Evidence supporting the use of: Pennyroyal (unspecified)
For the health condition: PMS Type A
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegioides) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for various female reproductive complaints, including menstrual irregularities and symptoms that may overlap with what is now classified as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), particularly PMS Type A (characterized by anxiety, irritability, and mood swings). Historical texts and folk medicine references from Europe and North America mention pennyroyal as an emmenagogue (an agent that stimulates menstrual flow) and as a remedy for “female complaints.” However, the evidence supporting its use for PMS Type A is based almost entirely on historical and anecdotal reports rather than controlled scientific studies.
No high-quality clinical trials or modern scientific studies have validated the effectiveness or safety of pennyroyal for PMS symptoms. In fact, pennyroyal is known to contain compounds (notably pulegone) that can be toxic to the liver and nervous system, and its use as a medicinal agent is discouraged by most contemporary health authorities due to safety concerns.
In summary, while pennyroyal has traditional roots in the treatment of female reproductive issues, including symptoms that might overlap with PMS Type A, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for this use. Its traditional application is not sufficient to outweigh the significant risks associated with its ingestion.
Other ingredients used for PMS Type A
black cohoshcalcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
magnesium
motherwort
vitamin B6
wild yam
zinc
Agnuside
Cohosh
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Pennyroyal (unspecified)
AmenorrheaCramps (menstrual)
Dysmenorrhea
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S