Catnip |
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| Common Name | Catnip |
| Scientific Name | Nepeta cataria |
| Sometimes called Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Catswort, Field Balm, and Nip, this herb, as we all know, is irresistible to cats. They will search it out, roll over and over in it, and ecstatically spread it everywhere. A member of the mint family, catnip, when brewed in tea, is thought to relieve upset stomachs, bronchitis, colic, spasms, flatulence, and acidity. It has also been used to treat hysteria, nervousness, and headaches, and as an enema. Originally native to Europe, catnip is now found wild in many parts of the United States. CAUTION: There has been talk in some quarters that catnip tea should be drunk sparingly. At least one medicinal-plant expert believes that catnip contains a hallucinogenic substance that affects humans as well as cats. The Food and Drug Administration, however, does not include catnip on its "hit list." | |
| Plant | Perennial, hardy to - 30ºF ( - 34ºC). Its erect, square, branching stem is hairy, with pointed scalloped leaves that have grey or whitish hairs on the lower side. Flowers are white with purple spots, and grow in spikes from June to September. The plant's odour is mint-like, bitter, and pungent. |
| Height | 2 to 3 feet. |
| Soil | Moist, rich. |
| Exposure | Sun or partial shade. |
| Propagation | Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in spring or fall, during the third lunar phase. Plants will self-sow. They can also be reproduced by root cuttings, stem cuttings, and layering. |
| Care | Thin plants to 12 inches apart. They tend to become scraggly, so cut back after they flower to keep them looking neat, and to prevent them from spreading. If there are cats around, you'll want to protect young seedlings until they are large enough to resist damage by enthusiastic felines who roll in and eat them. It's said cats won't trouble a seeded bed, but will go for transplanted seedlings. Most growers, however, maintain that their cats don't seem to sense the distinction and get to the catnip no matter how it has been planted. Cultivated near eggplant, tomatoes, turnips, and/or radishes, catnip is said to discourage the flea beetles that attack these plants. |
| Part used for Tea | Leaves. |
| Taste | Aromatic, minty. |
| How to Brew | INFUSION: Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb, or 3 teaspoons of fresh herb, with 1 cup of boiling water. Make sure the mixture is steeped only and not allowed to boil. |
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