CATNIP

CATNIP-Nepeta Cataria

Also known as catmint, nep, cat's wort, field balm and catrup.

Parts used:  flowers and leaves

Meridians/Organs affected:  lungs, liver, nerves, digestive

Properties:  diaphoretic, sedative, nervine, carminative, antispasmodic, emmenogogue, anodyne

Catnip is a member of the mint family.  Its name is derived from the fact that cats seem to be fascinated by it. If you have ever seen a feline around this plant you will know what i mean.  As it is in the mint family it does have a scent that is kind of a blend of peppermint and pennyroyal.  In England they refer to this plant as 'Cat's Fancy'.

Catnip is an aromatic perennial with gray-green, oval-toothed leaves and very tiny spotted purple flowers borne on spikes.  It can grow up to three feet tall and flowers from early summer to the first frost in the fall.  It is at its most medicinal in August and should be gathered between 10 a.m. and noon.

This plant is famous for its "stimulating" effects on the cat family but it seems to have the opposite effect on humans.  As such, catnip is often used as a sedative.  It can gently relieve built-up tension that might be the cause of congestion in the nervous system.  It has often been used in enemas to relax and restore the bowels.  It has also been seen to be effective on hyperactive children and is so mild it is given to colicky infants.   Catnip has been employed for its use as a carminative to relieve gas, assistwith upset stomach, and to ease menstrual cramping.  Enemas using this herb have been used to reduce fevers.  In Europe, it is a popular remedy for diarrhea and bronchitis. 

Catnip is well known but not for its culinary use.  The mint flavored leaves and flower tips can be added to salads, sauces, soups and in meat dishes (in some places they use it as a meat rub).  It is often used as a garnish with a slice of lemon.  The leaves have been coated with equal parts of egg white and lemon juice and then dusted with sugar and left to dry.  Once dried they are serve as an after-dinner treat.

Catnip should only ever be infused to protect its volatile oils, and when gathering it to dry it should be dried in the shade for the same reason.  It is a nutritive herb and can stimulate the appetite and help in the healing of wasting diseases.  (Might be of some help for things like cancer, AIDS, HIV, etc.  Certainly couldnt hurt to add it or at least try it.)  It is a decent source of B vitamins (at least 6-7 different B vitamins in this plant) as well as vitamins A and C.  It can be an excellent assist with childhood diseases such as measles or chicken pox as it is so mild.

As with all of my posts I am including some links below for items involving catnip.  Use them as you best see fit for yourself and those you love.  Be healthy and happy-life is too short to be otherwise!

http://www.amazon.com/Catnip-Nepeta-cataria-Seed-Needs/dp/B003TILJDW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1372879824&sr=8-9&keywords=catnip

http://www.amazon.com/Alvita-Catnip-Tea-Bags-bag/dp/B00014GIQA/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1372880010&sr=8-21&keywords=catnip

http://www.amazon.com/KONG-Hedgehog-Refillable-Catnip-Colors/dp/B0051BGP0W/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1372880063&sr=8-22&keywords=catnip

http://www.amazon.com/Herb-Pharm-Catnip-Extract-Ounces/dp/B0001TKNAM/ref=sr_1_6?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1372880132&sr=1-6&keywords=catnip+herb

http://www.amazon.com/Starwest-Botanicals-Organic-Catnip-1-pound/dp/B003AYEHFW/ref=sr_1_10?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1372880132&sr=1-10&keywords=catnip+herb

http://www.amazon.com/Nava-Pets-Organic-Flea-Shampoo/dp/B00CNBN3J4/ref=sr_1_8?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1372880132&sr=1-8&keywords=catnip+herb