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Pennyroyal Plants Beat Off Bugs

Posting Date: 08/15/2005

Q. A camper recently asked how to avoid insect bites. My family faced this problem when I was young, living in the hills of Arkansas.

Much of our food, such as huckleberries or blackberries, came from the woods. When we went out to gather them, our first stop was a spot that had a lot of pennyroyal herbs. We pulled up a couple of plants and scrubbed them against our trouser legs and were never bothered by ticks or chiggers or other insects while we were gathering fruit.

I have no idea where anyone would find pennyroyal herbs now, but I think "oil of pennyroyal" might be available in health food stores.

A. Pennyroyal oil has been used for centuries as an insect repellent. When used directly on the skin, though, it may cause a rash. Your trick of rubbing the plant on your clothes was probably a good way to get the benefits without the risks. Pennyroyal oil should not be taken orally since it can be toxic to the liver.

Q. My daughter has arthritis and fibromyalgia. She used to take Vioxx but now her doctors have prescribed Celebrex and prednisone. I am worried that these medications may not be safe for long-term use.

Are there any alternatives to help ease her pain and stiffness? Her work requires that she spend hours at the computer daily, and I know that her fingers get very tender.

A. The manufacturer of Celebrex just added a prominent warning to the label about a possible link with cardiovascular complications such as heart attacks. Doctors are advised to prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

Other arthritis medicines, including OTC ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), will now carry warnings about stomach ulcers and heart risks. This leaves people like your daughter in a bind. Prednisone has its own risks, including high blood pressure, osteoporosis and ulcers.