Pennyroyal is a medicinal plant, scientifically known as Mentha pulegium, which reaches out from the famous Lamiaceae family. Their aroma is reminiscent of spearmint as they share some common phytochemicals. Due to its fashion of growth, it is hailed as ‘run by the ground’ or ‘lurk in the ditch’.
Pennyroyal is the smallest plant among its other minty relatives and is marked by the presence of weak stems, hairy leaves, and that are arranged in the opposite fashion. The leaves are oval-shaped whereas its flowers like to sit in the form of clusters (each cluster having 10 to 12 flowers).
Pennyroyal is a frequent treat in the wild is mainly used for its medicinal benefits. It serves as an insecticide and keeps the undesirable skin allergies at bay. Externally, pennyroyal is used to treat painful attacks of gout, snake and spider bites, and sores. It also acts as a stimulant to smoke away the fatigue. But pennyroyal is highly toxic, even at small doses. It is better to have it discussed with the doctor/pharmacist before starting up with any therapy that includes pennyroyal.
Pennyroyal sparks the food with its minty flavor. Its principle phytochemicals include menthol, menthone, pulegon, and isomethyl acetate. These ingredients aid in making up the flavor and pharmacological actions of pennyroyal.