Catnip

Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China. It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America.

Buy Catnip

Scientific Name:  Nepeta cataria
Parts Used:  Leaves, stems and flowers

Cautions:

• Avoid if pregnant

Healing Properties

• Nervine, sedative, anti-viral, bitter, digestive, febrifuge
• Sedative, lowers fevers & hyperactivity (especially in children), relaxes spasms
• Can be used to treat cancer, diarrhea, stomach upsets, colic, colds, insomnia, sore throats, coughs, flu, inflammation, pain

How to Use: 
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below).  However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.

• Add fresh or dried herb to food and beverages. 
  
• Can be taken in store-bought capsule or extract form.
• Essential Oils: Apply externally
• How to Dry Herbs
• How to Make Herbal Teas/Infusions/Decoctions
• How to Make Herbal Vinegars
• How to Make Herbal Syrups
• How to Make Herbal Tinctures & Glycerites
• How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
• How to Make Herbal Ointments & Creams
• How to Make Herbal Poultices & Compresses
• How to Make Herbal Electuaries & Oxymels
• How to Make Herbal Lozenges, Gummies, Capsules
  
• How to Make Herbal Baths, Steams & Hair Rinses

Grow/Harvest Yourself: 

• Buy Catnip Seeds
• Zones: 3-4
• Soil pH: 6.6
• Average, sandy, well-drained soil
• Full sun to part shade