herb data, Catnip, Nepeta cataria, Catmint, catnep, catrup, catswort, field balm, holisticonline.com

Herb Information

Name: Catnip

Biological Name: Nepeta cataria

Labiatae

Other Names: Catmint, catnep, catrup, catswort, field balm

Description:

Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. Its erect, square, branching stem is hairy and grows from 3 to 5 feet high. The leaves have scalloped edges and gray or whitish hairs on the lower side. The flowers are white with purple spots and grow in spikes from June to September.

Parts Used: The leaves and the flowering top.

Active Compounds:

	Volatile oil, carvacrol, citronellal, nerol, geraniol, pulegone, thymol and nepetalic acid.
	Iridoids, including epideoxyloganic acid and 7- deoxyloganic acid.
	Tannins.

History:

Catnip is one of the oldest household remedies. It was prescribed as "wonderful for very small children and infants". As a tea it was used as an enema for children with convulsions. It was also prescribed for pain of any kind, spasm, gas pains, hyperacidity in the stomach, and for the prevention of griping in the bowels. It was also used to restore menstruation

Medicinal Applications

Action

Anodyne, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic.

Uses

Catnip is one of the traditional cold and flu remedies. It is a useful diaphoretic helpful in any feverish condition, especially acute bronchitis. As a carminative with anti-spasmodic properties, Catnip eases any stomach upsets, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic. It is a perfect remedy for the treatment of diarrhea in children. Its sedative action on the nerves adds to its generally relaxing properties.

Take catnip tea for upset stomach, colic, spasms, flatulency, and acid. It can also be used for an enema. Contemporary herbalist also use this herb for chronic bronchitis and for diarrhea.

Dosage:

Infusion: Use 1 tsp. herb with 1 cup boiling water. Steep only: do not allow to boil. Take 1 to 2 cups a day.

Tincture: Take 1/2 to I tsp. at a time.