Catmint

More about Catmint

Catnip is a plant from the Labiatae family, of which mint and deaf nettle are also a part. It grows throughout Europe, parts of Asia and North America.
The special scent that is released when the plant is bruised, has an enormous attraction for some cats. It contains many essential oils, including nepatalactone. This substance is mildly psychoactive and could also be the cause of typical catnip symptoms: cats can get excited by it, they roll themselves into the herb, lick it and look pretty high for a few minutes.

Calming

Catnip has a place in traditional medicine as a remedy for various diseases, including digestive problems. Catnip is also used to reduce cramps, as a diuretic and invigorating agent and as a general tonic. Furthermore, it was widely used in the flu, because it promotes good sleep and can open the respiratory tract. Catnip can help to relax the muscles and can thus be taken as a sedative.

Psychoactive

Catnip can have a mild psychoactive effect, especially in combination with tobacco. Beware of excessive use, there may be adverse symptoms such as headaches and nausea.

Usage

Soak for 15 minutes in half a litre of hot water.

Ingredients

Catnip

Scientific name

Nepeta Cataria