By Michelle on October 14, 2009
Nepeta cataria
Member of the Mint family (also called Catmint)
Catnip is the popular filler for cat toys, well known for the way it drives our feline pets wild. Catnip is also a good herb for humans, although it works in a completely opposite way for us.
Catnip is a bushy perennial herb which grows to 2 – 3 feet tall and blooms in the summer. The leaves and flowering tops can be used. Both can be added to tea and the leaves can be chewed. It is safe for children to use.
Catnip is a mild sedative and is great combined with other herbs such as chamomile and lavender to make an herbal tea to help with insomnia. It is also good for stress or nervousness, and is used for hyperactive children. It is used to induce sweating to help break fevers and is good for colds and coughs. Headaches and toothaches are relieved with catnip, along with colic, diarrhea, flatulence, irregular menstrual cycles, and amenorrhea.
Catnip can also be used as an insect repellent, and is a safe way to keep ants or other insects out of your house. See my previous article on this: Catnip to Deter Ants in the Home http://herbsaregreener.com/?p=86.
Posted in Herb Profiles | Tagged amenorrhea, catmint, catnip, colds, colic, coughs, diarrhea, fevers, flatulence, headaches, herbal sedative, insomnia, irregular menstrual cycle, natural insect repellent, natural sedative, toothaches
