European Pennyroyal

Herbal teas prepared from pennyroyal leaves have mild side effects. European pennyroyal essential oil can cause serious and permanent damage to the liver, kidneys, or nervous system (including brain damage).  European pennyroyal can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, seizures, confusion, problems with vision and hearing, and lung failure.

European pennyroyal may interact with medications that can damage the liver, such as acetaminophen. It may decrease iron absorption when taken at the same time as iron supplements. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medications.

Talk to your doctor prior to taking European pennyroyal if you have liver or kidney problems. Do not use European pennyroyal if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. European pennyroyal is not recommended for children. Do not use European pennyroyal if you are allergic to it, its constituents (including pulegone), or to any plants from the Lamiaceae family.

Consult a health care provider before using this herb if you have liver or kidney problems.

Consult a health care provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.