Catnip or catmint is a favorite plant for cats, but it is great for people too. Cats love the scent and will roll around in it, destroying your plant. I sprinkle my plant with cayenne pepper in the early spring until the cats get the idea to leave it alone. Many people give their indoor cats a treat of a little catnip to enjoy.
Catnip is part of the mint family, so it has the signature square stem. It doesn't send out pesky runners though, but multiplies slowly. It grows easily from seed or root division in the spring.
I like the shorter variety, Nepeta parnassica, for growing under bushes. Sometimes called Greek catnip, it grows two feet tall. Nepeta cataria is nice too, growing to 3 feet tall. Catnip has a tradition of keeping away rats and snakes, so people have tended to plant them around their houses.
Catnip makes a wonderful tea for respiratory infections. It increases perspiration, reduces fever, soothes a painful throat, and acts as a decongestant. It is a perfect remedy for children, calming and relaxing them. Catnip contains vitamins A, C, and B-1,2,3,5,6,9,12. Historically, catnip has been used as a healing enema. It can help with delayed or suppressed periods, and relaxes the uterus, relieving pain. Catnip relaxes headaches related to tension.
Join your cat in the enjoyment of this wonderful herb...have a cup of catnip tea!
Lisa Purdy is not a physician and all recommendations are not to be considered diagnosis or prescription. Any information given is for educational purposes only. You are responsible for your own health choices.
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