Evidence supporting the use of: European Pennyroyal
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain

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Synopsis

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

European Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) has a long history of use in traditional European and Middle Eastern herbal medicine, including for women’s reproductive health. Historical records and ethnobotanical sources indicate that pennyroyal was sometimes used to help with issues related to menstruation and childbirth, including afterbirth pain (the discomfort following delivery as the uterus contracts and returns to its pre-pregnancy size). The plant contains volatile oils, including pulegone, which is believed to have uterotonic properties—that is, the ability to stimulate uterine contractions. This may explain its traditional use for promoting the expulsion of the placenta and reducing discomfort after childbirth. However, there is no robust scientific evidence—such as clinical trials—supporting its safety or efficacy for this purpose.

Moreover, pennyroyal is known to be potentially toxic, especially in higher doses, and can cause serious liver and kidney damage, as well as other adverse effects. Its use is discouraged in modern herbalism due to these risks. In summary, while the use of European pennyroyal for afterbirth pain is supported by traditional uses, there is minimal to no modern scientific evidence validating its effectiveness, and it poses significant safety concerns.

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