SAEDNEWS: The pennyroyal plant is a green herb that, in addition to being used as a food ingredient, also has many suitable medicinal and therapeutic benefits for the human body.
According to Saednews, Pennyroyal is an aromatic and medicinal plant from the mint family that contains essential oils such as menthol, vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, and other beneficial plant compounds. In traditional medicine, it is used to improve digestive problems such as bloating and stomach pain, aid digestion, treat colds and respiratory issues, and support liver and bladder function. Due to its strong aroma, pennyroyal also has disinfectant properties and can even help repel harmful insects.
Below are its main health benefits in detail.
Pennyroyal contains a high level of menthol and has long been used for its stimulating and symptom-relieving effects in colds and flu. It may support breathing and strengthen the respiratory system and lungs. Its expectorant properties help loosen mucus and clear it from the respiratory tract.
Traditionally, pennyroyal has been used to improve overall digestive health and treat common digestive disorders. Drinking a small amount of pennyroyal tea may help reduce bloating, gas, and stomach pain. It also has antispasmodic properties that can relieve stomach cramps. It is believed to support liver function and bile production, aiding digestion when used in moderation.
Pennyroyal oil has a warming and mildly numbing effect and is used in massage therapy to relieve muscle and joint pain. Due to its astringent properties, it has also been traditionally used for rheumatism and arthritis, as it may help remove uric acid from the body’s circulation.
Oregano is a medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that may support male health. It can improve digestive function, strengthen the immune system, and boost energy levels.
One of its notable benefits for men is reducing prostate inflammation and protecting body cells from oxidative damage, which may help lower the risk of certain diseases.
It may also help reduce stress and improve sleep quality, making it useful for men under daily work pressure.
Pennyroyal may have calming properties. It was historically used for epilepsy and may help relax the nervous system and improve sleep. However, there is no strong scientific evidence confirming its effectiveness as a sedative, and safer natural alternatives exist for stress and insomnia.
Pennyroyal is known for its emmenagogue properties (stimulating menstrual flow). It has traditionally been used for irregular or absent menstrual cycles. However, many modern experts do not recommend it for this purpose due to safer alternatives.
Pennyroyal (oregano) is a warm-natured medicinal plant that may help children when used correctly. It can help with digestive issues such as stomach pain, bloating, and colic due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects.
It may also strengthen the immune system and help prevent colds and mild infections.
However, it must be used with great caution in children. It is not recommended for children under 2 years old, and dosage must be carefully adjusted for older children under medical supervision.
Pennyroyal does not directly cause weight loss, but it may indirectly support it by improving metabolism and digestive function. It may also help reduce appetite and prevent overeating. However, it should be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, pennyroyal may help reduce oral and dental infections. It can relieve gum inflammation and tooth pain and limit harmful bacterial growth in the mouth.
Diluted tea or gargling may help mild oral infections, but it is not a substitute for dental treatment.
Pennyroyal oil may help prevent wrinkles and improve skin appearance. It can also be used to reduce itching and dark spots when applied as a massage oil.
Some studies suggest that pennyroyal may help regulate and lower blood pressure due to its antioxidant compounds and relaxing effects on blood vessels.
Pennyroyal contains compounds such as carvacrol and rosmarinic acid that support immune function and respiratory health. It may reduce inflammation in the airways, help clear congestion, and improve breathing. It is traditionally used for colds and mild respiratory infections.
Pennyroyal may help in managing type 2 diabetes by supporting insulin regulation and reducing blood sugar levels.
Fresh pennyroyal is soaked in oil and exposed to sunlight or gently heated to evaporate moisture. The oil should not be stored in sealed containers during preparation, as this may alter its aroma. After preparation, it is filtered and used for skin application.
Pennyroyal has been widely used in traditional medicine for:
Improving digestion and reducing bloating
Relieving hiccups (traditionally chewed)
Calming effects and reducing stress
Reducing muscle spasms
Helping treat cough and respiratory issues
Relieving nasal congestion
Strengthening gums
Supporting intestinal health and diarrhea treatment
Antibacterial and infection-fighting effects
Helping treat colds, flu, asthma, and sinus infections
Natural antiparasitic effects
It also contains calcium and is traditionally recommended for bone health.
In traditional Indian medicine, pennyroyal has been used for:
Lice treatment (as a wash)
Skin infections and diseases (as decoction)
Rheumatism (oil massage)
Low energy (tea consumption)
Altitude sickness relief
Breathing difficulties
Oil extraction for soaps and industry
Natural cleaning agent in traditional uses
Ground cover plant in gardens
Insect and rodent repellent due to strong smell
Skin and gum care in traditional practices
Morning (on an empty stomach): improves digestion and metabolism
Before sleep: promotes relaxation and better sleep
During illness: helps with colds and digestive discomfort
Use one tablespoon of fresh leaves or one teaspoon of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink. It can be consumed 2–3 times daily.
It may help with:
Colds and flu
Digestive disorders
Mild fever
Headaches
Sore throat
Menstrual pain
Nausea
Insomnia
Pennyroyal must be used with caution.
It is not recommended during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions and increase miscarriage risk. It should also be avoided during breastfeeding.
People with liver, kidney, heart diseases, epilepsy, or neurological disorders should avoid or use it only under medical supervision.
Excessive use may cause:
Stomach pain
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Digestive disorders
Toxicity in severe cases
Pennyroyal essential oil is very strong and can be toxic if misused, potentially causing abdominal pain, fever, heart rate changes, and poisoning symptoms.
Leaves: oregano is larger and thicker; pennyroyal is smaller and thinner
Taste: oregano is spicy and slightly bitter; pennyroyal is milder and sweeter
Leaves: oregano is broader; thyme is smaller and woody
Taste: oregano is bitter and spicy; thyme is stronger and sharper
Leaves: mint is smaller and serrated; oregano is larger and fuzzy underneath
Taste: mint is cool and sweet; oregano is warm and bitter
