muscle and joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. When rubbed on the affected area, pennyroyal improves blood circulation, lowering inflammation, and easing pain.

Promotes Healthy Digestion

Pennyroyal essential oil contains antispasmodic properties that can improve digestion by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract. Consequently, this oil is considered an effective reliever of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms like constipation, gas, and bloating.

Add a few drops of pennyroyal oil to a carrier oil and massage this mixture on the abdomen to treat digestive problems.

Detoxifies the Body

Pennyroyal is a great essential oil to have for detoxifying purposes. Its antioxidant properties make it effective at purifying the blood and promoting liver health. To use, add a tiny drop to your diffuser and sit to enjoy its refreshing aroma.

Repels Household Insects

Pennyroyal is an effective insect repellent. It helps keep fleas, mosquitoes, and other flying insects away from humans and pets. However, fresh and dried pennyroyal leaves are more widely used as repellants than the essential oil because of its potency.

To keep household insects away, add one drop of pennyroyal oil to your humidifier and let the mixture diffuse in your room.

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Contraindications

Pennyroyal essential oil is extremely potent. Both aromatherapists and medical practitioners consider it a highly toxic plant extract due to its concentrated pulegone levels. Therefore, extreme caution should be taken when using this oil. Ingestion or imbalance in inhalation dosages may lead to death or severe liver damage.

Pregnant women should avoid using pennyroyal oil because of its ability to induce menstruation and cause accidental abortion. Lactating mothers are also discouraged from using pennyroyal as it can contaminate breast milk.

If you have any underlying health conditions like kidney disease, please avoid using pennyroyal essential oil. This oil can irritate internal organs, worsening the illness.

Always dilute pennyroyal oil with a carrier oil before applying on the skin. A patch test is recommended. In case of any irritation, wash the area with cold water immediately. Avoid sensitive areas like the ears, ears, or mucus membranes.

Animal studies show that pennyroyal essential oil is not safe for your pets as a natural flea repellent. Ingestion could lead to death or liver damage within a few hours.