Mosquito and Tick Repellent?

Could this plant be used for a mosquito and tick repellent?

Hedeoma pulegioides (L.) Pers.
American false pennyroyal    

Christian County and its county seat, Hopkinsville, are located in southwestern Kentucky (due south of Evansville, Indiana).  This area a part of the Pennyroyal Region.  Around a century ago, the colloquial term "Pennyrile" came into common usage and has thus been adopted in everyday speech, becoming more generally accepted than the original pronunciation... thus we have the Kentucky Pennyrile Parkway.  This region draws its name from a branched annual plant in the mint family that grows to as much as 18 inches in height and is called "American false pennyroyal."

Pioneer settlers found this Pennyroyal growing in abundance throughout the area, and they bruised the leaves and stems for use as a very effective mosquito and tick repellent.  A tea made from the plant was used for treating pneumonia.  Indians used such a tea for headaches, and in Colonial times it was recommended to induce perspiration in people suffering from colds.

I do a lot of family history (genealogy) in Christian County, Kentucky... mosquitoes are not a problem, but ticks are always around everywhere when I go looking in cemeteries for family tombstones & grave sites.  I think I need to get familiar with this plant!

Any Botanists reading this care to comment?

- Compiled by John G. West