What is pennyroyal tea? Many people ask this question, especially since this type of tea has been known to cause some serious health problems. In this article, I will discuss what pennyroyal tea is, its benefits, and its potential risks.
Pennyroyal tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves and flowers of the pennyroyal plant, a member of the mint family. Pennyroyal has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb, and it has been traditionally used to treat respiratory problems, digestive problems, and menstrual cramps.
The volatile oil in pennyroyal is also thought to be a natural insecticide, and pennyroyal tea has been used as a home remedy for treating head lice and fleas.
The Benefits of Pennyroyal Tea
As an herbal tea with medicinal properties, this tea might be a good addition to your healthy habits, and it might help to address specific issues.
There are several potential benefits of drinking pennyroyal tea, such as:
- A natural way to induce labor
- Can help relieve menstrual cramps and nausea
- A diuretic and can help you lose weight
- A good detoxifier and helps rid the body of toxins
- This tea has a pleasant minty flavor and is easy to make
You can drink the tea plain or sweeten it with honey, sugar, or lemon juice.
Be sure to consult your doctor before drinking pennyroyal tea, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
“Pennyroyal tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves and flowers of the pennyroyal plant. This plant is a member of the mint family. Pennyroyal has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb, and it has been traditionally used to treat respiratory problems, digestive problems, and menstrual cramps.”
TEA CROSSING
How To Make Pennyroyal Tea
As with all herbal teas, you can make the infusion with tea bags. You can also use dried or fresh pennyroyal leaves.
To make pennyroyal tea:
- Add one teaspoon of dried pennyroyal leaves to a cup of hot water.
- Steep for five minutes, then strain and drink.
You can drink up to three times a day.
If you are using fresh pennyroyal leaves, add two tablespoons of leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for five minutes, then strain and drink. You can drink it up to three times a day.
Be sure to store your tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can also make a cold infusion by adding one cup of pennyroyal leaves to a quart of cold water. Let the mixture steep for at least 12 hours, then strain and drink.
What are the Potential Risks of Pennyroyal Tea?
Herbal practitioners have used Pennyroyal tea as a way to relieve digestive issues and menstrual cramps for centuries.
However, it can also be toxic, particularly if you consume it in certain quantities. Even small doses (one tablespoon, 15 mL) can cause syncope, seizures, coma, cardiopulmonary collapse, acute liver injury, and additional serious conditions.
The most common symptom of toxicity is nausea, but it can also lead to liver damage and even death. Additional symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, abdominal pain, and seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking it, seek medical attention immediately.
For this reason, consult with a healthcare provider before drinking it.
Additionally, pregnant women and young children should avoid drinking this type of tea due to the potential risks.
First Aid Measures for Pennyroyal Tea Overdose
When an individual is intoxicated with pennyroyal, use first aid measures that are aimed at getting rid of the toxins.
Assist the person by offering plenty of fluids.
You can also give activated charcoal to help absorb the toxins.
If you think someone has over-consumed this tea, seek medical help immediately. Do not try to make them vomit as this could cause more harm than good.
In severe toxicity cases, the individual may need to remove the toxins from the blood. The individual may also need additional treatments for any underlying cause such as infection or organ damage.
Is Pennyroyal Tea Safe For Kids?
Herbal practitioners have used Pennyroyal tea has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, stomach problems, and menstrual cramps.
However, pennyroyal tea is not safe for children.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pennyroyal oil can be toxic if ingested by children.
The oil can cause liver damage and even death. In addition, the AAP advises against using any products containing pennyroyal oil on children, as they can absorb the oil through their skin. For these reasons, do not give the tea to children.
Is Pennyroyal Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
Although the tea can help to induce labor, many medical professionals believe that it is not safe for pregnant women. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pennyroyal oil can be toxic if ingested by pregnant women.
The oil can cause liver damage and even death. In addition, the ACOG advises against using any products containing pennyroyal oil during pregnancy, as they can be absorbed through the skin. For these reasons, pregnant women should avoid drinking this tea.
Consult your midwife, OBGYN, or other medical professional before consuming this tea or using the oil.
Storing Your Tea
Tea is a delicate beverage that is easily damaged by heat, light, and moisture. As a result, it is important to store it properly to preserve its flavor and freshness.
Store tea in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Exposure to air will cause the leaves to lose their flavor, while exposure to light will cause the leaves to fade.
Additionally, keep tea away from strong odors, as the leaves will absorb any nearby scents. When stored correctly, tea can remain fresh for several months.
With proper care, you can enjoy a safe, cup of this tea for many months to come.
Final Thoughts
The pennyroyal plant is a type of mint, and the tea made from it has a strong minty flavor. Pennyroyal tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health problems. However, it is also toxic in certain amounts and should be used very carefully.