Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) has a long history of traditional use for menstrual disorders, including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Historical texts from ancient Greece, Rome, and throughout the Middle Ages describe its use as an emmenagogue—an agent believed to stimulate menstrual flow and relieve menstrual pain. The plant contains volatile oils, most notably pulegone, which is thought to have uterine-stimulating properties. Herbalists in Europe and North America have recommended pennyroyal tea or extracts for centuries as a remedy for irregular or painful menstruation.

Despite this traditional usage, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of pennyroyal for dysmenorrhea. Modern clinical trials are essentially absent, and most references are based on case histories or ethnobotanical surveys. Furthermore, pennyroyal oil is known to be highly toxic, particularly to the liver, and ingestion has led to severe poisoning and even death. This significant toxicity risk far outweighs any potential benefits, and its use is strongly discouraged in modern medical practice.

In conclusion, while the use of pennyroyal for dysmenorrhea is supported by a substantial body of traditional knowledge, there is little to no scientific validation, and its safety concerns make it unsuitable for this purpose today.

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