Pennyroyal

Generic name: pennyroyal [ PEH-nee-roy-al ]
Drug class:Herbal products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 26, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pennyroyal?

Pennyroyal is a plant also known as Dictame de Virginie, European Pennyroyal, Feuille de Menthe Pouliot, Frétillet, Hedeoma pulegioides, Herbe aux Puces, Herbe de Saint-Laurent, Lurk-In-The-Ditch, Melissa pulegioides, Mentha pulegium, Menthe Pouliot, Mosquito Plant, Piliolerial, Poleo, Pouliot Royal, Pudding Grass, Pulegium, Run-By-The-Ground, Squaw Balm, Squawmint, Stinking Balm, Tickweed, and other names.

Some uses not proven with research have included treatment of muscular spasms, intestinal gas, pneumonia, weakness, stomach pain, fluid retention, skin conditions, and others.

It is not certain whether pennyroyal is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Pennyroyal should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Pennyroyal is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Pennyroyal may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Before using pennyroyal, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use pennyroyal if you have certain medical conditions.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• high blood pressure;

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

Pennyroyal is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. There is some evidence that pennyroyal in high doses can cause abortion. It can also cause kidney and liver damage to the mother and be fatal. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Pennyroyal is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Pennyroyal is specially unsafe for children and can cause liver or nervous system damage and even death.