Hedeoma pulegioides American pennyroyal (Labiatae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Hedeoma pulegioides
American pennyroyal
(1 Page of 5)

The Hedeoma pulegioides plant species is found in N. America - S. Quebec to Minnesota and S. Dakota, then south to Tennessee and Arkansas. It is a member of the Labiatae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as American pennyroyal.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Hedeoma pulegioides
Common Name:  American pennyroyal
Family:  Labiatae
Author:  (L.)Pers.

Known Hazards:  In large quantities this plant, especially in the form of the extracted essential oil, can be toxic if taken internally[222]. Skin contact with the pure essential oil can cause dermatitis[222]

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  0.2

Habitat:  Dry soils[43 in open woods and fields[169].

Medicinal Information: American pennyroyal has a long history of medicinal use by various native North American Indian tribes and has become a traditional household remedy in North America[238]. It is used mainly in the treatment of digestive disorders, colds, whooping cough, painful menstruation and as an aid in childbirth[238]. A tea made from the leaves or flowering stems is carminative, rubefacient, stimulant[46, 61, 171]. It is used to treat colds because it promotes perspiration[207]. A tea with brewers yeast can induce an abortion[213]. The plants are harvested when flowering and can be used fresh or dried[213, 238]. The essential oil is distilled from the plants when they are in flower and used medicinally in the same ways as the leaves. Caution is advised since the pure essential oil is very toxic and ingestion can be lethal whilst skin contact can cause dematitis[222, 238].

For further Hedeoma pulegioides gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future