Also known as “Pennyroyal” is an essential oil referred to as Mentha Pulegium Oil. This oil has been extracted from a flowering plant belonging to the “Mentha pulegium” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is obtained from the leaves of the plant using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, this oil possesses a “mint” like aroma. This oil is also said to be poisonous due to the presence of an organic compound (in high concentration) known as “pulegone”.
A. Chemical constituents of Mentha Pulegium Oil:
This oil is derived from the leaves of a plant belonging to the “Mentha pulegium” species in the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil comprises of organic compounds such as isomenthone, neomenthone, menthone and pulegone. However, it is pulegone that is the major active chemical component of this oil.
B. The uses and benefits of Mentha Pulegium Oil:
There are a number of benefits to health that an individual can derive on using this oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antibacterial:
This oil when used helps in inhibiting the growth of bacteria, prevents bacterial infections, and thereby serves as an antibacterial.
2. Anti-hysteric:
This oil helps in preventing sudden hysterical attacks such as convulsions, unconscious violent attacks etc when used since it possesses a property that calms the nerves and brains.
3. Antiseptic:
This oil also exhibits an “antiseptic” property when used and thus helps in the treatment of internal and external wounds by destroying disease causing microbes.
4. Depurative:
This oil also comprises of components that help “purify blood” by removing toxins, and thereby when used serves as a depurative.
5. Digestive:
This oil when used also helps in normal digestion by stimulating the proper release of gastric juices, bile in the stomach, and thereby serving as a digestive.
C. The adverse effects of the Mentha Pulegium Oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that may occur on using this oil. They are as follows:
- The use of this oil can severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
- Since this oil is highly toxic i.e. poisonous hence it must be used carefully and administered using the appropriate dose.
