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AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Strong pungent and aromatic emmenagogue, antispasmodic, & expectorant from the mint family.
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Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Pennyroyal (also Penny Royal) is sharp, peppery and aromatic. Surprisingly, it is also cooling and bitter. This makes it ideal for wind-heat (hyperactive immune response and high fever). It is also an expectorant mucolytic for cold, damp lungs.

The sharpness and aromatic nature stimulates the heart and dilates vessels, making pennyroyal an effective blood mover. It's blood moving qualities clear stagnation of the uterus. It is superb for spasmodic dysmenorrhea, and as an effective emmenagogue.

Its blood moving qualities make it an effective expectorant, at dispersing blood in cases of swelling and bruise (contusion), and as an antidote to poison. It's strong nature repels insects, giving it the name 'fleamint' and 'herbes aux puces' in french.

The aromatic nature opens and relaxes all the 'tubes' of the body - smooth muscle tissue. This reduces colic of bowels, blood vessels, uterus, and lungs. Aromatic herbs also relax the nerves, making Pennyroyal effective for epilepsy and cramping. Its cold properties were used in Morocco for heat stroke related spasms.

As it is sharp, aromatic, and bitter, it is a superb digestive and cholagogue.

Avoid when pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it is abortifascient. Pennyroyal contains the ketone pulegone which is a neurotoxin.

Suggested Use

1 dropper full 2x/day or as directed by your practitioner.
See guidelines for tinctures?

Metabolic Nature of Pennyroyal

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

TOXIC

ABOUT TOXIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOXIC

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry metabolic nature. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Other

Subtaste:
Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Affinity:
Digestion, Liver Gallbladder, Mind Stress Sleep, Reproductive Health, Respiratory Health
Family:
Lamiaceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Pennyroyal
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Digestion:
Appetizer

APPETIZER

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.

SEE ALL 'APPETIZER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Carminative

CARMINATIVE

Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.

SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Mind, Stress & Sleep:
Numbs Anasthetic

NUMBS-ANASTHETIC

Inhibits sensation in a particular area.

SEE ALL 'NUMBS-ANASTHETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stimulates Crown

STIMULATES-CROWN

Creates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area at the top of the head.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-CROWN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Analgesic

ANALGESIC

Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.

SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nervine

NERVINE

Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.

SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care & Beauty:
Diaphoretic

STRONG DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Rubefacient

RUBEFACIENT

An herb used topically that causes dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation. The skin will appear red or flushed.

SEE ALL 'RUBEFACIENT' FOODS / HERBS

Respiratory-Health:
Expectorant

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.

SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:
Antipyretic

STRONG ANTIPYRETIC

Reduces a fever / febrifuge.

SEE ALL 'ANTIPYRETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antipoisonous

ANTIPOISONOUS

An antidote for a poison. Many anti-poisonous herbs draw out a poison and are good for insect bites. Others help burn it up.

SEE ALL 'ANTIPOISONOUS' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Cardiac Stimulant

CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

SEE ALL 'CARDIAC-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vasodilator

VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Kidney & Urinary:
Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Liver & Gallbladder:
Cholagogue

CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:
Oxytocic

STRONG OXYTOCIC

Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, and prepares the uterus for labor. It has a vasoconstricting effect. Emotionally, it is tribal.

SEE ALL 'OXYTOCIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Abortifacient

ABORTIFACIENT

An abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. These herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy.

SEE ALL 'ABORTIFACIENT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Emmenagogue

EMMENAGOGUE

Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.

SEE ALL 'EMMENAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Strength, Muscle Health:
Muscle Relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Relieves Tension

RELIEVES-TENSION

An herb that releases tightness, constriction, and rigidity in a muscle.

SEE ALL 'RELIEVES-TENSION' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antispasmodic

ANTISPASMODIC

Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.

SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Essential Oil,
Iron

IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

Toxicity: Moderate - Not for long term use.

Foods with a Similar Nature to Pennyroyal

  • Mustard

    Mustard has these Actions in Common

    Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Relieves-tension, Abortifacient, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Expectorant, Rubefacient, Analgesic, Carminative, Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Seed

    Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

    Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Relieves-tension, Abortifacient, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Expectorant, Rubefacient, Analgesic, Carminative, Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Powder

    Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Relieves-tension, Abortifacient, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Expectorant, Rubefacient, Analgesic, Carminative

    LEARN MORE

  • Dill

    Dill has these Actions in Common

    Appetizer, Digestive, Nervine, Antipyretic, Carminative, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Abortifacient

    LEARN MORE

  • Cloves

    Cloves has these Actions in Common

    Expectorant, Rubefacient, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Nervine, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Numbs-anasthetic, Analgesic, Carminative

    LEARN MORE

  • Allspice

    Allspice has these Actions in Common

    Appetizer, Digestive, Numbs-anasthetic, Analgesic, Cardiac-stimulant, Muscle-relaxant, Rubefacient, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Nervine, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Fenugreek

    Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Expectorant, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Nervine, Antipyretic, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Oxytocic, Carminative

    LEARN MORE

  • Cinnamon

    Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

    Appetizer, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Expectorant, Analgesic, Carminative, Diuretic, Rubefacient

    LEARN MORE

  • Rosemary

    Rosemary has these Actions in Common

    Nervine, Cardiac-stimulant, Emmenagogue, Rubefacient, Analgesic, Diaphoretic, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Cardamom

    Cardamom has these Actions in Common

    Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Appetizer, Digestive, Nervine, Analgesic, Carminative, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Hing (Asafoetida)

    Hing (Asafoetida) has these Actions in Common

    Antispasmodic, Emmenagogue, Vasodilator, Abortifacient, Carminative, Expectorant, Analgesic, Digestive, Nervine

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Pennyroyal

  • Wild Ginger

    Wild Ginger has these Actions in Common

    Vasodilator, Appetizer, Cardiac-stimulant, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Analgesic, Rubefacient, Antispasmodic

    LEARN MORE

  • Mugwort

    Mugwort has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Analgesic, Emmenagogue, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Appetizer, Oxytocic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Dong Quai

    Dong Quai has these Actions in Common

    Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Muscle-relaxant, Analgesic, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Relieves-tension, Cardiac-stimulant, Vasodilator, Carminative, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

    Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

    Cardiac-stimulant, Vasodilator, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Muscle-relaxant, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Appetizer, Stimulates-crown

    LEARN MORE

  • Angelica

    Angelica has these Actions in Common

    Nervine, Analgesic, Oxytocic, Antispasmodic, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Blue Cohosh

    Blue Cohosh has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Oxytocic, Analgesic, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic

    LEARN MORE

  • Yogaraj Guggulu

    Yogaraj Guggulu has these Actions in Common

    Carminative, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Relieves-tension, Analgesic, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

  • Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

    Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Carminative, Digestive, Diuretic, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Oxytocic, Analgesic, Vasodilator, Antipyretic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Hops

    Hops has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Nervine, Analgesic, Antipyretic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Digestive

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Pennyroyal may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Pennyroyal may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Pennyroyal. Please see your health care provider for more information.

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