What is Mentha Pulegium?

Mentha Pulegium , more often known as Pennyyal, is a herbal permanent plant in the genus Mint. A plant from South and Central Europe has been introduced to North America with the first European settlers and has since naturalized in wild, mild areas around the world. This herb, smaller than other mint types, crawls along the ground and spreads quickly through its underground root system. Pennyroyal often occurs in wet soil along the edges of ponds, streams and ditches, growing abundantly in wild areas, although some herbal gardeners also grow a plant.

growing up to 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) in height, mentha pulegium is a small plant that produces thick pink, purple or blue flowers in half to late period. Like other plants in the genus, Pennyroyal is highly aromatic and contains essential oil similar to other mints, albeit less effective. Herb's taste has been described as less pleasant and easier than it with spearmint or mThe peppermint and its aroma is pungent and slightly mint.

Mentha Pulegium is a traditional herb drug and a culinary herb used for hundreds of years of various cultures. The plant was particularly well -loved by the Romans who used it as a flea repellent and as a herb for cooking. The culinary use of the herb since the Middle Ages has fallen out of kindness, probably because of its pungent taste and smell. Although modern herbalists do not cook with Pennyroyal, it is still appreciated for its properties of medicinal and insects. Fresh leaves shaken on the skin can maintain biting insects at bay and tea made of pennyroyal leaves is an old -fashioned herbal remedy for colds and menstrual problems.

Although Pennyroyal tea is considered safe for human consumption in small quantities, it can cause serious health problems when accepted for more than five days at a time. Bridge Popular use of tea is stomach settling butAnother traditional use of the beverage includes the treatment of fainting, DNA, tumors, headaches, hysteria and unhealthy gums. Tea or infusion of mentha pulegium should never use pregnant women because they could stimulate the uterus and cause abortion. Pennyroyal essential oil is extremely concentrated and highly toxic and should never be used.

Many gardeners cultivate mentha pulegium because it is easy to grow and increases interest in the herbal garden with its colorful flowers and the spread of growth habit. The plant requires full sun to partial shadow and wet soil with average fertility. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden about two weeks before the last freezing of the year, or the plants can be planted containers 6 to 10 inches (15.24 to 25.4 centimeters) apart in a well -prepared garden bed. HERB in regular irrigation, but the highest 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of the soil should be allowed to dry between applications.

leaves harvested from homemade mentha pulegialThe plants are often used to produce tea or dried and place in bedding for pets to bounce fleas. Stigs are harvested when the plant reaches at least 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) per height or stems are at least 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) in length. The leaves are best harvested for drying during the spring and summer months, just after flowering or before flowering. If you use fresh leaves, harvest at any time of the year, even if the herb is most fragrant just before, during and after flowering.