CATNIP
Nepeta cataria
COMMON NAMES: Catnip, nep, catmint, cat’s wort.
FEATURES: This naturalized perennial herb is found in all parts of the United States. The square, erect,
branching stems are covered with fine whitish hairs; leaves 1–2½ inches long with heart-shaped or
oblong pointed apex, the top side green with grayish green and whitish hairs underneath. Flowering in
June to September, with whitish corolla, purple-dotted, sectioned lips, and lobes making up the
conformation of the bloom. Faintly minty aroma, with bitter taste.
SOLVENTS: Diluted alcohol, boiling water.
MEDICINAL PART: The whole herb.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Carminative, stimulant, tonic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic,
aphrodisiac (cats).
USES: When most of us think of catnip, we unfortunately associate it only with the cat family. Its uses are
many, and mild in the proper amounts, for both infants and adults. When troubled with flatulence and
digestive pains, the American physio-medical practice recommends “blood warm bowel injection of the
infusion for babies with intestinal flatulence.” All herbalists find catnip useful for feverish colds. It will
produce perspiration without increasing temperature, and induces sleep. It has proved efficacious in
nervous headache and for allaying hysteria, insanity, and other forms of nervous diseases of an acute
character, without any withdrawal effect when it is discontinued.
Equal parts of catnip and saffron are excellent in scarlet fever, smallpox, colds, etc. The fresh
expressed juice of the green herb taken in tablespoonful amounts three times a day will encourage
suppressed menstruation.
Due to its transient action, catnip is more serviceable in tea form. Always steep the herb in a closed
container, never boil.
DOSE: 1 ounce catnip to 1 pint of boiling water. Adults, 2–3 tablespoonfuls; children, 2–3 teaspoonfuls,