English Pennywort

English Pennywort

This genus consists of 25 often variable species of aromatic perennials and a few annuals, occuring in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Most flower from summer to early autumn. Mints of various kinds have a place in every garden. The bright green Mentha spicata has been the indispensible culinary mint since the Roman times. Variegated mints can be grown in a border, provided that they have dense or vigorous neighbors. Mentha aquatica and M cervina thrive besides pools, and in boggy areas. In the Middle Ages, M. aquatica was known as menastrum, and used for strewing floors. The small-growing but strongly scented M. diemenica, M. pulegium, and M. requienii will grow between paving stones and at the edge of paths. The mints are a complex group, involving hybridization in both the wild and cultivation, which makes individual plants often difficult to identify. A few species, such as M. pulegium and M. requienii, do not hybridize with other mints. All mints are rich in volatile oils of variable composition. It is menthol is an antiseptic, decongestant, analgesic compound that predominates in M. arvensis var. piperascens (Japanese mint) and M. x piperita (peppermint); it is also mildly anesthetic, giving the cooling, numbing sensation experienced when smelling or tasting peppermint. The anesthetic effect overwhelms more subtle flavors, which is why peppermint is best used with sweet foods, such as chocolate, ice cream, and candy. Japanese mint yields 75 percent menthol and is the main commercial source of menthol. Spearmint and peppermint are among the world's most popular flavorings, and crops for leaf oil production are grown on a large scale in Europe, USA, the Middle East, Brazil, Paraguay, Japan, and China. Less pleasant in aroma in pulegone, a toxic compound notorious for causing abortion, which is present in the oils of both. M. pulegium and Hedeoma pulegioides (See, American Pennyroyal). The Australian M. diemenica, due to its pulegone content, has been used as a substitute for M. pulegium, and M. longifolia contains the diuretic diosphenol, which predominates in Agothosma species (See, Oval-leaf Buchu). Fruit-scented mints owe their aroma to a higher concentration of limonene. Some mints, notable M. spicata, have high concentrations of carvone, a compund that characterizes the aroma of Carum carvi, (See, caraway). Various other kinds of plants are mint-scentedm such as species from the genera Eucalyptus (See, Eucalyptus), Micromeria (See, Thyme-Leafed Savory), Monardella prostanthera (See, Round-Leaved Mint Bush), Pycnanthemum (See, Virginia Mountain Mint) and Satureja, (See, Summer Savory).

Pungent, upright to decumbent, creeping perennial with stems to 40cm (16in) long, and shiny elliptic to ovate, entire or sparsely toothed leaves, to 3cm (1½in) long. Lilac flowers are produced in distinct whorls in late summer and autumn.

Common Name:	English Pennywort
Other Names:	European Pennyroyal, Pennyroyal, Pudding grass
Botanical Name:	Mentha pulegium
Genus:	Mentha
Family:	Lamiaceae
Cultivation:	Rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Mentha aquatica thrives in wet soil and M. arvensis tolerates dry conditions. Mentha pulegium prefers damn, sandy, acid soil; M. requienii needs moist shady conditions. Foliage may damaged by mildew and rust, though M. x villosa var. alopecuroides is resistant to rust. Most mints are invasive and are best grown in confined space. Mentha pulegium is a protected species in parts of Europe, and subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring (M. pulegium, M. requienii, M. satureioides only); by division in spring or autumn; by tip cuttings during the growing season, placed in moist soil mix or water (not M. requienii). Mentha requienii usually self sown self-sows.
Harvest:	Whole plants are cut as flowering begins, and leaves are cut during the growing season, and used fresh or dried for use in concentrated waters, infusions, liquid extracts, powders, spirits, or oil distillation. Mentha arvensis is mainly decocted or powdered in Chinese remedies.
Height:	10-20cm (4-8in)
Width:	50cm (20in)
Variations:	Cunningham Mint Syn Dwarf Pennyroyal (Creeping Pennyroyal) Is low-growing and compact with small, ovate, light green leaves. Height: 5-10cm (2-4in)
Hardiness:	Z6-9
History:	Pennyroyal is a strongly pungent member of the mint family, and while it has a long history as a medicinal herb, the plant is most famously known (and still used today) as a potent rodent and insect repellant. Its species name, pulegium is from the Latin pulex, for "flea". The ancient Romans and Greeks knew pennyroyal both as an insect repellent and as a digestive aid. Native American Indians, used American pennyroyal for a variety of ailments, including colds, colic, cramps, fever, flu, and irritated eyes. Pennyroyal is also the strongest of those herbs known as uterine tonics and menstrual regulators, and the latter fact has made its use somewhat controversial. Pulegone, pennyroyal's major chemical ingredient, is responsible for both the plant's therapeutic actions (including regulating menstruation) and its reputation as a potentially deadly toxin. For the record, the pulegone in the dried herb is safe to take at prescribed doses, under the advice of a medical practitioner. The pulegone in the plant's essential oil is very toxic, and pennyroyal oil should never be used internally.
Parts Used:	Whole plant, leaves, oil.
Chemical Constituents:	Pulegone (Yellow or green-yellow oil)
Properties:	A pungently, aromatic, bitter, astringent herb that improves digestion, increases perspiration, and stimulates the uterus.
Known Effects:	Stimulates uterine contractions Depresses central nervous system Irritates mucous membranes Reddens skin by increasing blood supply to it Decongestant Can cause severe liver and kidney damage Miscellaneous Information: Pennyroyal is used as a flavoring agent As little as 2 ounces of the essential oil can cause severe liver and kidney damage It's also available as tinctures, dried leaves, and flowers The oil is toxic. Do not ingest
Possible Additional Effects	May decrease intestinal cramps and flatulence May help treat colds, coughs May regulate menstruation May reduce gas, indigestion
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for indigestion, colic, feverish colds, and menstrual complaints. Not given to pregnant women. Externally for skin irritations. Pennyroyal has antiflatulence, antinausea, astringent, sedating, and sweat-promoting properties. Additionally, it is a digestive aid and a strong uterine stimulant. Traditionally, pennyroyal has also been used as a potent emmenagogue—an herb that brings on delayed menstruation. However, its reputation as an "instant" abortifacient—and herb that induces abortion—is somewhat exaggerated. The dose of pennyroyal needed to induce an abortion is dangerously toxic and can be deadly. Thus the herb should never be used for that purpose. Instead, it is recommended internally for colds, delayed menstrual periods (but see Caution), flatulence, flu, headaches, indigestion, irregular or scanty menstrual periods, and nausea. It is applied externally to treat itching and skin rashes.
Preparation:	Pennyroyal is available as dried herb and in capsules, teas, and tinctures. To make a tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried herb and steep for 5 minutes. Strain, and drink up to 2 cups a day.
Culinary Uses:	Leaves are added to black pudding (N England) and sausages (Spain). Historically used to purify drinking water on sea voyages.
Economic Uses:	Traditionally used to repel mice and insects. Oil is used in soaps and detergents. Leaves are added to potpourris.
Warnings and Precautions:	Only take pennyroyal under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner, and only at prescribed doses. Internal consumption of the essential oil of pennyroyal may be fatal. Additionally, the oil extracted from pennyroyal and American pennyroyal can cause miscarriage. Do not use pennyroyal if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or have kidney problems. Don't take if you: Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plant pregnancy in the near future. Consult your doctor if you: Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.) Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cough and cold remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs Pregnancy: Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use. Breastfeeding: Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use. Infants and Children: Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous. Others: Don't use in an attempt to induce abortion. Pennyroyal can be deadly. Storage: Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze. Store safely out of reach of children. Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb. Safe dosage: Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
Toxicity:	Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time.
Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:	Signs and Symptoms What to Do Bleeding from gastrointestinal tract Seek emergency treatment Blood in urine Seek emergency treatment Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) Discontinue. Call doctor immediately Seizures Seek emergency treatment Unusual vaginal bleeding Seek emergency treatment
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.275-277 The Modern Herbal Primer by Nancy Burke Copyright©2000 Yankee Publishing, Inc. pp 86-87 Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 410-411