What does pennyroyal mean?
Pennyroyal is the common name for aromatic herbs in the mint family, most often the European species Mentha pulegium or the North American species Hedeoma pulegioides. The plants have small leaves and pungent, mint-like fragrance, and they have long appeared in traditional herbal preparations, potpourri, and pest-control practices. The name is traditionally explained as referring to a plant once thought to be worth a penny, or to its reputation as a “royal” herb. Pennyroyal oil is especially concentrated and can be dangerously poisonous if swallowed, despite the herb’s long history in folk remedies. In modern usage, the word most often denotes the plant itself, while “pennyroyal oil” specifically names its volatile extract. The name is also sometimes confused with peppermint, but the two are different plants with different histories and levels of safety.
nounPennyroyal is an aromatic herb of the mint family, especially the European species Mentha pulegium and the North American species Hedeoma pulegioides. Its essential oil has a strong minty aroma and should not be ingested because it can be toxic.
- The aromatic mint-family herb known as European pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium, especially its leaves and flowering tops.
- The closely related North American herb Hedeoma pulegioides, also called American pennyroyal.
- The volatile essential oil obtained from pennyroyal plants, a strongly scented substance that is not safe to ingest.
"A sprig of pennyroyal lends a distinctive, pungent fragrance to herbal sachets and traditional remedies."
"Pennyroyal grew along the path, releasing a sharp minty scent when the walkers brushed against it."
"The label warned that concentrated pennyroyal oil could cause severe illness if it was swallowed."
Usually used in the plural when referring to multiple plants or individual sprigs of the herb.
"The botanist gathered pennyroyals from the damp meadow."
Pennyroyal looks harmless, but concentrated pennyroyal oil can cause serious poisoning, so its history is a reminder that natural does not automatically mean safe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pennyroyal come from?
Pennyroyal is a compound formed in English from “penny” and “royal,” probably reflecting a traditional belief that the plant possessed unusual value or protective power. The name is recorded in English by the early 17th century and refers to a strongly scented member of the mint family. The European species was long used in herbal and culinary contexts, while American pennyroyal developed a parallel use in traditional medicine; concentrated pennyroyal oil later became associated with toxicity and was used as a pesticide.
How pennyroyal is actually used
The unqualified name may refer to European pennyroyal, American pennyroyal, or both, depending on context. The term is sometimes associated with folk medicine, but internal use of pennyroyal tea or essential oil can be dangerous; the oil is particularly hazardous in pregnancy and can cause liver, kidney, and nervous-system injury.
Easily confused with pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a distinct wild mint-family herb with a powerful, sometimes sharper aroma, whereas peppermint is a cultivated hybrid of peppermint spearmint and watermint.