5 health benefits of pennyroyal!

The benefits of pennyroyal that are essential for health and it is scientifically known as Mentha pulegim , is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Labiatae family. This herb grows in humid areas and is native to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Pennyroyal is also commonly  known by a number of other names. When crushed, the herb gives off a very strong aroma, reminiscent of mint.

This herb was traditionally used as a culinary herb and in folk medicine. An essential oil made with pennyroyal  is still used by aromatherapists for topical application. However, the oil has a high amount of a compound called pulegone , which is highly toxic and is known to cause liver damage and affect uterine function.

While tea made from the plant still remains popular, consumption of the oil can be extremely dangerous and even fatal and should be avoided at all costs.

The reason tea  is still popular is attributed to its relaxing effects. It can also help in improving digestion and relieving stomach pain . It can also be applied topically to the skin and is known to have a variety of medicinal uses.

Nutritional value of pennyroyal:

Pennyroyal is a plant  with many nutritional properties that benefit health, among them we find a good amount of magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, a good amount of B vitamins, in addition to its high content of antioxidants .

The properties of this fruit include its digestive, stimulant, stomach tonic, sudorific, astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, expectorant, carminative and vermifuge action.

Health benefits of pennyroyal:

The benefits of pennyroyal  contains properties that serve to fight flu and cold , cough , lack of appetite, poor digestion, heartburn, gas, intestinal cramps, runny nose, catarrh , bronchitis, asthma, intestinal worms, fever, delayed menstruation among other benefits. .

1. Improves digestion:

Pennyroyal has been used to improve digestive health and to treat several common digestive problems .  You can drink small doses of the tea to help treat pain, bloating, gas or stomach upset .

The plant also has antispasmodic properties that can help relieve stomach pain or cramps. Many people believe that this plant can be consumed in moderation to improve liver function and stimulate the production of bile, which can help with digestion.

2. Improve breathing:

Due to its high menthol content, pennyroyal  has been used over the years for its expectorant qualities and its ability to relieve cold or flu symptoms.

It can help to freshen the breath and act as a decongestant for the respiratory system and lungs. The expectorant properties can aid in slowing down the development of mucous membranes or phlegm and also aid in release.

3. How to relax: 

Pennyroyal has sedative properties . Therefore, it has been used in the past to fight hysteria and can help relieve nerves and sleep difficulties. However, there is no scientific evidence that proves that it is even efficient for this purpose.  

4. Helps relieve pain:

The oil of this plant  has warming and numbing properties  and is used in massages to help treat sore muscles and joints.

Also, due to its purifying properties  , it is a good treatment for rheumatism and arthritis as it can help in the eradication of uric acid from the body.

5. Regulates menstruation:

This plant is well known for its emmenagogue activity. It has been used over the years to help stimulate menstruation in women with irregular cycles or those who do not menstruate.

However, there are many other alternatives to stimulating menstruation , many of which are much safer.