Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal’s oil contains one chemical (pulegone) that accounts for its actions as an insect repellent, menstruation promoter, and abortion inducer.
Insect Repellent - Pennyroyal oil is an ingredient in several natural insect repellents. It appears to help repel flies, gnats, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
Decongestant and Cough Remedy - As one of the most aromatic mints, the strong aroma of pennyroyal infusion acts as a decongestant and possible expectorant.
Digestive Aid - Pennyroyal also contains chemicals similar to peppermint’s menthol, which may help relax the digestive tract, though pennyroyal’s stomach-soothing action is not as strong as peppermint’s.
Rx for Pennyroyal
For repelling insects, rub fresh, crushed plant Material around the body, or mix pennyroyal tincture into a skin cream and rub that on.
For an herbal pet flea collar, try a pennyroyal garland or a bag of the herb hung from a regular collar.
For an infusion to help treat cough, congestion, or upset stomach, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day. The aroma resembles spearmint, but it’s sharper and not quite as inviting. The taste is warm and pleasant, initially bitter with a cool finish.
In a tincture, use ¼ to ½ teaspoon up to twice a day. Pennyroyal should not be given to children under age 2.
For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.