Welcome to the Celtnet Herb Guide. As this site has grown and many more recipes have been added it's become evident that a guide to the various herbs available to the cook is necessary. With spices becoming more commonly available herbs have become the 'Cinderella' flavourings in the culinary world and more and more herbs are falling out of common usage. These pages are an attempt at bringing all the various culinary herbs together into one place so that you can see what's available and perhaps find something new to use in your own cooking. To use this Herb Guide simply click on the first letter of the herb name above or below. Alternativey why not just browse through the guide. All the herbs given here whether common or rare can be obtained via a specialist herb nursery.

This is the description page for Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) and includes a description as well as an image, if available and a selection of recipes from this site that relates to the herb: Pennyroyal.

Pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium (also known as Squaw Mint, Mosquito Plant, and Pudding Grass) is a perennial herbacious plant in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Indeed, it looks superficially very like common mint (spearmint), though the leaves are smaller and the blue to purple inflorescences tend to be larger. Pennyroyal is a traditional culinary herb and features in many Roman, Medieval and Elizabehan recipes. It is also a traditional folk remedy and abortifacient.

Though commonly used in Roman and Ancient Greek cookery it is now known that pennyroyal includes many toxic compounds and a very strong abortifacient (compound that promotes abortion). However, pennyroyal tea is still used to promote mild increases in menstrual flow this herb should be treated with extreme caution. Never serve it to a pregnant woman and only consume in small amounts. It is probably best to substitute this herb with lesser calamint in any ancient recipe that calls for its use.

When the leaves of pennyroyal are crushed they release a strong spearmint-like aroma. The essential oil contains menthol, menthone, menthyl esters (as in spearmint) though the oil also contains pulegone, a highly toxic volatile organic compound affecting liver and uterine function. Pennyroyal oil, though widely used in aromatherapy is very toxic and should never be consumed. Pennyroyal tea is still brewed as an infusion of the herb. This infusion is widely reputed to be safe to ingest in small quantities and is employed and reportedly successful as an emmenagogue (menstrual flow stimulant) or as an abortifacient. Pennyroyal is also used to settle an upset stomach and to relieve flatulence.

Though I do grow pennyroyal, and I do use it when re-constructing ancient Roman and Medieval recipes, I would recommend treating this herb with extreme caution and would recommend substituting with lesser calamint (which has an almost identical flavour profile) in any recipe calling for its use.

Stewed Beef
Ancient Roman Beef Casserole
Cucumber with Fennel Seed
Mussels with Lentils
Potted Salads
Apician Potted Salads
Barley Soup
Lentils and Parsnips
Bulbs, Another Way
Sauce for all Kinds of Wild Game
Hare's Blood, Liver and Lung Ragout
Of Sardines