168  Hedeoma pulegioides. 
say ;. but certainly there are few persons who have used it, that do 
not bear testimony of the efficacy of Pennyroyal tea, as the decoc- 
tion is usually called, at least in common or slight cases of obstruc- 
tion, or interruption of the menses. Hot water readily extracts 
the peculiar warm, pungent and aromatic property of the plant; and 
sweetened with honey, molasses, or sugar, it is a grateful beverage. 
It is generally administered simultaneously with the pediluvium ; and, 
I have always heard, and from many highly creditable sources, with 
complete success. From what I can learn on the subject, little de- 
pendence should be placed on this practice, except in recent cases of 
suppression. It is well known that the Mentha Pulegium, that is, Pen- 
nyroyal or Pennyroyal-mint of Europe, has no inconsiderable repu- 
tation in similar cases. It must not be forgotten, that the American 
plant known by the name of Pennyroyal, or wild Pennyroyal, is entirely 
distinct from the Pennyroyal of Britain, and belongs indeed to a very 
distinct genus. Ihave mentioned this fact here, because it appears 
that some of the writers in the American Dispensatories, seem to 
speak of them as identical. The same observation applies to a late 
work on the Materia Medica.* 
An infusion of Pennyroyal is said by Kalm, in his travels through 
this country, to be used by persons who have taken cold, and have 
pains in the limbs. 
I have heard that the Hedeoma pulegioides is sometimes given in 
spirituous tinctures, but I know of no instance in which it has been 
used. The plant yields an essential oil, for which see Appendix. 
* By Dr. Chapman. 
