Synopsis

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

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegioides) has a long history of traditional use as an emmenagogue, a substance believed to stimulate or promote menstrual flow. Historical records from ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval European sources describe its use by women to address scant or absent menstruation. The herb was often prepared as a tea or infusion. Its traditional use is largely attributed to the presence of pulegone, an essential oil component thought to have uterine-stimulating properties. However, modern scientific studies focusing specifically on pennyroyal's efficacy for scant menstruation are lacking. Most published research centers on the toxicity of pennyroyal, particularly its essential oil, which is known to be hepatotoxic and potentially fatal in even modest doses. There is insufficient clinical evidence to confirm its safety or effectiveness for menstruation-related conditions. Despite the lack of scientific validation, the persistent historical use warrants a modest evidence score on the scale provided, reflecting traditional—but not scientifically substantiated—use. Importantly, pennyroyal is considered unsafe for internal use due to its toxicity, and its use is not recommended in contemporary herbal medicine.

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