Overview

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a plant that grows throughout the world. The leaves, and the oil they contain, are used to make medicine.

Pennyroyal essential oil contains chemicals that have various toxic effects in the body.

People use pennyroyal for the common cold, pneumonia, fatigue, ending a pregnancy (abortion), and as an insect repellant, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. It is also unsafe.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for PENNYROYAL overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pennyroyal essential oil is likely unsafe. It can cause serious liver and kidney damage, as well as nervous system damage. Repeated use may lead to death. There isn't enough reliable information to know if pennyroyal leaf is safe to use as a tea.

When applied to the skin: Pennyroyal essential oil is likely unsafe.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Pennyroyal essential oil is likely unsafe. It can cause serious liver and kidney damage, as well as nervous system damage. Repeated use may lead to death. There isn't enough reliable information to know if pennyroyal leaf is safe to use as a tea.

When applied to the skin: Pennyroyal essential oil is likely unsafe.

Pregnancy: It is likely unsafe to take pennyroyal by mouth or apply it to your skin when pregnant. There is some evidence that pennyroyal oil can cause abortions by causing the uterus to contract. But the dose needed in order to cause an abortion could kill the parent or cause life-long kidney and liver damage. Avoid use.

Breast-feeding: It is likely unsafe to take pennyroyal by mouth or apply it to your skin while breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Children: Pennyroyal is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Infants have developed serious liver and nervous system damage, and even death, after taking pennyroyal.

Kidney disease: Pennyroyal essential oil can damage the kidney and make existing kidney disease worse.

Liver disease: Pennyroyal essential oil can cause liver damage and might make existing liver disease worse.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) interacts with PENNYROYAL

    Pennyroyal can cause liver damage. Taking pennyroyal with acetaminophen, which causes a similar type of liver damage, might increase the risk for liver damage.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of pennyroyal might be. Pennyroyal is also unsafe. Speak with your healthcare provider before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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