Evidence supporting the use of: Pennyroyal (unspecified)
For the health condition: PMS (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegioides) has a long history of traditional use, including for menstrual and reproductive health concerns such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In various folk medicine systems, pennyroyal was used to stimulate menstrual flow (as an emmenagogue), relieve menstrual cramps, and address symptoms associated with menstruation, which may overlap with PMS. These uses are primarily documented in herbal texts and ethnobotanical records from Europe and North America. However, the rationale for its use is based on anecdotal reports and traditional herbal practice rather than scientific studies.

There is currently a lack of high-quality clinical evidence supporting the efficacy or safety of pennyroyal for PMS. No randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews have confirmed its effectiveness for PMS symptom relief. Furthermore, pennyroyal is known to contain toxic compounds, notably pulegone, which can cause serious liver and kidney damage and has been associated with fatalities when ingested in large amounts. Due to its toxicity, most modern herbalists and healthcare professionals advise against its internal use.

In summary, pennyroyal's use for PMS is rooted in traditional herbal medicine, not scientific validation, and its potential risks far outweigh any unproven benefits.

More about Pennyroyal (unspecified)
More about PMS (general)

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