|

Photo copyright
Karen Bergeron 2002 |
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Recently found in a University Study to be 10 times as effective as Deet at
repelling mosquitoes. Please let us know your results!
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE NATURAL MOSQUITO SPRAY
MADE WITH CATNIP OIL
Other Names:
Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Fieldbalm |
|
|
Catnip Habitat
Catnip is a perennial herb found growing wild throughout
North America and Europe where it is thought to have originated. It is easily
cultivated in any garden soil. A member of the mint family, Catnip has square, erect and
branched stems and grows 2 to 3 feet high. The leaves are heart-shaped, toothed,
opposite and covered with fine downy hairs especially on the under sides giving the
whole plant a grayish green appearance. The small tubular, two-lipped flowers grow
in dense whorls atop each stem and are white to lavender with reddish to purple
spots. Catnip blooms from June to September. The entire plant has a minty fragrance.
Gather the above ground parts of Catnip just after blooms open.
|
Catnip Medicinal Properties and
Herbal Use
Young leaves are edible raw. They have an aromatic mint-like flavor eaten in
salads. As the name (cat-nip) suggests, cats love to nip at it, although watching
them it might better be called (cat-roll) for they seem to roll, rub, and totally
crush the plant into the ground. They discover that the more they crush it the more
oil it releases. Plant constituents include Nepetalic acid, Alpha- & beta- Citral,
Nepetalactone, Limonene, Geraniol, Dipentene, Citronella, Nerol, a terpene, Acetic
acid, Butyric acid, Valeric acid and Tannin. The leaves and flowering tops are
strongly antispasmodic, antitussive, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, slightly
emmenagogue, refrigerant, sedative, slightly stimulant, stomachic and tonic. Catnip
has a long history of use in alternative medicine, being employed especially in
treating disorders of the digestive system and, as it stimulates sweating, it is
useful in reducing fevers. The fresh juice is used as an emmenagogue (to promote
menstruation). Mild catnip tea is used to relieve colic in babies, restlessness and
nervousness, and is very useful as a mild nervine for children. Stronger tea
relieves fevers due to colds and flu as well as calming the stomach and preventing
nausea and diarrhea. The fresh young shoots are good in spring salads and rubbed
into meat for flavor. Applied externally or added to bath it is good for skin
irritations. Catnip oil is great for aroma therapy. A strong infusion can be used to
repel fleas from carpets or the fur of animals. An extract from the leaves (called
nepetalactone) has herbicidal and insect repellant properties.
|
Catnip Herbal
Folklore and History
It was once believed that smoking the leaves would produce a mild hallucinogenic
effect. Although this use has since been dispelled, it may work in some individuals.
It was also believed to deter the (evil-eye) from children given to fits, this
because of its ability to calm an extremely agitated child and diminish nightmares.
Catnip Herb Tea Recipe
To 1 cup of boiling water add 2 tsp. dried herb; steep for 10 min. give warm in cup
doses-½ cup for children 1 tbsp. diluted or in milk for babies.
Mintcream: Add 3 tbsp. to ½ cup heavy cream use in
cocoa or coffee.
Article by
Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron
Catnip Links
Mosquitoes, The why and how
they find and bite you!
How does catnip work?
Botanical.com Catnip
Catnip drives
mosquitoes away
Liquid
Catnip Extract
Next Chamomile
>> |