Catnip, 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 Leaf 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.

Catnip got its name by giving cats of all sizes a harmless “high.” Although many cats will eat it, scientists say they’re more interested in the smell than the taste. Felines bite, chew, rub against, and roll in catnip to release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. The cat will generally go crazy for several minutes. Then suddenly it will lose interest and walk away only to return and do it again two hours later. Although no one knows exactly what happens in the cat’s brain, we do know that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is what triggers the response. The catnip reaction is inherited, 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.

Catnip is beneficial for young children. It stimulates the body, settles the stomach, and soothes the nerves. The combination of catnip with fennel has long been used as a remedy for colic, gas, teething difficulties, and indigestion in children. It also helps clean out mucus in the body.

Combined with garlic’s infection fighting properties, the duo is a powerful enema. It has the ability to induce sleep while producing perspiration without increasing the heat of the system. This makes it a valuable drink when someone has a fever. Its sedative action on the nerves adds to its generally relaxing properties.

Though essential oils are taken from the flowers, the value of catnip is found in its leaves. These may be purchased dried, cut, and powdered. From these you can make a tea or an extract, or you can sprinkle dried leaves on food. Of course, the dried leaves are also used to make herbal pillows for cats.

Catnip is a safe herb but must be stored properly. As is the case with most bulk herbs, Catnip should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing prolongs its value. The petalactone in catnip is UV photosensitive and, therefore, it is important that it be stored out of the sun. Some recommend caution for use by pregnant women but others say it is perfectly safe, even beneficial for expectant mothers.

Just remember to use caution when purchasing from a bulk herbs store. You want to make sure the herbs you purchase will provide you their full benefits.

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