Belonging to the genus Mentha , the plant is well known for its medicinal properties. The aromatic plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is spontaneously growing, native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, where it is used due to its carminative, relaxing and emmenagogue properties. The plant can be found to buy in natural food stores, some compounding pharmacies and online stores, besides being very common, nowadays, in vegetable gardens, even in Brazil.
Index
Properties and benefits
Pennyroyal tea is very indicated due to its action as an expectorant, helping to treat flu, colds, chronic cough, asthma, in addition to being effective in the treatment of diarrhea, nausea, acidity and burning in the stomach.
Among its properties, we mention its action as carminative, digestive, vermifuge, expectorant, antiseptic, antispasmodic and emmenagogue. With compresses, the plant is effective in relieving rheumatic pain, in addition to acting as a natural repellent against insects such as flies, mosquitoes and fleas. The consumption of tea, in turn, is effective in relieving menstrual pain, reducing anxiety, reducing gas formation and treating insomnia.
How to prepare tea?
To prepare tea, use the ratio of two tablespoons of pennyroyal herb to every liter of water. In a container, put the water and bring to fire. Add the herb and when the mixture comes to a boil, turn off and cover, leaving the solution muffled for a period of approximately 10 minutes. After this period, strain and consume. The recommended dose is two to three cups a day, always before the main meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner -. When dealing with respiratory ailments, consume one cup every 6 hours.
Another way to consume the plant is making scented sachets to put in closets and rooms in the house. In small pieces of fine cloth, place some dry leaves and tie, as this helps to leave a pleasant smell, as well as warding off insects and eliminating mold.
Contraindications and precautions
The consumption of tea is contraindicated for pregnant women, especially in the first few months, as the pennyroyal herb can cause bleeding and lead to miscarriage. In addition, the plant has a substance considered toxic when consumed in high amounts, pulegona. It is important, for these and several other reasons, that before starting treatment with drugs, whether natural or industrial, you consult a doctor and inform about all the drugs you take and your health conditions.
