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Catnip is a downy, aromatic perennial growing to a height of three feet. It has heart-shaped, gray-green leaves and whorls of white flowers with purple spots. Catnip is native to Europe and naturalized in North America. It grows in dry roadside places and in mountainous regions up to altitudes of 5,000 feet. Catnip is gathered when in flower in summer and autumn.
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Catnip Historical Use
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K’Eogh, in his “Irish Herbal” (1735) wrote of catnip, “It provokes urination and menstruation: it expels the stillborn child; it opens obstructions of the lungs and the womb, and is good for internal bruises and shortness of breath. Drunk with salt and honey, it expels worms from the body.”
Catnip is famous for inducing a delirious, stimulated state in felines. Throughout history, this herb has been used in humans to produce a sedative effect. Catnip tea was a regular beverage in England before the introduction of tea from China. Several other conditions (including Long standing problems, toothache, corns, and hives) have been treated with catnip by traditional herbalists.
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Catnip Remedy For
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- Coughs
- Disturbance in sleep
Catnip is settling to the stomach, sedative, and, since it powerfully stimulates sweating, fever reducing. Its pleasant taste and gentle action make it suitable for colds, flu, and fever in children, especially when it is mixed with elderflower (Sambucus nigra) and honey.
Catnip is remarkably anti-flatulent, settling indigestion and colic, and is also useful in treating headaches related to digestive problems. A tincture makes a good friction rub for rheumatic and arthritic joints, and as an ointment, treats hemorrhoids. Animal studies (except those involving cats) have found it to increase sleep. The monoterpenes also Enhance with coughs.
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Catnip Active Constituents
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Catnip contains iridoids, tannins, and volatile oil (mainly comprising alpha- and beta-nepetalactone, citronellol, and geraniol). The essential oil in catnip contains a monoterpene similar to the valepotriates found in valerian, an even more widely renowned sedative.
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Catnip Typical Dosage
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A catnip tea can be made by adding one cup (250 ml) of boiling water to 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of the herb. Cover, then steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Drink 2-3 cups per day. For children with coughs, 5 ml of tincture three times per day can be used. Adults may take twice this amount.
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Catnip Side Effects
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Using reasonable amounts, no side effects with catnip have been noted. Catnip is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Although its use for treating colic is not well-supported in fact, the herb appears harmless.
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