Catnip - Nepeta cataria

Nepeta cataria

Family: Lamiaceae

Common Names: Catnip, Catmint, Catwort, Field balm, Field mint

Parts used: Aerial parts

Actions: Anti-spasmodic, anodyne, carminative, diaphoretic, refrigerant, sedative

Constituents: Acetic acid, butyric acid, dipentene, nepetalic acid, nerol, iridoids, tannins, terpenes,

valeric acid, volatile oil (mainly nepetalactone, alpha- and beta- citral, citronellol, geraniol, and

limonene), antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, minerals (especially chromium, iron, manganese,potassium, selenium, and cobalt)

Habitat: Native to south and central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Catnip is naturalized across North America, northern Europe, and New Zealand.

Catnip is an easy plant to grow. It is highly resistant to insect damage; so much so that it is used in manufacturing as a pesticide and insecticide.

Catnip can grow to three feet high and three feet wide under optimal conditions. It self-seeds

prolifically, spreading through the garden quickly if left unchecked.

Catnip produces clusters of small white or lilac flowers that are dotted with purple spots. Flowers are about 1/2 inch long and have 5 petals united into a 2-lipped tube. The upper lip consists of 2 lobes while the lower lip has 3-lobes which is common in mint plant family. Catnip flowers form a dense whorled cluster at the ends of stems and branches. Catnip leaves are opposite, hairy and triangular in shape. They are pale green in color while the underside is densely covered with hair which appears white. Leaves have pointed tips and serrated edges. When crushed, they emit a lemon-minty scent. The leaves are attached with slender petioles to the stem that is erect, square, branched and covered with short hairs. Catnip flowers produce pods containing 4 oval seeds which are smooth, red brown in color with white spots at both ends.

Harvest: Harvest the leaves just before flowers bloom for maximum potency. Harvest flowers as soon as they open. For quickest regrowth of the plant, cut entire stems off near the base of the plant. They will regrow more quickly than if the leaves and flowers are plucked off and the stems left behind. Hang to dry away from direct sunlight, preferably in an area with good air circulation to help with even drying.

Catnip is ready for storage when the leaves crumble easily when crushed.

Magic and folklore: Catnip is a feminine herb whose leaves are commonly used in love spells, reputed to make women unforgettable to the object of their desire. Catnip also attracts joyful spirits and excellent luck when grown near the home or hung over the door.

Traditional and Contemporary Uses: Catnip is useful in the treatment of insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, headaches (including migraines), upper respiratory infections, fevers, and gastrointestinal (GI) upset including indigestion, colic, and cramping.

It is gentle enough for infants and is excellent for reducing colic and helping induce sleep.

Sometimes referred to as a natural Alka-Seltzer.

Catnip is useful in helping manage a range of symptoms associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal, including anxiety, agitation, nausea, tremors, and insomnia.

Catnip makes a useful insect repellant. A strong infusion or salve can be applied topically and catnip plants can be placed outside windows and doors to help block insects from entering the home.

Topically applied catnip preparations may also be useful in easing arthritis pain and localized swelling.

Some people smoke catnip medicinally for respiratory conditions including asthma and bronchitis, and recreationally for its mild euphoric effects.

Preparation: Externally catnip can be used in infusions and baths to help ease sore muscles and muscle cramping. To use topically as a strong infusion: Add 2tbsp dried catnip (40-50ml fresh) to 1 cup boiled water and steep for 15 minutes before straining. The infusion can be sprayed onto skin, poured into a bath, or applied as a poultice with a cloth or cotton pad.

To make a tea, put 2 teaspoons of dried catnip (or 2 tablespoons fresh catnip) in one cup boiled water. Cover and let steep for ten minutes.

Tincture: 1:4 in 40% alcohol.

Dosage: (Adults)

Tea: Drink 1 cup (2 tsp dry herb or 2 tbsp fresh herb in 1 cup of boiled water)of catnip tea 2-3 times per day.

Tincture: Take 1ml (30 drops) in a little water 3 to 4 times a day.

Warnings:

Smoking catnip and ingesting catnip in very high doses can cause headaches and/or vomiting.

Do not use catnip if you are pregnant. There is some evidence that catnip can stimulate the uterus, possibly triggering a miscarriage.

There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking catnip while breast-feeding. To be cautious, avoid use.

Women with pelvic inflammatory disease should avoid using catnip because it can

stimulate menstruation. Because catnip can cause menstruation, it can also worsen heavy menstrual periods.

Catnip slows down the central nervous system, causing sleepiness and other sedative effects. Anesthesia and some other drugs used during and after surgery also slow down the CNS. There is a concern that using catnip along with these drugs might slow down the CNS too much. Stop using catnip at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions: Catnip interacts with Lithium and with Sedative Medications. DO NOT take catnip without discussing with your doctor if you are taking Lithium or Sedative Medications.