What is Pennyroyal Essential Oil (Moroccan)?

Pennyroyal Essential Oil (Moroccan) is the steam-distilled essential oil of Mentha pulegium, in the Lamiaceae family, a plant native to Morocco. It is drawn from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. It is a mint-family herb offered for traditional external pest-deterrent use only.

About the oil

Pennyroyal essential oil is distilled from Mentha pulegium, a mint-family herb, in this case from a Moroccan harvest. Its dominant compound is pulegone. Pennyroyal has a long European history as an aromatic herb; its Latin name comes from pulex, the word for flea, reflecting a traditional reputation in the household. It is a hazardous-material product offered for external use only.

Aroma and character

The aroma of pennyroyal oil is sharp, minty, and herbaceous.

Pennyroyal Essential Oil (Moroccan): form and size

We carry Pennyroyal Essential Oil (Moroccan) bottled as a single, unblended essential oil in a 1 fl oz bottle.

Safety and handling: hazardous material

Pennyroyal oil is one of the most hazardous essential oils. Its pulegone is converted in the liver to a potent liver toxin, and internal consumption of even small amounts has caused documented deaths from acute liver failure. It must never be taken internally, never used during pregnancy under any circumstances, and never used around children or pets. Keep tightly sealed and locked out of reach of children and pets.

Pennyroyal Essential Oil (Moroccan) at a glance

Botanical name

Mentha pulegium

Family

Lamiaceae

Origin

Morocco

Plant part

leaves and flowering tops

Extraction

Steam-distilled

Handling

Hazardous material; external use only

Toxic compound

Pulegone

Aroma

sharp, minty

Size

1 fl oz bottle