Antique containers of pennyroyal pills and dried herb
Antique containers of pennyroyal pills and dried herb
Antique containers of pennyroyal pills and dried herb

    Historical applications of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, range from aborting fetuses to treating GI upset and fleas. In fact, its species name refers to the Latin name for flea (“pulex”). This member of the mint family, a known hepatotoxin that can cause death, remains widely available in “natural” flea control products and preventives.

Courtesy of Dr. Narda Robinson.