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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Pennyroyal  is a perennial that spreads by underground runners. Its square
     stem  grows  to about 12 inches. its  opposite,  oval leaves are smooth or
     slightly  hairy.  It has tight whorls  of small lilac flowers appearing in
     midsummer.

     Pennyroyal  needs  full sun , and  a  well-watered, sandy, slightly acidic
     soil.  Propagate  in the spring and  autumn  by lifting young shoots, each
     with  its  cascade of tiny white  fibrous  roots hanging from it, separate
     them  from  the  parent plant and replant  with  a light covering of soil.
     Plant  these  cuttings at least 6  inches  apart, otherwise they will soon
     chock  each other and keep these young plants moist at all times. The tiny
     roots  will soon form another plant and  since the center of the old plant
     die out, it is wise to have young ones ready to replace them.

     Harvest  the  leaves  and flower tops of  the  plant when they are in full
     bloom. In the autumn, cut them a few inches above the ground and hang them
     to dry.


                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Pennyroyal  is  one  of  the many varieties  of  mint.  The herb is useful
     medicinally  and  in  the kitchen, where  it  makes a pleasant alternative
     garnish  to  the more usual garden mint  for new potatoes, peas, and young
     carrots.  It  is,  however,  stronger in  flavor  and  should be used more
     sparingly.

     PENNYROYAL  BUTTER. This savoury butter is  delicious dotted on roast lamb
     or fresh young vegetable. Soften 3 ounces of butter in a bowl, then mix in
     1  tablespoon  of  chopped  pennyroyal  leaves  and  gradually  add  1 1/1
     teaspoons  of  lemon  juice. Season with  salt  and  pepper and beat until
     smooth. Form into small balls or shape and chill or freeze until needed.



                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     Pennyroyal  oil  is an ingredient in  several natural insect repellent. It
     appears  to help repel flies, gnat, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Add some
     crushed  pennyroyal leaves to unscented cold  cream or ointment and rub on
     to  exposed  skin. If no cream or  ointment  is available, try rubbing the
     leaves directly on to the skin.

     PENNYROYAL TEA This has a strong minty flavor and tastes particularly good
     with   a  slice  of  lemon  and  a  little  honey.  It  also  acts  as  an
     anti-depressant  and will ease a persistent cough if taken regularly. Make
     it  in the usual way, with about one  heaped teaspoon of dried leaves or a
     tablespoon  of fresh leaves to one cup of boiling water. Leave it to steep
     for about 5 minutes. Pennyroyal contains chemicals similar to peppermint's
     menthol,  which  may help relax  the  digestive tract, though pennyroyal's
     stomach-soothing  action is not as strong  as peppermint. Few herbs have a
     reputation  as  bad as pennyroyal's. Critics  charge  small amounts can be
     fatal.  It  is true that as little  as 2 tablespoons of pennyroyal oil can
     cause  death.  But  the dried herb is  not  dangerous.  The oil is a super
     concentrated  extract  of  the  herb. Drinking  a  few  cups of pennyroyal
     infusion poses no hazard.
     




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                                      WARNING:
     As little as 1/2 teaspoon of pennyroyal oil can produce convulsion. Do not
     use pennyroyal if you are pregnant.


                                    OTHER  USES:
     Because  it repels insects, it is useful in the garden for deterring ants,
     and  grown  indoors it will help keep  flies  away. Try rubbing your pet's
     coat with a few crushed pennyroyal leaves to keep fleas and bugs away.


                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     The dry leaves can be added to a scented bath.