pennyroyal
Noun: 1. An aromatic herb of the mint family: Pennyroyal refers to either of two low-growing, strongly scented perennial plants in the genus Mentha (or sometimes Hedeoma in North America). It is characterized by small leaves and clusters of lilac or purple-blue flowers. 2. A source of essential oil: The plant yields a pungent, aromatic oil historically used for various purposes.
- The forager collected pennyroyal from the damp meadow to dry for tea.
- Pennyroyal oil has a very strong, mint-like aroma.
- Some traditional remedies once included pennyroyal, but it is now known to be potentially toxic.
- As a modifier: The word can be used attributively to describe things related to the herb.
- She planted a pennyroyal border to deter insects from the garden.
- The recipe called for a pennyroyal infusion.
- European pennyroyal (): The Eurasian species.
- American pennyroyal (): The North American species.
- Pennyroyal oil: The essential oil distilled from the plant.
- Mint (in a broad botanical sense, as it is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae).
- Squaw mint (an older, regional name for American pennyroyal).
CRITICAL WARNING: While historically used in folk medicine and as an insect repellent, pennyroyal and its oil are highly toxic if ingested and can cause severe liver damage, organ failure, or death. Modern usage is strongly discouraged for internal consumption and should only be undertaken with extreme caution and expert guidance for any external application. Its mention in contemporary contexts is often historical or serves as a warning.
- erect hairy branching American herb having purple-blue flowers; yields an essential oil used as an insect repellent and sometimes in folk medicine
- Eurasian perennial mint have small lilac-blue flowers and ovate leaves; yields an aromatic oil