Is Pennyroyal Oil safe during pregnancy?
Historically used to cause abortion and toxic to the liver. Avoid entirely in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
PregnancyNot recommended
BreastfeedingNot recommended
EvidenceModerate
What the sources say
A 2021 review notes pennyroyal oil has long been used as an abortifacient despite potentially deadly liver toxicity, and that its pulegone and menthofuran content make it toxic to the liver and nervous system. There is no safe level established. Avoid it completely.
Also listed as
hedeoma pulegioides oil, mentha pulegium oil, pennyroyal, pulegone
Sources
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.