Pennyroyal, or Mentha pulegium, is one of the most famous mint species. Used for hundreds of years in natural medicine, today different studies have proven some of its benefits. In general, its consumption is recommended to combat digestive discomfort as well as cough and nerves. Let’s see together, below, what are the benefits of pennyroyal.
Benefits of pennyroyal for health
You can take advantage of all the benefits of pennyroyal by preparing it in the form of an infusion. It is refreshing and delicious with which you will benefit from its properties while you enjoy.
Carminative effect
Pennyroyal leaves are rich in menthol and pulegone, two components that facilitate the expulsion of intestinal gas. For this reason, drinking an infusion of mint pennyroyal can be the perfect solution for those who suffer from abdominal swelling and even irritable bowel syndrome, which causes colic.
Facilitates digestion
Another common use of pennyroyal infusion is to relieve stomach discomfort caused by excess food. Specialists in natural medicine recommend its consumption to relieve indigestion and slow and heavy digestion. This is because its consumption increases the secretion of gastric juices, thus accelerating the digestive process.
Emmenagogue property
Those women who have irregular periods could benefit from the consumption of pennyroyal infusion. Did you know that drinking it regularly helps regulate menstruation? This is because it stimulates the uterine muscles, thus generating the expulsion of fluids.
For this reason, it is not an advisable drink during pregnancy as it is believed that it could cause abortions.
Expectorant and antitussive action
If you suffer from a cough, drinking an infusion of mint pennyroyal may be what you need to eliminate the mucus that lodges in the throat thanks to the antitussive and expectorant action of menthol.
Helps fight nerves and stress
In everyday life, you are affected by stress and sometimes you find it very difficult to relax, right? One of the benefits of pennyroyal is its relaxing properties that help to fall asleep and rediscover inner balance.
Relieves menstrual pain
Its antispasmodic effect is perfect for relieving the typical discomforts of premenstrual syndrome. To do this, it would be necessary to drink this infusion as soon as they appear.
Protects against colds
Many people claim that drinking pennyroyal helps maintain a strong immune system, preventing colds, flu, and all kinds of respiratory illnesses. Although this fact has been studied, to date there is not enough data to prove it.
Stimulates appetite
It has been observed that drinking this infusion can awaken the appetite, even in those who have lost it due to depression.
Antiseptic
One benefit of pennyroyal that has been used since time immemorial is its antiseptic properties. Recently, it has been concluded that drinking it as an infusion allows to kill the bacteria and germs present in the oral cavity and the stomach.
Slimming
This infusion is a good ally to lose weight since it has few calories. In addition, it would have a diuretic effect and, therefore, would help eliminate excess fluids that cause swelling.
How to prepare an infusion of mint pennyroyal
Preparing an infusion is simple. It will take 5 minutes and you will be able to benefit from all these properties. Don’t get lazy!
To prepare the infusion of mint pennyroyal you only need:
- 1 tablespoon pennyroyal mint.
- 1 cup of water.
Elaboration:
- Heat the water until it reaches a boil.
- Add the mint pennyroyal and lower the heat.
- After five minutes, remove from heat and let stand 8 minutes.
- Strain and serve.
Pennyroyal mint plant
The Mentha pulegium, native to the Mediterranean Basin and Western Asia, can reach 40 cm in height. Its stems are quadrangular and have dark green leaves that are distinguished by being slightly toothed. In spring, it is filled with small pink flowers that grow in inflorescences.
It is an aromatic plant recommended to have in the garden for its gastronomic applications and, also, because its aroma repels different insects. Don’t you think it’s a good idea to plant it to ward off mosquitoes?
The next time you come home stressed from work, don’t hesitate and prepare yourself a delicious cup of mint pennyroyal. You will see how you immediately begin to relax and fall asleep faster.