Catnip-My Kitchen Herb of the Week

(Nepeta cataria)

Catnip, renowned for the euphoria it causes in cats, also has a few
human uses, both culinary and medicinal. It makes an attractive
border plant if you don't mind frequent feline visitors.

Description

This perennial herb can grow to a height of up to 3 feet with a
spread of 15 inches. It has a straggly habit and is likely to be
flattened by cats who love to roll in it. The only way to protect it
is with wire netting.

Cultivation

Catnip is easily grown from seed in spring and summer. It prefers
good, fertile soil and partial shade. Soil should be well-drained and
slightly alkaline. Roots can be divided in spring and fall.

Culinary Uses

Use very sparingly in salads and use the flowers as a garnish.

Medicinal Uses

Catnip tea made from the leaves and flowers may be taken for coughs,
colds, catarrh, and a bedtime calmative.

Other uses

The most common use for catnip is as a recreational herb for cats.
Dry catnip by hanging it upside down in bags, then crumble and sew
into cotton bags.


from Garden Guides
Catnip

Not just for cats anymore! Catnip is undoubtedly best recognized as an
intoxicating herb that cats find to be irresistible. Also commonly
called cat eats and catmint, this relative of the mint family is also
a well regarded herbal calmative with numerous applications for a
number of human ailments. Use of catnip as a mildly relaxing tea dates
back to old England were it was a popular drink prior to the
importation of teas from Asia.

In folk medicine, catnip leaves and flowers are usually steeped to
make a pleasant tasting tea. Consumed prior to bedtime, catnip tea is
widely believed to hasten slumber and aid in achieving a restful
nights sleep. It is also employed as a remedy in the treatment of
tension and anxiety, and is mentioned as being a useful calmative for
hyperactive children. The tea is also useful for babies colds, stomach
upsets, fevers, cramps and flatuence.

Catnip is one of the most traditional cold and flu remedies. Catnip
can be made into a poultice for swellings and boils. It can be added
to honey to make a syrup for coughs and colds.

Catnip is also listed as a mild diaphoretic, helpful in eliminating
toxins from the body, as well as acting as a carminative to support
digestion, relieve upset stomach, and control the symptoms of diarrhea.

Catnip is a mild sedative with relaxing properties. The claimed
effects of this mild herb are generally acknowledged in contemporary
literature which lists the principal active agent in catnip as
'nepetalactone', a volatile oil similar in structure to the sedative
ingredient found in valerian root, another well known sedative herb.

In recent years, the smoking of dried leaves of this herb has been
mistakenly popularized in certain circles in the belief that one can
attain intoxicating highs similar to that produced by marijuana. This
is now generally recognized as untrue, and was based upon a confusing
similarity in the physical appearance of the two plants. Catnip is an
extremely safe herb, and there are no listed warnings or
contraindications.

For teas pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons ful of dried herb
(either leaves or flowering tops) let sit for about 10 minutes and
drink. Very good for relieving child's diarrhea also.

For poultice mix some warm water or warm apple cider vinegar with the
dried herb until consistency is reached.

Some have also chewed on the fresh leaves~ No indications whether this
is safe or not or whether it works well so try that at own risk
although catnip is a very safe herb.

***
Catnip!

It's more than just fun for your cat.  Researchers in the Department of Entomology at Iowa State University found that chemicals produced naturally in catnip (Nepeta cataria) repel cockroaches.  Folklore includes numerous claims that catnip are repellent to insects and spiders.  Results show that when given a choice between a surface treated with these plant oils and an untreated surface, cockroaches spent much more time on the untreated surface.

One researcher observed that "the roaches will venture onto the treated surface, stop, turn around and walk off onto the untreated surface."  The chemical repellent in catnip is nepetalactone.  Not every cat responds to the effects of catnip.  If the cat doesn't have a specific gene, it won't react.  About 80% of cats do have the gene, and enjoy the effects of catnip, which is purr-fectly safe and non-addictive.

Catnip tea was a regular beverage in England before the introduction of tea from China. Catnip has calming properties. It calms the nervous system, and is a well known sedative effect on humans and has long been used as a sleep aid to help relieve insomnia, stress, anxiety, and nervousness.

Catnip relieves chest congestion and loosens phlegm. It is used to treat cold, wet cough, chronic bronchitis, fever and headache.

Catnip also helps digestion. It can be used as a digestive aid to ease stomach upset, colic and flatulence.

Traditionally, catnip is used to make a tea. Today, you may find catnip liquid or capsules in supplement stores.

How To Make A Catnip Tea

- Dried catnip leaves 1-2 teaspoons
- Water 1 cup
- Put the leaves in a cup
- Pour boiling water over it and cover it
- Leave to steep for 5-10 minutes
- Add sugar or honey to taste
- Drink it, 2-3 cups a day