Several varieties of Pennyroyal grow wild in this country.  Two of its common names refer to the growing habits of the wild varieties:  run-by-the-ground and lurk-in-the-ditch.  Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family--the smallest member.  On close inspection, you will find its tiny stems are indeed square, a characteristic of this family.

Gerard, the 16th century herbalist, wrote of pennyroyal, "A Garland of Pennie Royall made and worne about the he4ad is of great force against the swimming in the head."  Pennyroyal was quite common in English cottage gardens and was brought to this country by the Pilgrims.  Although once used to flavor sausage (or pudding as it was called in those days), it is seldom used as a culinary herb today.

The Pennyroyal is a natural insect repellent.  The fragrance is absolutely glorious.  A natural repellent rubbed onto the skin has fewer ill effects than some of the manufactured bug repellents, and it certainly is a lot less expensive.

For iced mint tea, decoct about ten sprigs of mint (all one kind or an assortment) in two quarts of water--boiled about 10 minutes.  Then add four to five sprigs of Pennyroyal and let it steep, add a little sugar while the tea is still hot.  Sugar dissolves better in a hot liquid than in a cold one and consequently you need less.  Then strain the tea and refrigerate it for several hours.  Of course, you can also serve mint tea hot.  Hot mint tea is very soothing to the stomach.

Pennyroyal is easy to grow, does not need a rich soil, and grows best in a partly sunny to sunny location.  Keep it watered in dry weather as it is one of the few herbs that cannot tolerate a dry soil.  Propagation works best by root division.

Do bring a pot of Pennyroyal into your home to winter.  It does not winter over in sub-zero climates and if you live in a place that gets cold you are certain to lose this herb.  Inside it not only makes a delightful houseplant, but you'll be able to snip it all winter.  It's a good idea to keep it on a window sill where there is a lot of activity.  For example, the window from which your family most often watches birds.  Every time you brush past it, you get a whiff of its fresh, clean scent.

If you haven't already done so, disvoer the pleasures of Pennyroyal.