Catnip, one of the bulk dried herbs that is a member of the mint family, has the official name Nepeta cataria. Fully grown it is about 2' tall. The leaves, slightly larger than peppermint, are downy above and below. When its essential oil production reaches its peak, catnip is harvested. The leaves and fragrant flowers are then carefully dried to preserve these oils.
Catnip, officially Nepeta cataria, is one of the bulk herbs that is a member of the mint family. It grows to be about 2' tall. The leaves are downy above and below, a little larger than peppermint leaves. Catnip is harvested when this essential oil production reaches its peak, and leaves and fragrant flowers are carefully air-dried to preserve essential oils at their best.
Catnip is a native of Europe but was imported to US and is now a common weed here. Other names include Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Field Balm, Menta De Gato. Catnip has been used in herbal remedies on humans since at least the 15th century. It was the most commonly consumed herbal drink in Europe before teas from the orient began to be imported. By the 1890's, Ojibwe native women were using it. It had a Native name, Gajugensibug, and was said to be a good tea to drink to bring down fevers, as well as being pleasant-tasting.
Its name starting with ‘cat’ is not a coincidence. Catnip actually drives cats wild for a short time. Although many cats eat it, they are more interested in the smell than the taste. A cat will bite, chew, rub against, and roll in catnip. This will release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. This may go on for several minutes, then suddenly the cat will walk away only to return and do it again two hours later. No one knows exactly why cats act this way, but we do know that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the trigger. The reaction is not learned, and, though some cats are totally unaffected by it, even large cats like tigers can be sensitive to it.
More importantly, catnip is an herb that helps people. If taken as a hot infusion, catnip promotes sweating. This is beneficial for treating colds, flu, fevers, and infectious diseases. It sooths the nervous system and calms the stomach. Catnip helps with flatulence, diarrhea, and colic. It is sometimes used in a diluted form as an enema to cleanse and heal the lower bowel. Cautious ingestion of catnip can help to prevent a miscarriage and premature birth, even to decrease the effects of morning sickness. These are just a few of Catnip's benefits.
Catnip is great for treating young children. It safely stimulates the body while it settles the stomach and soothes the nerves. In combination with fennel catnip is a great remedy for colic, gas, teething difficulties, and indigestion in children. It is also a great mucus cleanser.
Some also combine it with garlic because of garlic’s ability to fight infections. Together they make a powerful enema. Catnip can also induce sleep and increase perspiration without increasing body temperature, a perfect combination for someone who has a fever. This sedative action on the nerves makes it generally relaxing.
Essential oils are taken from the flowers and leaves. But the real benefit of this plant is in the Catnip leaf that may be purchased and used dried, cut, and powdered. The most common uses are as a tea, as an extract, or as a sprinkling on food. Of course, some use catnip to make an herbal pillow for their cats.
Catnip is a safe herb that can be taken by most everyone. Catnip should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. In fact, refrigeration or freezing if possible extends the life of catnips benefits best. The petalactone in catnip is ultraviolet sensitive and, therefore, it is important to keep it out of the sun. Some caution pregnant women not to use it but others say it is both safe and beneficial for expectant mothers.
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