ΓΛΗΧΩΝ
Mentha pulegium
(Pennyroyal)
Botanical info:
Pennyroyal is perennial herb with a creeping rhizome, rooting at the nodes and producing quadrangular branches, to 40 cm long, densely covered with simple hairs. It grows naturally in fertile, moist sandy and clayey soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It is native to Europe and north Africa. Flowering from April to August.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. In Regimen 2:
a. Pennyroyal is considered thermal and secretive.
b. In Affections pennyroyal fresh herb is used:
a. As a poultice against inflammations.
b. For the preparation of aromatic decoctions.
c. In Nature of Women:
a. For the treatment of hysteria.
d. In Diseases of Women 1:
a. As menstruation stimulant.
b. Prepare a decoction of dried pennyroyal in cloth and drink as birth stimulant.
e. In Diseases of Women 2:
a. Against uterus bleeding.
b. Against uterus cervix hardening.
Other uses:
Pennyroyal Water was distilled from the leaves and given as an antidote to spasmodic, nervous, and hysterical affections. It was also used against cold and 'affections of the joints.' Its action is carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant and emmenagogic. It is also beneficial in cases of spasms, hysteria, flatulence and sickness. Pennyroyal is frequently used as an insecticide and pest repellent. Pennyroyal has historically also been used as a mint flavoring in herbal teas and foods. Pennyroyal tea has been used for cold relief, fevers, coughs, indigestion, liver and kidney problems and headaches.