Synopsis

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

European Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly for women's health issues, including scant or suppressed menstruation (oligomenorrhea). Historical texts and herbal compendia from the Middle Ages through the 19th century frequently list pennyroyal as an "emmenagogue"—an herb used to stimulate menstrual flow. Herbalists believed that pennyroyal, when consumed as a tea or infusion, could help "bring on" menstruation that was delayed or absent, often attributing this effect to its volatile oils, most notably pulegone. However, there is no robust scientific validation from controlled clinical trials to support its efficacy for this use. The evidence is primarily anecdotal and based on tradition rather than rigorous study.

It is important to note that pennyroyal contains compounds (especially pulegone) that are highly toxic and can cause severe liver and kidney damage, and even death, if ingested in significant amounts. Modern herbalists and medical professionals strongly caution against its internal use for any purpose. In summary, while the use of European pennyroyal for scant menstruation is well-supported by historical tradition, scientific evidence is lacking, and safety concerns are significant.

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