Mentha pulegium (Penny royal)

Mentha pulegium is hypothesized to be associated with Latin pulex (flea), because it was used to drive them away. To this day pennyroyal is frequently used as a mosquito repellent or to ward off fleas on cats and dogs. Pennyroyal has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Its main value is as a digestive tonic where it increases the secretion of digestive juices and relieves flatulence and colic. It�s an emmenagogue, meaning it encourages menstruation and therefore shouldn�t be taken by pregnant women.