Evidence supporting the use of: Pennyroyal
For the body system: Uterus

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and North America. Historically, it has been used by herbalists and midwives to support the uterus, primarily as an emmenagogue—an agent thought to stimulate menstrual flow. Folk practices included pennyroyal tea or extracts to address menstrual irregularities, delayed menstruation, or for attempted induction of abortion, although such use was risky and sometimes fatal due to the herb’s toxicity.

Despite these traditional uses, scientific evidence supporting pennyroyal’s benefits for the uterus is lacking. Modern research highlights significant safety concerns: the plant contains pulegone, a compound known to be highly toxic to the liver and nervous system, especially in concentrated forms such as essential oil. Documented cases of poisoning, organ failure, and even death have occurred after ingestion of pennyroyal products. As a result, its use is strongly discouraged by medical authorities today.

In summary, pennyroyal’s reputation for supporting the uterus is rooted in tradition, not scientific validation. Its historical use was largely empirical and often unsafe. Due to its toxicity and the absence of reliable clinical evidence, pennyroyal is not recommended for uterine or menstrual health in modern herbal practice.

More about Pennyroyal
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