Catnip
Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
Origins: Central Asia, Europe, Middle East
Despite the name, catnip isn’t just for cats. Those heart-shaped leaves have lots of love to give to humans too.
Catnip contains the compound nepetalactone, which gives the herb its aroma (some say fruity, some say dank). When genetically sensitive cats inhale this scent, they typically go bonkers for 5-10 minutes and often blissfully zone out.
In adults and children, catnip acts as a mild nervine and sedative, calming the nerves and promoting relaxation. A kid-friendly herb, it’s also helpful for hyperactivity, restlessness, irritability, tension, upset stomachs, and colds.
You may enjoy having catnip in your life if… you’re feeling tense, keyed up, hyperactive, distracted, or unfocused. You’re having trouble relaxing and being in the moment. Your kids are feeling hyperactive, restless, fitful, or whiny.
CATNIP & CHAMOMILE TEA
Directions
- Step 1 Brew 1 teaspoon of catnip leaves with 1 teaspoon of chamomile.
- Step 2 Steep 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3 Alternatively, cold-brew tea and combine with half a cup of apple juice.
Notes from the Herbarium
Parts used and preparations
The leaves and flowering tops of the herb are used to make teas and tinctures. The young leaves can be pinched from the plant and eaten raw.
Major constituents
Catnip contains volatile organic oils including carvacrol, nepetol, thymol, nepetalactone, citronellol, and geraniol, as well as tannins and rosmarinic acid.
Affinities for body systems and actions
Catnip is a mild sedative, antispasmodic, carminative, and diaphoretic (with potential use for reducing fever) herb. It’s often recommended as an excellent remedy for children. Catnip may have its greatest affinities for the digestive system and the nervous system.
Contraindications and/or herb-drug interactions
None known.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 1992-2016. Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Homepage: http://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/.
- Duke, James A. 1992. Handbook of phytochemical constituents of GRAS herbs and other economic plants. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press.
- Smith, Ed. Therapeutic Herb Manual: A Guide to the Safe and Effective Use of Liquid Herbal Extracts. Ed Smith, 1999.
