Oct

American Pennyroyal for rashes and itching skin

Posted by frann under Not so common herbs

American pennyroyal was used by native Americans American pennyroyal, Hedeoma pulegioides syn. Cunila pulegioides, Melissa pulegioides or Ziziphora pulegioides, is also known as American false pennyroyal, mock pennyroyal, mosquito plant (which is also another name for vervain), squaw balm, squawmint, stinking balm and tickweed. It is not related to European pennyroyal.

American pennyroyal is a hardy annual which reaches a height of around a foot (30cm). It does not like alkaline soil, but is otherwise unfussy as to soil type, so long as it is well drained. It will not grow in full shade, but few plants do. It bears clusters of small lavender to purplish flowers between June and October.

American pennyroyal is not suitable for use by pregnant women. The essential oil is highly toxic (may cause death) and should not be used internally except under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner. Even externally, the oil can cause dermatitis. Avoid using large quantities of the herb, as this may also be toxic.

This plant was used by native Americans to treat menstrual pain, and for headache. Nineteenth century settlers used it to induce menstruation, and also to promote perspiration in the early stages of a cold. For any of these purposes make a standard infusion using 1 tsp of herb to 240ml (1 US cup, 8 fl oz) boiling water. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes, then strain. The dosage is 1-2 cups per day.

The same infusion can also be used externally to treat rashes, itching skin and other skin conditions.

As American pennyroyal is quite dangerous and has no uses which cannot be duplicated by other safer herbs, my advice would be to avoid using it in favor of those other herbs. However, if you wish to grow it for medicinal use, as with all other herbs grown for use in remedies, it should be grown organically to avoid corrupting or eliminating the properties which it is used for. To find out more about growing organic herbs, visit the Gardenzone.

At the time of writing, the only picture I can find is the botanical drawing shown. If you have a picture that I can use to illustrate this post, I’d be really grateful to have it and link to your site or Flickr page.

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