Pennyroyal

Georgian mint, botanically Mentha pulegium, is a strongly aromatic, creeping perennial known in Georgia as ombalo. Its low shoots can spread to form a patch, and lilac flowers appear in whorls during summer. It prefers the moist conditions that distinguish it from many dry-garden Mediterranean herbs.

Ombalo has a traditional place in Georgian cooking, used fresh or dried. That cultural use needs to be accompanied by the plant’s specific safety information: it contains pulegone, excessive consumption can be harmful and the essential oil must not be swallowed. Do not use during pregnancy. It should not be treated as an interchangeable, unrestricted substitute for ordinary culinary mint.

Plant preferably in spring or early autumn in sun or partial shade, in moist ground or a container that is not allowed to dry out. Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth. A separate pot helps contain its spreading shoots. The plant is perennial and winter-hardy, although a small container is more exposed than roots growing in the ground.