Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

It is a herbaceous but sometimes (the least) can be found at the bottom thickened. The stems, like those of the family Labiatae have a square section it pushes this plant to 60 cm high. It presents an alternate disposition of the leaves, which are elongated and small, with a short petiole. Views to the light you can see some points clear: these dots are where the essence of the plant, a smell that reminds the menthol and which is visible to catch it with his hand. It is located in wetlands, along rivers.

FLOWERING

Flowering occurs in summer months, stretching into the fall. The flowers are very small, pale and rosy hue, but also can find more rarely white. The flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves, as if they were a ball as a whole. Harvesting is done in the months of July, August and September when the whole plant is collected and dried. Once that is done, is packaged in sealed jars for a maximum storage period of one year and the following year must be re-collect it.

APPLICATIONS

The plant contains many essential oil, which accounts for up to 1% of its total weight. This essence is responsible for its appetite-stimulating action, so it is used in situations of appetite. It also acts as spasmolytic, and carminative cholagogue therefore administered to facilitate slow digestion, avoiding phenomena of bloat and gastrointestinal spasms. However, although this plant is beneficial not overuse it, especially in pregnant persons. The plant contains up to 80% pulogena, menthone, Isomenthone and Piperitenone, all this leads and its choleretic action colagoga. Externally it is used as vulnerary, to close wounds and sores.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Three grams of dried whole plant cut added about 200 milliliters of water and boiled, leaving him in touch and removed from heat for twelve minutes. The maximum dose that can be taken is three cups per day, usually after meals, although occasionally they can be taken during or before them.
Fluid extract. It can take 25 drops in half glass of water and repeat this twice a day, acting as a good level cholagogue and choleretic bile.
Essence. Used for preparing water-alcohol liniments and lotions that can be applied to the skin to promote healing of wounds.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Labiatae
HABITAT: Stream bank
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Whole plant
CASTILIAN: Poleo-menta
CATALAN: Poliol
BASQUE: Txortalo
GALICIAN: Poejo

USES

Moderate appetite stimulant, Digestive Moderate, Antiseptic Moderate.