Pennyroyal Essential Oil: 10 Health Uses

Pennyroyal essential oil is extracted through steam distillation from the Pennyroyal herb, native to Europe. The herb has a minty smell and boasts anti-hysteric, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, and digestive properties. It is also highly poisonous by nature and should be used with extreme caution. (1)

Pennyroyal Essential Oil Health Uses

1. Work as an Anti-Hysteric

Pennyroyal essential oil has calming effects on the nerves and brain that can help reduce symptoms of hysteria. The oil works to combat convulsions, sudden hysteric attacks and fainting.

2. Fights Infections

Thanks to the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of pennyroyal essential oil, it can be used to fight off infections. The oil works by killing microbes and bacteria that can harm the body. (2) It is a great natural antibiotic.

3. Relives Arthritis Pain

Pennyroyal oil has a natural numbing effect on the nerves which can help combat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The oil also promotes the removal of toxins from the body, including uric acid, which can cause arthritis pain. (3)

4. Works as an Antiseptic

Pennyroyal oil is highly poisonous by nature, which makes it a natural antiseptic against germs and bacteria. The oil can be used in very mild doses to help cleanse cuts and wounds and prevent bacteria from causing an infection.

5. Purifies the Blood

The depurative properties of pennyroyal essential oil help purify the blood. The oil works by neutralizing toxins in the blood and promoting circulation to help keep the organs and cells properly oxygenated.

6. Facilitates Digestion

Pennyroyal essential oil has been used for centuries to help facilitatte digestion. The oil promotes digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices, to keep things flowing properly.

7. Repels Insects

The toxic properties to pennyroyal essential oil come in handy as a natural insecticide. Pennyroyal essential oil can help repel pesky insects as a fumigant, spray or vaporizer. (4)

8. Works as an Emenagogue

Pennyroyal oil has natural emenagogue properties that can help open blocked or delayed menstruation. The oil works to keep cycles regular by stimulating the production of certain hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.

9. Works as an Astringent

The astringent properties of pennyroyal essential oil can help strengthen the gums and other areas of the body, including the skin, hair roots and blood vessels. It works as a natural tightening and toning tonic.

10. Warms the Body

Pennyroyal essential oil has natural stimulating properties that work to increase blood circulation. The warming and stimulating effects of the oil can help warm the body, especially when battling symptoms of an illness such as chills. Caution: Pennyroyal oil is naturally highly poisonous to both humans and animals. Ingesting the oil, even in small doses, can result in death. Women who are pregnant should not use pennyroyal essential oil. Using the oil in aromatherapy can potentially damage the lungs, liver and respiratory tracts. Use pennyroyal oil under the supervision of an expert. (5)