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Herbs & Supplements
Thickweed
Scientific Name: American pennyroyal
Other Names: European Pennyroyal, Hedeoma pulegioides, Lurk-In-The-Ditch, Mock Pennyroyal, Mosquito Plant, Penny Royal, Pudding Grass, Pulegium, Run-By-The-Ground, Squaw Balm, Squaw Mint, Stinking Balm, Thickweed, Tickweed
Should I take it?
Although pennyroyal has many therapeutic claims, there are no clinical data to support the use of this herb. Together with the herb?s toxicity, the medicinal use of pennyroyal cannot be recommended.1,2
Dosage and Administration
Prescription and over-the-counter products are regulated by the FDA and therefore offer an advantage over supplements. Unlike the pharmaceutical companies, supplement manufacturers are not regulated, so the potencies and purity of supplements often differ by brand and even by bottle.15,16 The United States Pharmacopeia (USP), an agency that sets the standards of quality, purity, and consistency of products, is in the process of establishing standards for the manufacturing of some supplements, but the standards are optional and not all manufacturers follow them. To determine if the supplement manufacturer claims to follow USP standards, look for USPNF or USP on the supplement's label.
Carefully examine all the potential benefits and risks when considering the use of supplements.
Summary
Use of American pennyroyal by humans or animals is inadvisable due to its potentially harmful effects on the central nervous system, the liver and the kidneys. 1,2
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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Should I take it? 
