Herb & Essential Oil of the Month-Catnip

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Herb & Essential Oil of the Month

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Aka: Cat, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Wort, Field Balm, Garden

Nep, Herba Cataria, Herba Catti, Nebada, Nep, Nepeta, Nip,

 

Catnip is a member of the mint family. This perennial plant with it's

fuzzy stem and leaves, grows to about 3 feet high and likes a lot of

sun with well drained soil. It blooms from June to September. It is

the flowers and leaves that are used in aromatherapy.

 

Simply by watching the effects this plant has on cats of all ages, it

is obvious to see how this herb got its name. The scent it produces

is similar to the pheromones that cats secrete. So it acts as an

aphrodisiac to cats. However, the medicinal uses of catnip throughout

history are much different than the effects our feline friends enjoy.

 

Catnip is a sedative to us humans. It also has antibiotic and

astringent properties that have been used throughout history for

colds, coughs, bronchitis and asthma. It relieves chest congestion

and loosens phlegm. It also induces sweating which is a natural

method for reducing fever.

 

Today Catnip is still used for its sedating properties. A cup of

Catnip tea is a great sleep inducer but it also is good for

restlessness and nervousness. Catnip is safe and gentle, even for

use with children. It is especially good for over-active children,

and children with ADD and ADHD. If they don't want to drink the

herbal tea, a herbal bath does the trick just as well.

 

Colicky babies respond well to Catnip. It is an antispasmodic and

seems to calm them down quickly. Simply put drops of Catnip tea on

the babies tongue as needed or dilute 1 tablespoon Catnip tea with

milk. The drop of strong Catnip tea on the tongue can also help

adults relieve those cravings for cigarettes when " kicking the habit " .

 

Catnips' antispasmodic properties are excellent for adults as well.

It's soothing to the digestive system and provides relief from

diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion and upset stomach. It even helps

abdominal pain and menstrual cramping.

 

Like many herbs, Catnip has many excellent nutritional properties. It

contains 8 chemicals that provide sedating responses including those

that are similar to valerian, another renowned sedative. It also has

minerals with anti-anxiety and antidepressant traits as well as

containing calcium, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin A, B-complex and

C. These are even more reasons why Catnip is useful, especially for

women's issues including PMS, menopause and preventing osteoporosis.

 

A study performed at Iowa State University found that an extract from

the leaves contains herbicidal and insect repellant properties. Great

to use for cleaning pets sleeping area or heavy areas of infestation

from fleas. Other studies are currently being conducted on it's anti-

cancer and anti-tumor properties.

 

Medicinal Properties Include:

Local Anesthetic, Antirheumatic, Anodyne, Antispasmodic, Aromatic,

Astringent, Carminative, Diaphoretic (Without Warming/Heating Body),

Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Nervine, Refrigerant, Sedative

(When Served Warm), Stimulant (When Served Cold), Stomachic, Tonic,

Tranquilizer.

 

Dried Herb Usage: Chew leaves to relieves tooth ache. Rub directly on

skin for skin irritations. Add to salads & rub on meat for added

flavoring. Make cat toys & sleep pillows filled with the dried leaves.

Skin & Hair - Make an infusion (strong cup of tea) and use as a hair

rinse or add to the bath for scalp and skin irritations. Make a

poultice or compress for pain, sprains, bruises and insect bites.

Helps arthritis, rheumatism and sore eyes.

Eye Care - Cool a cup of Catnip tea and use for an eye wash.

Beneficial for relieving inflammation & swelling to due to allergies,

flu and excessive alcoholic consumption.

Bath - Provides relief for skin irritations, arthritis and allergy

symptoms.

Tea - An excellent cold and cough remedy, relieving chest congestion

and loosening phlegm. Great sleep inducer, relaxes spasms of most

stomach type problems.

 

Caution: Catnip tea is generally regarded as safe. However, due to

its traditional use as a uterine stimulant, pregnant women should not

consume Catnip except on the advice of a physician.