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Herbal Spotlight: Catnip

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photo by Tiger Lily

photo by Tiger Lily

Catnip (Nepeta Cataria L.)

I think the first time that I heard that catnip could be used for things other than cat entertainment was from the original Modern Alternative Mama – Kate! Believe it or not, catnip has the opposite affect on humans. Catnip can help lull a child to sleep or soothe an aching tummy. Last year, Kate wrote a post about a “teething tea” over at Keeper of the Home. This year, she wrote about a similar idea, but in a portable and easy-to-use tincture.  Catnip isn't one of the most talked about herbs, but it (unsurprisingly) has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy. It is a flowering plant that is part of the mint family.

Uses

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Migraine/Headaches
  • Cold and Upper Respiratory Infections
  • Flu/Swine Flu
  • Fever
  • Hives
  • Worms
  • Gastrointestinal Upset (indigestion, cramping, flatulence)
  • Colic
  • Arthritis (topical)
  • Hemorrhoids (topical)
  • Swelling (topical compress)
  • Uterine Stimulant (menstrual or labor)

Growing Your Own

Catnip is a hardy, perennial herb that can grow in almost any soil. It does like moisture – but not too much. Catnip can be grown indoors, if you have a sunny window available. It is always a great time of year to grow catnip indoors! You should have some leaves to harvest in 3-4 months. Be ye warned: catnip does tend to smell like a skunk to many people. If you don’t think you can handle that, you may want to plant outside.

If you would rather avoid the skunk odor and you don’t have a feral cat problem, you can plant outdoors. Warning: it can be invasive. However, it is pretty (if you ask me) and it attracts honeybees (which is great… have you heard that honeybees are disappearing?). According to some sources, autumn planting of catnip is supposed to produce better stands. So, now is the perfect time to plant. But if you live in a particularly cold climate, you may need to wait until early spring. Also, if you are not a seed person, you can grow catnip by dividing a thriving plant or even with cuttings.

Possible Side Effects and Cautions

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Even considered a safe alternative to Valerian (traditionally used for insomnia) for children. However, pregnant women should probably avoid catnip due to its possible uterine stimulant effects. Not recommended in combination with pharmacological sleep aids (ie Ambien) or in cases of abnormal menstruation.  Always use caution when administering herbal remedies for the first time and be especially observant of small children.

Other Sources

Homeguides: Grow Catnip

Livestrong: Catnip Tea Side Effects

NYU Langone Medical Center: Catnip

Webmd: Catnip 

Disclaimer: As always, this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness. Nothing on this site is to be construed as medical advice; I am not a doctor. Please discuss your personal health, including any options or ideas you may read on the internet with your personal, qualified health practitioner before making changes to your diet or adjusting/discontinuing any medication. I am not responsible for any adverse outcomes associated with using or misconstruing advice or information on this site.

Have you ever used catnip as an herbal remedy or only as a cat treat?

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