Evidence supporting the use of: European Pennyroyal
For the health condition: Amenorrhea

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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 herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for various gynecological issues, including amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation). Historical texts and traditional herbal compendia often describe pennyroyal as an "emmenagogue," meaning it was believed to stimulate menstrual flow. This traditional use is rooted in both European folk medicine and early botanical writings. The plant contains compounds like pulegone, which have been noted for their biological activity. However, there is a significant lack of modern scientific studies or clinical trials validating its efficacy or safety for treating amenorrhea. In fact, pennyroyal is considered toxic, especially in concentrated forms (such as essential oil), and its ingestion has been associated with severe liver and kidney damage, and even death. Regulatory agencies and modern herbalists generally caution strongly against its use for any medicinal purpose today. Therefore, while its use to support amenorrhea is justified by tradition, it is not backed by robust scientific evidence and poses substantial health risks.

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