European pennyroyal, pulegium, pudding grass, mosquito plant, squaw balm

Mentha pulegium L. (Lamiaceae)

European pennyroyal is available as aerialaerialplant parts appearing above ground parts (i.e., flowering tops and dried leaves), but not concentrated volatile oil for internal use. It is taken orallyorallyto be taken by mouth (swallowed) or topicallytopicallyto be applied on the skin as dried herbs or fluid extractextractto get, separate, or isolate a desired active ingredient.

• dried herb: 1 g to 4 g, 3 times per day
• fluid extract: 1 g to 4 g dried equivalent, 3 times per day (1:1, 45% ethanol)

For prolonged use, consult a health care provider.

Oral European pennyroyal is traditionally used:

• as a carminativecarminativean agent that helps to expel gas and to relieve bloating
• as a diaphoreticdiaphoretican agent that induces sweating
• as a stimulant
• as an antispasmodicantispasmodican agent that prevents or relieves spasms or cramps
• to help relieve headaches
• to reduce giddiness
• to relieve flatulence
• to treat flatulent flatulent gassy; to expel gas dyspepsiadyspepsiaindigestion or upset stomach
• to treat intestinal colic
• to treat nervous and hysterical affections

Topical European pennyroyal is traditionally used:

• as a refrigerantrefrigerantan agent that cools down a fever
• as an antisepticantiseptican agent that prevents or reduces infection from wounds
• for cutaneous eruptions
• for formicationformicationa sensation of insects crawling on the skin and irritation

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

Cautions and warnings: No reports known.

Contraindications:

• Do not ingest the volatile oil.
• Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Known adverse reactions: No reports known.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.