Scientific name: Nepeta cataria
Common names: catswort, catmint and field balmDescription: It is native to Central Europe, though now naturalized throughout the northeastern US and Canada.
Catnip is a strong-smelling herb that belongs to the mint family and grows to approximately 1 meter. This flowering perennial has oval-toothed, dark green leaves and white flowering tops.
This herb is commonly used to help calm cats down and reduce the effects of stress and anxiety because of its sedative effect. The chemical compound present in Catnip that attracts and affects cats is called nepetalactone. Thus, it is recommended for use in cat shelters to help make cats more relaxed in an unfamiliar setting. Take note though that when a cat eats catnip, it acts as a sedative, but when it is just smelled, it causes the cat to go hyperactive.
Catnip also holds amazing benefits for human beings and is a very potent mosquito repellent.
The shoots/leaves have been used as a flavoring in sauces, soups, and stews, as as well as in fruit table wines and liquors.
The fresh young shoots with its aromatic mint-like flavor are good in salads too.
Parts used: Leaves, flowers and stem
Medicinal properties and Health Benefits:
Catnip has long been thought to have medicinal properties.
The leaves and flowering tops are sedative, antispasmodic, antitussive, diaphoretic, astringent, carminative, slightly emmenagogue, refrigerant, slightly stimulant and tonic. Its plant constituents include Nepetalactone, Nepetalic acid, Alpha- & beta- Citral, Geraniol, Dipentene,Limonene, Citronella, Nerol, a terpene, Valeric acid, Acetic acid, Butyric acid, and Tannin.
The catnip's dried leaves and flowers are made into herbal teas to treat intestinal cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, headache and common colds as well as to cause sweating, to induce menstruation, as a sedative, and to increase appetite.
The dried leaves have been smoked to relieve respiratory ailments, and has been used externally as a poultice to reduce swelling.
Traditional doses for sedation require 4 grams of dried herb that is made into tea.
How to make Catnip tea:
Mix 2 teaspoons of dried catnip leaves or flowers with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Add lemon juice and honey.
Some people prefer drinking the tea when the lemon has been immersed for a longer time for the natural minty, citrusy flavor to come out.
Sleep Aid
Catnip has been used by people with insomnia. Its sedative effect helps slow down the body’s natural cycles and induce a calm, relaxed state.
Stress Relief
Catnip reduces stress and chronic anxiety as well as strengthens the immune system.
Speeds up Healing (Flu and colds)
Catnip induces sweating and gets the toxins flushed from the system.
Increased Sweating And Weight Loss
Catnip has diaphoretic property that makes one sweat more. Thus, it removes all harmful toxins from the body and improves metabolism. With improved metabolism, the body will burn fats much more quickly.
Headache/Migraine
Drinking catnip tea or rubbing Catnip essential oil or leaf salve on the temples can offer quick relief.
Heals Digestive Problems
The organic compounds in catnip has relaxing, anti-inflammatory effects to relieve tightness and discomfort of the gastrointestinal system.
Menstrual cramps/Irregular periods
Catnip tea is a natural remedy to quickly relieve cramps and stresses in the body. Its sedative and calming effects can also soothe mood swings, depression and other symptoms of menstruation.
Treats Skin Conditions
Aside from Catnip's natural repellent quality, it also has organic compounds to soothe bug bits, relieve skin of irritation and reduce inflammation quickly.
Beneficial For Kidneys
Catnip is a diuretic meaning it promotes urination and quickly eliminating wastes from the body.
Anti-dandruff
Catnip has antiseptic properties that is good for irritated scalp and those with dandruff. The catnip tea can also be used as a conditioner.
Side effects/Precaution:
It's recommended to drink catnip tea at night as this will make one drowsy.
However, since it's also a diuretic it would cause frequent urination and frequent trips to the bathroom/interrupted sleep.
You should not drink catnip tea if you’re pregnant, as it can cause uterine contractions that may result in premature labor.
Stop drinking catnip tea for several weeks before surgery, so that it doesn’t interfere with or intensify anesthesia and the central nervous system.
Always consult your doctor prior to taking any medications and avoid self-medication.
