Pennyroyal

Part Used: herb

Energetics: pungent/heating/pungent VK- P+ (in excess)

Tissues: plasma, blood, marrow and nerve

Systems: female reproductive, circulatory, nervous, respiratory

Actions: emmenagogue, stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, antivenomous

Indications: amenorrhea, menstrual cramping, hysteria, nervousness, headache, colds, fevers

Precautions: pregnancy, uterine bleeding

Preparation: infusion, powder (250 to 500 mg), medicated oil PENNYROYAL clears the channels of the nervous and female reproductive systems. Thereby it promotes menstruation and relieves spasms, dispelling obstructive Vata. It warms the uterus and relaxes the uterine muscles.

It works well on delayed menstruation due to cold, exposure or shock, for which conditions it combines well with such herbs as mugwort and ginger; for example, 1/4 ounce of pennyroyal along with one teaspoon of ginger powder can be steeped in one pint of water for 20 minutes and taken before meals to promote menstruation. Its quality is sattvic, it clears the mind and helps transmute female sexual energy.

Externally, the oil is a good insect repellant and has antivenomous properties.