From: dittwil@bbs1984.chi.il.us (Bill Dittmann)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: Beware Pennyroyal Repellents
Date: 12 Aug 92 06:16:53 GMT
Organization: Not an Organization

In article <1271@stake.DaytonOH.NCR.COM>, mjohnson@stake.DaytonOH.NCR.COM
(Marget Johnson) writes:
>As promised, here is a recent article on the toxic properties of pennyroyal
>oil (reprinted from the AKC's Gazette July, 1992):
>
>In the never-ending search for the perfect flea product, owners may try almost
>anything. Advertisements may imply that "natural" products are superior to -
>and safer than -those that are synthetic or manmade. However, natural products
>can be toxic, too.
>Health food stores, pet shops, feed stores, grocery stores and some veterinary
>hospitals sell various flea repellents that contain an ingredient called
>pennyroyal oil, derived from the pennyroyal plant, squaw mint or mosquito
>plant (Mentha pulegium and Hedeoma pulgoides). The toxic ingredient, pulegon,
>is historically known for repelling fleas. Unfortunately, what appears as a
>"natural" way to repel fleas (which maybe incorrectly interpreted as "safer")
>can cause a dog's death.
>Pennyroyal oil is extremely toxic to the liver of many animals, including
>humans. Symptoms of toxicity result within hours of application, beginning
>with listlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding from the nose, mouth and
>intestines. Exposure may possibly culminate with convulsions. Depending upon
>exposure, treatment may be futile, and death may ensue within one to two days.
>DO NOT use pennyroyal oil in its pure form. And be cautious with shampoos,
>powders and other forms of flea product containing pennyroyal  oil. Your best
>bet is to use only approved, reliable flea products. Ask your veterinarian
>about new products or those that seem qustionable.
>Remember...natural does not necessarily mean safer or superior. After all,
>arsenic and cyanide are natural, too! ("Journal of the AVMA" Volume 200,
>Number 6, March 15, 1992).
>
>*****************************************************************************
>Marget Johnson, WIndwagon Newfoundlands
>-- 
 
 
one of my lesser hobbies happens to be herbalism and one of the common mistakes
made by people using natural remedies is that they want to apply expectaions
from modern drugs to it, because of this instead of using the dosage described
they will reason since an infusion will work a tincture will be better, not
realising the magnitude of the dosage change. while the fresh plant of
pennyroyal is safe and effective when woven into a flea collar or cut up and
thrown on the ground. there is nothing more potent than the essential oils of
the plant. the essential oil is extracted/distilled from the plant and is
highly concentrated and dangerous. to give you an example 1 drop to a bathtub
of water is a strong dose. if you wish to use herbal remedies use them as they
where intended. if you just grow pennyroyal it can't help but reduce the flea
population in your back yard. this is the heart of herbalilism subtle but
effective use of herbs to achieve a desired result.
 

William Dittmann
Dittwil@bbs1984.chi.il.us
Dittwil@elof.iit.edu
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs