Pennyroyal

Some of the first herbs I ever grew 

I had planted in a strawberry pot 

that I bought at the old Williamsburg Pottery in Lightfoot, Virginia.

The little strawberry pot ( I still have it) held thyme, 

a sprig of rosemary, some basil, oregano,

and an unusual little herb called pennyroyal. 

www.pantrygardenherbs.com

Pennyroyal, mentha pulegium, is a kind of mint,

but one whose essential oils are toxic to humans and animals.

M. G. Kains, in the article 

"Culinary Herbs, their Cultivation, Harvesting, Curing, and Uses,"

published in the 1912 American Agriculturist,

says that pennyroyal was a common ingredient in "puddings,"

but was not an herb favored by American and English cooks.

In part because of its pungency.

But I would guess also because of its potential for toxicity.

There have been a number of documented cases in the US 

of deaths caused by taking too much pennyroyal tea or its oil.

Therefore, I was never much interested in even tasting it.

Pennyroyal blossoms arrange themselves artfully on the stalk.

Photo from The Deepest Well blog:

www.deepestwell.blogspot.com

However, decades ago I did rub it on my arms one time as an experiment.

Pennyroyal is supposed to be a good natural mosquito repellant.

Once streaked with pennyroyal juice, 

I don't recall being bothered by any insects

but the mint aroma was a bit too strong and pungent for me.

I don't know about the mosquitoes,

but I did repel myself so I washed it off.

Regardless of its strong odor and questionable safety,

 the ancient Romans weren't so cautious with pennyroyal.

The cookbook the Apicius included recipes

that required a touch of this herb,

including a pennyroyal wine.

I wonder if, given its toxicity, the amounts of pennyroyal were very small,

or if the Romans always served it 

with other foods or drinks that neutralized pennyroyal's toxins.

It's a bit of a  mystery.

I would suggest that pennyroyal remain 

one of those herbs best used as an ornamental.

It makes a lovely groundcover, looking almost like baby tears:

www.gardenerscorner.co.uk

The flower is pretty too:

www.hermitageoils.com

Which just goes to show,

even bad herbs can be good.

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