American Pennyroyal

There are 38 species of annuals and perennials in this N American genus. They have no great merit as garden plants, but Hedeoma pulegioides is often grown in herb gardens. Its neat habit and aromatic foliage makes it especially suitable for containers and planting near seats and entrances. It had a long history of use by native N Americans for headaches, feverish colds, menstrual cramps, and abortion before becoming a household remedy among settlers for the same purposes, and a popular digestive herb tea. It has a similar chemistry to Mentha pulegium (See, pennyroyal), and was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (1831-1916). Hedeoma floribunda (mapá, oregano) is used for flavoring and in N Mexico, as a tea for indigestion. The closely related Poliomintha bustamanta (See, Mexican oregano) is also used for flavoring. Hedeoma comes from the Greek hedys, "sweet", and osme, "scent", referring to the fragrant foliage.

Bushy annual with ovate leaves, to 2,5cm (1in) long, which have a pungent, mint-like aroma. Tiny pale lilac flowers appear in whorls in the upeer leaf axils in summer.


Common Name:
American Pennyroyal
Other Names:
Squaw mint
Botanical Name:
Hedeoma pulegioides
Genus:
Hedeoma
Family:
Lamiaceae
Native Location:
Eastern N America
Cultivation
Rich, sandy soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation
By seed sown in autumn or spring.
Harvest
Plants are cut wehn flowering and dried for use in infusions and liquid extracts, or distilled for oil.
Height:
10-38cm (4-15in)
Width:
7-24cm (3-10in)
Hardiness
Hardy
Parts Used:
Whole plant, oil.
Properties
A pungently aromatic herb that stimulates the uterus, induces perspiration, improves digestion, and is expectorant.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for colds, whooping cough, indigestion, gas, nausea, painful menstruation, and childbirth (plant). Essential oil is extremely toxic and may cause death if taken internally. For use by qualified practitioners only.
Culinary Uses:
Fresh or dried leaves can be used to make herb tea, or with discretion for flavoring.
Economic Uses:
Oil is used in commercial food flavoring, insect repellents, and cleaning products.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia or Herbs ~ Deni Bown ~ copyright ©1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. ~ pps 230-231.