How do you identify pennyroyal?
Pennyroyal is a small, distinctively-scented mint. It grows no taller than 30cm in height and often less. It tends to have two growth forms, and may be found either as a low mat of trailing stems and leaves, or be more upright and vigorously flowering. Pennyroyal has a strong fragrance similar to spearmint and was used for centuries to flavor food, wine and herbal teas. Pennyroyal extracts were also used as a traditional herb and folk remedy; a particular use was to stimulate menstruation and, in higher concentrations, to induce abortion.The expression ‘Pennywort’ refers to a European species with smaller leaves; Water Pennywort has larger leaves that are about the same size as a silver dollar. There are several Hydrocotyle spp. Pennyworts) that occur in scattered areas of the Midwest; these are mostly wetland species.Pennywort leaves can also be eaten raw, dried, sautéed, or pickled. They can be used as a green in salads or as a parsley-like garnish for dishes.This aromatic herb is often used in spellwork and rituals for its protective, purifying, and transformative properties. Pennyroyal is renowned for its ability to ward off negative energies and repel unwanted influences.
What is the common name for pennyroyal?
Mentha pulegium, commonly (European) pennyroyal, or pennyrile, also called mosquito plant and pudding grass, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Crushed pennyroyal leaves emit a very strong fragrance similar to spearmint. Pennyroyal is a low-growing groundcover-like shrub with pink cones of attractive, delicate, and pink flowers and minty aromatic foliage. Takes drier conditions. Endemic to Florida, attracts butterflies and rare bees!Pennyroyal is frequently used as an insecticide and pest repellent. As a pest repellent, it is used to keep fleas away from household animals as well as on humans to ward off gnats and mosquitos. Some flea collars for pets have pennyroyal oil or the herb can be crushed in the lining.
Where is pennyroyal found?
Pennyroyal is typically found in damp, seasonally inundated grassland overlying silt or clay (Walker, 2002), often within or on the margins of shallow ephemeral pools, runnels, ruts and poached areas that are created by grazing animals or vehicle disturbance (Kay & John, 1995). It is common as an obligate wetland indicator species in seasonally inundated soils of valley bottomlands, usually below 1,640 feet (500 m) elevation. Pennyroyal grows in flooded or seasonally wet areas: seeps, streamsides, vernal pools and swales, marshes, and ditches.
What is the Indian name for pennyroyal?
Hindi Name: पेनिरॉयल जड़ी बूटी Botanical Name: Mentha pulegium. Kannad Name: ಪೆನ್ನಿರಾಯಲ್ Since ancient times, pennyroyal has been used to flavour food, wine, and herbal beverages because of its potent scent, which is reminiscent of spearmint. Synonyms: Mentha daghestanica Boriss. Pulegium dagestanicum (Boriss. Holub; Pulegium vulagare Mill. Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal) is a perennial mint (family Lamiaceae) with a variable habit, ranging from low-growing, spreading plants to lanky, upright sub-shrubs.
What is the Indian name for mint leaves?
Pudina, scientifically known as Mentha spicata, is an aromatic herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is called Spearmint in English and is widely used in Indian and Italian cooking. It is one of the best mints used for flavour. The classic pudina or Indian mint has a more pronounced peppery flavour than a global rendition of spearmint or peppermint.