Alternative Medicine

Catnip is a member of the mint family. Its scientific name is Nepeta cataria. The plant grows to be about 2 feet tall and the leaves, slightly larger than peppermint, are downy above and below. Catnip is harvested and the leaves and flowers dried when this essential oil production reaches its peak.

Originally found in Europe, catnip was imported to US and is now found everywhere, aka. Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Field Balm, Menta De Gato. Catnip has been used since the 15th century. In fact, it was the most commonly consumed herbal drink in Europe until teas from the orient began to be imported. At the end of the 19th century, Ojibwe native women used it as a tea to bring down fevers. They called it Gajugensibug.

As you might suspect, catnip got its name because of its affect on cats. Cats are most interested in the smell of the plant. Cats will rub against, bite, chew, and roll in catnip – generally go crazy for several minutes. This will release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. Then suddenly the cat will lose interest and walk away. Two hours later he could return and do it. Why he acts like this we don’t know, we do know that it is related to the chemical nepetalactone in catnip. It is a reflex response, and, though a small percentage of cats are totally unaffected by it, even tigers can be sensitive to it.

As an herbal treatment, Catnip Plant sooths the stomach and digestive system. This means it aids with flatulence, diarrhea, and colic. As an enema it can cleanse and heal the lower bowel. Taken as a hot infusion, Catnip promotes sweating and this helps with colds, flu, fevers, and infectious diseases. It is soothing to the nervous system and can help to prevent a miscarriage, premature birth and to decrease symptoms of morning sickness.

Catnip is ideal for treating young children because it stimulates the body, settles the stomach and soothes the nerves safely. In conjunction with fennel catnip has long been used to treat colic, gas, indigestion, and teething difficulties in children. It’s great for getting rid of mucus as well.

Another combination is to mix catnip with garlic. The two together make a powerful enema. Catnip can increase perspiration without increasing the heat of the body. This is ideal for treating a fever. Its sedative qualities add to its generally relaxing properties.

Essential oils are taken from the flowers and leaves. But the real benefit of catnip is in the leaf that may be purchased and used dried, cut, and powdered. The most common uses are as a tea, as an extract, or as a sprinkling on food. Of course, some use catnip to make an herbal pillow for their cats.

Catnip is safe for men, women, and children to ingest. If you want its benefits to last though, you should store it in a dark, dry, and cool place like most bulk herbs. Refrigeration or freezing is even better. The petalactone in catnip is sensitive to ultraviolet light so keep it out of the sun. There is disagreement whether or not it will cause harm to a pregnant woman but most feel it is both safe and beneficial to 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. Check out More Than Alive - a trusted online health resource.

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