Concern about the toxicity and dangers of chemical pesticides and pets have resulted in a wave of natural alternative products. We are conditioned to believe that “natural” is safe and better. Don’t be too sure. There are many substances found in nature that are highly toxic.
PENNYROYAL (Mentha pulegium) is one such substance. Pennyroyal is a perennial herb with smooth roundish stalks, small pale purple flowers and very aromatic, grey-green, oval leaves. There are several different varieties grown in different locations around the world. Extracts of pennyroyal and the essential oil have been used in many alternative pet products as a natural pest repellent. The chemical constituents of pennyroyal include pulegone, with menthone, iso-menthone, octanol, piperitenone and trans-iso-pulegone. And you thought plants weren’t chemical! All plants and their essential oils contain multiple chemical constituents. In the case of pennyroyal, the pulegone is problematic. It’s highly toxic. The key words here are HIGHLY TOXIC. Pennyroyal is also high in ketones, which are both neurotoxic and nephrotoxic (toxic to kidneys).
For this reason, many responsible aromatherapists and herbalists have stated warnings against the use of pennyroyal.
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless 2002, states:
“Safety Data: Oral toxin. Abortifacient (due to pulegone content). Ingestion of large doses has resulted in death.” Aromatherapy/Home Use: None.
Robert Tisserand, one of the key figures in modern aromatherapy work, states of pennyroyal, “Should not be used in aromatherapy, whether internally or externally.” The Essential Oil Safety Data Manual, p.89.
Aromatherapy, A Holistic Guide, Ann Berwick 1998, pg.43, lists pennyroyal as a toxic oil. “These are not to be used at all: cinnamon bark, clove, mugwort, oregano, pennyroyal, savory, wormwood, and wintergreen.”
Specific to pets, Kristen Leigh Bell, Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals, 2002, p.22, writes of pennyroyal: “This oil is very high in ketones, a chemical constituent that is both neurotoxic and nephrotoxic (toxic to the kidneys). In addition, it is a known abortifacient. While it is a wonderful flea repellent, the risks associated with its use are simply not worth it.”
VeterinaryPartner.com cites Dr. Narda Robinson, a veterinarian with Colorado State University: “certain natural flea control products may pose more dangers and be less effective than coventional products. Natural flea control products usually contain essential oils that are highly concentrated botanical compounds. Both sassafras and pennyroyal oil have been shown to be effective against certain fleas. However, application of these oils to the skin can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis, and topical pennyroyal oil can even be deadly. These oils can be even more toxic from ingestion as the animal licks the coat. Pennyroyal oil has caused death in humans and causes severe liver and nervous tissue injury.” http://www.veterinarypartner.com
A REALISTIC PERSPECTIVE - The BBird Take
These warnings cited above are certainly enough to cause concern. Given what I know about shampoo formulation and the amounts of botanical ingredients usually found therein, I doubt that there is enough pennyroyal in any of our pet shampoos to be deadly. Moreover, most botanical ingredients are lost in the rinse, leaving a bare trace on the animal. Of more serious concern would be the health of groomers who may be using pennyroyal products on a daily basis, or several times a day. I would recommend protective gloves. Spray-on flea repellents are another concern. I would not consider a natural flea spray or powder with pennyroyal to be safe.
Seriously, natural pesticides need to be regarded just as cautiously as chemical ones. Since learning of the aromatherapy concerns about pennyroyal and the possibility of toxicity, I have chosen to not use or sell alternative shampoos or sprays using this ingredient. The choice is up to you. I would not simply blindly trust the product formulators and manufacturers to be looking out for our best interests. “Natural” is not always safe.
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