Pennyroyal refers to two plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The European pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium, (also called Squaw Mint, Mosquito Plant, Pudding Grass), is a plant in the mint genus, within the family Lamiaceae. Crushed Pennyroyal leaves exhibit a very strong fragrance similar to spearmint. Pennyroyal is a traditional culinary herb, folk remedy, and abortifacient. The essential oil of pennyroyal is used in aromatherapy. The Greeks incorporated pennyroyal into secret rituals of initiation. Amongst Celts, it is associated with the Great Mother, and it is usually considered a Venus herb.