Pennyroyal, Cut & Sifted

(Mentha pulegium)

Pennyroyal — Mentha pulegium — is one of the oldest and most historically significant members of the mint family (Lamiaceae), with a documented history of use stretching back to ancient Greece and Rome. Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, and other classical writers described pennyroyal extensively, and it was one of the most widely cultivated and traded herbs of the ancient Mediterranean world. A low-growing, creeping perennial native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, pennyroyal produces small, whorled clusters of lilac-pink flowers and emits a powerfully pungent, intensely minty aroma — far more concentrated and sharp than common peppermint. In medieval Europe, pennyroyal was a beloved strewing herb, insect-repelling plant, and culinary flavoring, and it has a long history in the traditional botanical practices of both European and Native American herbal traditions. The dried herb is used in potpourri, herbal sachets, and traditional herbal preparations.

The herb is rich in volatile essential oils and phytochemicals including pulegone (the primary and dominant monoterpene ketone, responsible for the characteristic sharp minty aroma — present in high concentrations), menthone, isomenthone, piperitone, limonene, alpha-pinene, flavonoids (luteolin, diosmin, hesperidin), rosmarinic acid, tannins, and terpene alcohols. Available in Cut & Sifted form.

Product Highlights

• Cut & sifted herb of Mentha pulegium — Pennyroyal / European Pennyroyal
• One of the oldest and most historically documented herbs of the ancient Mediterranean world
• Powerfully pungent, intensely minty aroma — far more concentrated than common peppermint
• Rich in pulegone, menthone, isomenthone, rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and diosmin
• Traditionally used as a strewing herb, insect-repelling plant, and aromatic botanical
• Available in Cut & Sifted form

How to Use

Potpourri & Sachets: The dried herb retains its powerful, distinctive aroma well — use in sachets, potpourri blends, and herbal drawer liners. Herbal Preparations: Use in traditional herbal tincture and tea preparations — use with caution and in small amounts only. Insect Repellent: Traditionally used as a natural insect-repelling herb — place sachets in closets and storage areas.

Available in Cut & Sifted (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

⚠️ Important Safety Information: Pennyroyal contains pulegone, a potent monoterpene ketone that can be toxic in large amounts. Do NOT use during pregnancy or nursing — pennyroyal has historically been used as an abortifacient and can cause serious harm or death to pregnant women and their unborn children. Do not use in children. Do not consume pennyroyal essential oil under any circumstances — it is highly toxic and potentially fatal even in small doses. Use the dried herb only in small, traditional amounts. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are taking medications or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children and pets.