Pennyroyal (Unknown (not directly identified in provided classical texts for Mentha pulegium))
Pennyroyal, or Mentha pulegium, is an herb with a historical record of traditional uses for stimulating menstrual flow, aiding digestion, and as an insect repellent. However, modern medical research emphatically advises against its internal use due to ...
Botanical name: Mentha pulegium.
Classical attributes
- Virya: []
- Vipaka: []
Dosha effects
- vata: increasing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: increasing
Clinical evidence
Modern clinical evidence for the therapeutic use of Pennyroyal is virtually nonexistent for internal consumption. The overwhelming body of clinical evidence primarily consists of numerous case reports documenting severe poisoning, acute liver failure (hepatotoxicity), neurological damage, and fatalities resulting from the ingestion of Pennyroyal oil or concentrated preparations. Toxicological studies confirm the hepatotoxic, neurotoxic, and abortifacient properties of its active constituents. There are no ethical clinical trials supporting its internal therapeutic use; instead, its toxicity is well-established in medical literature.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vishamghna (antitoxic)
- Dipana (digestive stimulant)
- Chedana (excising/cutting)
Classical clinical indications
- Poisoning (especially from mice)
- Digestive imbalances (inferred from agitating nature)