Pennyroyal essential oil has many health benefits which can be attributed to its properties as stomachic, insecticide, anti – hysteric, emenagogue, anti – microbial, digestive, anti – bacterial, depurative, anti – rheumatic, decongestant, anti – arthritic, cordial, astringent and antiseptic substance. Pennyroyal is a grass – like creeper herb. It has the scientific name Mentha Pulegium. It is native to Europe. This herb has the term “Mentha” in its botanical name because it smells like a mint when its leaves are crushed. Pennyroyal essential oil is derived from the fresh plant by steam distillation. The main components of pennyroyal essential oil are pulegone, menthone, neomenthone and isomenthone. This oil has high amounts of pulegone and this element is making it a deadly poison. It is highly poisonous to human and other animals even ingestion in very small doses could lead to death. Also it is strong abortifacient so you need to avoid it during pregnancy. This essential oil is not used in aromatherapies because inhalation in small quantities can seriously damage your lungs, the respiratory tracts and the liver. You should be very careful when you are using this essential oil no matter if is external or internal use and talk with your doctor before you start using it.
Health benefits of pennyroyal essential oil
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Stomachic: When pennyroyal essential oil is used in very low doses, then it can cure stomach problems and settle the stomach. It can soothe inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, helps maintain the acid – base balance in the stomach by stimulating secretion of acids and bile into the stomach and it can cure infections in the stomach.
Decongestant: This essential oil is toxic which is making it an antiviral and it fights against infections in the lungs. This can help to loosen the catarrh and phlegm deposition in the lungs and the respiratory tracts, as well as promoting their expectoration. In this way, the pennyroyal essential oil behaves as a decongestant for the respiratory tracts and lungs.
benefits and uses of pennyroyal essential oil
Cordial: It has stimulating property which means that it can increase the blood circulation, which in turn will warm up your whole body and at the same time it will behave as a cordial. This property of the pennyroyal essential oil can give you a relief from feelings of cold which often result from a fever.
Astringent: In the traditional medicine, the pennyroyal essential oil has been used as a gum strengthener which is probably due to the astringent properties. This makes the gums contract and it tighten their grip on the teeth. The effects of this property can be also felt on other parts of the body, because this property induces contraction in other muscles and it tightens them, helps stop hemorrhaging by contracting the blood vessels, strengthens hair roots, gives the face a lift and pulls up loose hanging skin.
Insecticide: This essential oil is very toxic to human and other animals. Also it is toxic to insects. This is a very effective insect killer. It is very effective if it is used in vaporizers, sprays and fumigants. Insects will try to stay away from the pennyroyal essential oil. It is highly praised and reputed as an insect repellant.
Emenagogue: This is also well known and proven property of the pennyroyal essential oil. It can open blocked and delayed menstruation. It can make it more regular by stimulating the production of some hormones like progesterone and estrogen.
Digestive: This essential oil has been used in the traditional medicine to facilitate digestion. Also it can promote digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices.
Depurative: There are some studies in which are said that pennyroyal essential oil can be used as depurative. This is a blood purifier. There are some components of this essential oil which can neutralize toxins in the blood. It can promote blood circulation which means that it can help the proper mixing of blood with the fresh oxygen.
