Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Pennyroyal

PENNYROYAL, or Mentha Pulegium, L. an indigenous plant, growing on moist heaths and pastures; flowering in the months of August and September.—This herb possesses properties similar to those of the mint; but it is more acrid, and less agreeable to the palate. It has long been esteemed as an aperient and deobstruent, particularly in hysteric and other female complaints. Hence, the distilled water is generally preferred; though an infusion of the leaves would answer the purpose, without giving an opportunity for tippling.—Dr. Withering observes, that the expressed juice of pennyroyal, with a little sugar, is an useful medicine in the hooping-cough.