Claudia Keel| EarthFlower.
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C ATNIP Nepeta cataria
It is the mint nervine to give when in doubt.
-William LeSassier
Use chamomile for those crying on the outside
and catnip crying on the inside. -Claudia
Common N ames & Etymology:
Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Catrup, Field Balm, Nep, Nebetta,
Cataire, Chataire, Herbe à Chat, Herbe aux Chats, Hierba Gatera,
Puneh, Menta de Gato & Menthe des Chats
The genus name Nepeta is derived from the Greek nepenthe,
meaning a potion that brings forgetfulness, related to its ability to
induce relaxation and sleep. (Other sources claim the name
derives from the ancient roman town Nepete, now called Nepi,
where the herb was cultivated, but it seems more likely that the
town was named for nepeta!)
The 1st century Roman writer Pliny is said to have first coined
the name Cataria, which means ‘of the cats’ though he may have
referred to the common usage. Catnip and most all of its
common names also allude to its infamous attraction to cats.
Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Botany & Cultivation:
Herbaceous perennial, native to Europe. Similar to most mints,
Catnip has square branching stems and covered in fine hairs. The
opposite leaves are triangularly ovate (heart shaped) with short
stalks (petioles), around 2.5-7cm in length. They are a greyish
green color and the edges are bluntly toothed. The flowers, also typical of mints, are 2-lipped and white to light
purple in color often with reddish-purple dotted markings. They grow in dense clusters at the ends of the stem
branches.
Parts U sed: Leaves (and flowering tops)
H arvest:
The leaves just before flowering or flowering tops (best after warm sunny days which increase volatile oil content)
M edicine Preparation:
Dry well and jar quickly, to preserve its volatile oils, which dissipates easily after drying. (It should smell ‘skunky’)
Tincture fresh ideally (or freshly dried) 25% - 50% alcohol. Infusion, capsules, topical preparations.
William LeSassier recommended making “a strong, green tincture from the fresh plant in flower in a high proof
alcohol. [and administers it] Dilute a few drops in water, enough to tint it light green.
Catnip looses a great deal of its properties within 10 months to a year after harvest. It is an herb for which it is
important to harvest and prepare yearly.
M ajor Constituents :
Volatile oils: notably citronellol (insect repellent), nepetalactone
(sedative, antispasmodic, febrifuge, antibacterial, & insect repellent as
well; a euphoric for cats) and also carvacrol, thymol, nepetol, geraniol.
The herb also contains tannins (astringent) rosmarinic acid, mono-
terpenoids (incl. nepetalic acid & valeric acid), iridoids (incl. epideoxyloganic
acid - iridoids add bitter principles and aid constituents to disperse evenly in
water) mucilage, sugars (incl. dextrin) and crystalline waxes (offering the
slightly resinous quality).
Nutritionally it contains: inositol, phosphorous, sodium, sulfur, folic acid,
pantothenic acid and other B vitamins and carotenes.
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Cultural Traditions and Uses
Catnip has been used as a medicine plants since antiquity. In Egypt’s Old
Kingdom (2700-2300BC), catnip was a symbol of fertility and dedicated to
the goddesses Bast and Sekhmet, represented as the cat and the lioness. It
was also thought that nepeta aided women transform themselves into cats at
night.
Ancient Greeks and Romans grew catnip as both a medicine and culinary
herbs. Dioscorides in the 1st century A.D. in his De Materia Medica
described some of its many uses. ‘A decoction (taken as a drink) induces the
passing of urine, and helps hernia, convulsions, orthopnoea [a form of
asthma], griping, bile, and chills. Taken as a drink (beforehand) with wine it
is an antidote against poisons and cleans away jaundice. Pounded into small
pieces (either boiled or raw) and taken as a drink with salt and honey it kills
both roundworms and threadworms. The leaves pounded into small pieces
and given in a pessary are an abortifacient and expel the menstrual flow.
The juice is dropped in the ears to kill worms.’ Pliny also in wrote of cattaria
in the 1st cent AD
Catnip was profiled in the 11th century herbal, De viribus herbarum. During
the middle ages the herb was often looked to treat leprosy and scrofula.
Scrofula, a tuberculosis of lymph glands in the neck, was a more common
disease in the past and Hildegard Von Bingen also recommended one eat
pulverized catnip to heal scrofula, and if scrofula pustules ruptured, she
applied a poultice of fresh leaves to help the pustules dry up.
“Culpeper in the 17th century described its use ‘for women to procure their
courses, being taken inwardly or outwardly’. Culpeper also described how decoctions of the herb could ease
headaches; take away wind and put into ointment form could help to ease piles. 18th century herbalist Sir John Hill
echoed the emmenagogue properties put forward by the likes of Culpeper writing that ‘It is an excellent women’s
medicine; an infusion of it is good against hysteric complaints, vapors and fits, and it moderately promotes the
menses.’ In 1735, the Irish herbalist, K'Eogh, stated "It provokes urination and menstruation; it expels the stillborn
child; it opens obstructions of the lungs and the womb; and it is good for internal bruises and shortness of breath.
Drunk with salt and honey, it expels worms from the body." “
By 1265 it was a familiar herb of kitchen gardens in England and used both as a culinary and medicine herb. Up
until Elizabethan times, when Chinese tea (Camellia sinensis) was introduced to the British Isles, catnip tea was a
common and favored household beverage.
Colonists brought catnip with them to the Americas where it naturalized, and several Native American tribes
incorporated it into their medicine. Mohegan tribes used the tea to relieve infant colic. Ethno-
botanical records show the Hoh, Delaware, and Iroquois tribes also used gentle catnip for
many children's complaints and other ailments such as coughs, fevers, colds, and
pneumonia. The Cherokee used the plant similarly to other indigenous groups and also
considered it to be an overall strengthening tonic. They looked to nepeta when a sedative
was needed such as irritability, insomnia, as did the Europeans.
The roots are not used in herbal medicine, but it was thought that roots of
catnip “made even the kindest person mean”, and early American
hangmen chewed on catnip roots before executions to harden
themselves for their work. (A good reason to stick with the
leaves!)
The United States Pharmacopeia recognized it as a naturalized
medicine in the 1800’s. It was a commonly used herb by the
Physiomedicalists, Eclectics and popular in folk medicine
traditions. In addition to its longtime uses for childhood infections,
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fevers, aches and pains, bad moods, sleeplessness and digestive upsets, Catnip was used with Saffron in equal parts
to treat smallpox and scarlet fever. The leaves were chewed to relieve toothache and the whole herb smoked to
relieve bronchitis and asthma. In the southwestern United States, Hispanic settlers also used 'nebada' (catnip) for a
range of digestive problems. A brandy tincture of 'nebada' and 'hinojo' (fennel) was a very popular tonic.
Recently, herbalist Michael Moore has continued to popularize the simple effective formula in his writings.
In traditional Chinese medicine a closely related species, Schizonepeta, Nepeta tenuifolia, or jing jie, is used in
some similar ways and is particularly looked to for headaches and to support healthy skin.
Catnip as Medicine: Herbal Uses & Indications
Tissue State:
Constriction (Tension, Wind), Depression, Excitation
D oshas: Pitta / Kapha – Vata =
Taste:
Aromatic (pungent), bitter, with a hint of a sharp acridity.
(The sharpness is missing from the other Nepetas)
Energetics Q ualities:
Cooling / Warming
Many experience catnip as a gentle circulatory stimulant and warming,
Although many herbalists such as Matthew Wood and Anne McIntyre
classify as cooling. it does reduce body temperature in fever and
through perspiration and is also considered a refrigerant.
Resinous & Drying / Moistening
Catnip is often described as drying though William LeSassier, Matthew Wood and other herbalists find it
moistening
Actions:
Tonic, stomachic, both nervine sedative and nervine stimulant, antispasmodic, antitussive, sudorific, anodyne,
astringent, carminative, digestive, febrifuge, refrigerant, sedating and mildly stimulating, bitter, anti-anxiety,
antispasmodic, diaphoretic, antidiarrheal, emmenagogue (mild), antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antibacterial (effective
against gram positive bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus), analgesic, insect repellent,
Doses:
1-4 ml of tincture 2-4 g dried equivalent, 3 times per day
A gentle herb safe in large doses, if needed. William LeSassier noted that for many applications, “catnip will take
2-3 doses to work, so persist. There will be a big belch and the symptoms will be relieved.”
William LeSassier on Catnip (one of his favorite herbs)
by way of Matthew Wood’s notes
“It is the mint nervine to give when in doubt, i.e., when there is a nervous problem that can’t be
differentiated enough to indicate a more specific medicine.
The action of catnip centers on the stomach, with anxiety, energy and pain rising upwards, rather than
downwards. It is suited to “visceral overstimulation from the mind”-- people who tend to internalize stress to
the stomach.
The stomach is bothered. There is congestion in the stomach and pain running up to the vagus nerve. Painful,
nerve involvement. Anxiety rising upwards. Sensation of extreme pressure up against the diaphragm. Pains
simulating a heart attack. Colicky gas pains. Anxiety and attacks in the stomach rising upwards into the chest
instead of downwards. Not for sinking, diarrheal anxiety (see Chamomile).
Catnip is a good remedy for colic in babies at the breast. It sweetens the milk. It is also indicated in mild
infantile fever.
Catnip is a general first aid remedy for children. Catnip is an antidote to bad reactions to onions and garlic. It is
useful for motion sickness in mild not serious cases i.e., for people who are too nervous to be on an airplane.
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Specific Indications
Catnip along with chamomile is a primary children’s herb but its gentle power
should not be overlooked for adults. It is a very effective remedy for a huge
“Catnip is one the finest things
to have around the home,
diversity of ailments that have digestive, nerve and infections roots. Like
peppermint, its virtue (and at times confusion) is that has both relaxant and especially whens there’s
stimulant properties. children, for the hives and
when they’re teething and the
William LeSassier liked to contrast chamomile and Catnip. Chamomile is for little fellers can’t sleep. Just
whining children and childish adults (over expressive) and catnip is for “quiet give them a spoonful of
child” (or adult) who never says anything, “internalizes stuff and is closed sweetened catnip tea. Put in a
down” (under-expressive). Simply put, use chamomile for those crying on the little bottle of milk or if breast-
outside and catnip for those crying on the inside. fed in sweetened water. It’s
just no time till the little fellers
Digestive System Indications: are feelings lots better. You
℘ Pent-up tension, Tension held in stomach: for those who tend to not be can mix it with maypop, sage,
expressive; indigestion that stem from emotional issues.
skullcap and peach leaves for
℘ Colic: For infants catnip can be taken either directly as infusion or through one of the most o wonderful
the breast milk (i.e. taken by breast-feeding mom as its properties travels to nerve tonics there is.”
the breast milk) Particularly for pains that are relieved by burping and
Tommie Bass, Appalachian
belching. The infusion or tincture can also be applied topically on the
herbalist, as recorded in
stomach of colicky babies to relax the stomach and help them sleep. And
Mountain Medicine
often works faster. A simple tincture formula of equal parts catnip and
fennel works well together.
℘ Teething: Rub catnip tincture or tea on gums. The fresh leaves may even be chewed to help relieve the
symptoms of toothaches, or a very strong decoction of the leaves (either dry or fresh) may be made into a
gargle taken after each meal. Tooth pain: “People residing in the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains either
apply crushed fresh leaves of catnip or powdered dried up herb in the form of a raw poultice to aching teeth or
tender gums directly to get relief from the excruciating pain and related miseries.”
℘ Nervous nausea, motion sickness, vomiting: catnip is relaxing as opposed to ginger, which is stimulating.
℘ Food sensitivities
℘ Indigestion, muscle spasms, bloating, mild gut pains: Its carminative also relieves flatulence and
constipation A formula of equal parts catnip and fennel works well together here and for numerous stomach
ailments. Add yellow dock root tincture for toddler if there is a inability to absorb iron, or the child/adult
suffers from jaundice, or if are problems digesting proteins and fats.
℘ Calming (sedative) carminative for stress related digestive ailments: particularly those centered around the
stomach and solar plexus area (including both Ulcers and stomach ‘butterflies’), but also soothing for IBS
related symptoms, particularly cramping related symptoms. Here again catnip and fennel are well used
together for stomachache, indigestion, hiccups and numerous other digestive complaints.
℘ Hypercholirdia & Hypochloridia, Gastritis, GERD: Eases overactive stomach acid caused by nerves as well
as underactive Australian herbalist Richard Whelan’s “No.#1 Gastritis Formula” for those suffering from
heart-burn, indigestion and gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a combination of equal parts of Fennel and
Catnip and ½ a part of Licorice root. (Dose:1 tsp. of the formula with a little water as soon as they feel any
discomfort; then allow the medicine 10 to 20 minutes to take full effect. The dose can be repeated as often as
needed) “I have consistently had superb results with this approach. In virtually every case the regular use of this
formula has enabled people to get off a lot of dangerous stomach acid blocking drugs.”
℘ Diarrhea & Constipation: Catnip is particularly indicated for infants and children where a carminative
relaxant usually is what is called for to relieve constipation and helpful for any age when constipation is
associated with pent-up emotions. If an established constipation calls for stronger laxative/purgative herbs such
as senna, it is very effective and soothing to formulate them with catnip. Nepeta’s astringency also helps relieve
diarrhea in children. Catnip infusion has also been used as an enema to cleanse and heal the lower bowel.
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℘ Food Poisoning: The essential oils in catnip have been show
to inhibit the growth of all gram-positive food-borne bacteria
℘ Hiatal hernia: “sensation of extreme pressure upward
against the diaphragm, [and] hiccups.” [Wood]
℘ Inguinal hernia: Edgar Cayce recommended catnip and
sage in a weak tea for a 3-month-old boy suffering from
inguinal hernia, saying the tea was an "alkaline stimulant to
the intestinal system" with the intended action "to enliven the
eliminating centers"
℘ Digestive spasms: (antispasmodic) and flatulent dyspepsia
(carminative)
℘ Hemorrhoids: Topically as an ointment (soothing and gently
astringing)
℘ Bulimia nervosa: Catnip help soothe the esophageal and
stomach irritation of purging as well as a relaxing nervine for
stomach nervousness, anxiety and/or indigestion
Mind & Nervous System Indications:
℘ Pent-up tension, Tension held in stomach: tend to not be
expressive. “Its relaxing effects are helpful for stress related disorders of all three doshas” [McIntyre]
℘ Panic attacks, Anxiety: Particularly for anxiety felt in the solar plexus and / or an upward rising sensation. A
stress reducing relaxant for when one is under great stress but doesn't voice it or perhaps even recognize it.
℘ Calming Nervine / Gentle relaxant: for ill tempered moods “calming effect on the CNS (central nervous
system) and mildly sedating and can induce drowsiness for some German researchers report that the
nepetalactone isomers that make Catnip so intoxicating for cats are similar to the natural sedatives in Valerian
(the valepotriates), supporting Catnip traditional use as a gentle relaxant.” A few drops added to bathwater or
massaging oil has a calming effect. Nepetalactone is thought to be chiefly responsible for the mild sedative
property of catnip.
℘ Over stimulation ADD /ADHD: Effective for soothing hyperactive children. As catnip has both sedating and
stimulating actions, it is well “used in formulas for treating ADHD in children as well as calming children who
are irritated or overwhelmed. Catnip is often combined with Skullcap, Passionflower, St. John’s Wort and
similar herbs for treating ADHD and ADD. Even something as simple as an infusion of Catnip can help kids
and parents take a deep breath and relax. It is also used for children who are “mean or cruel”
℘ Coffee jitters: balancing
℘ Nervous headaches: particularly if related for pent-up tension and/or stomach tension, also menstrual
headaches. There is a tightness and anxiousness associated with constriction in the individual. Catnip, being a
cooling acrid bitter, relieves the head, and will also have positive effects on liver heat with deficiency, which
can be a root cause of headaches as well.
℘ Insomnia: It is well used as a soporific to make one relaxed and sleepy, notably for children and elders. A
lovely herb tea to encourage a catnap. The dried leaves can also be stuffed into a pillow promote sleep (Mix
with hops for stronger effects). “A mild but reliable sedative. It will not faze serious insomnia or terminal
hypers, but the tea is gentle, sure and safe even for children and infants” [Moore] Producing similar effects as
Valerian
℘ Nightmares: Maude Grieve recommended the preparation of young tops made into a conserve for nightmares.
A medieval remedy for bedevilment and confusion. “Put into ale: cassuck, lupin root, fennel, sedum, betony,
water agrimony, wild celery, rue, wormwood, catnip, helenium, enchanter's nightshade, teasel. Sing 12 masses
over the drink & let them drink. They will soon be well.” Leechbook, III.lxiv
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℘ Parkinsons, Alzheimers vertigo and convulsions: The essential oil is
being studied for it healing actions for these ailments
℘ Smoking nervine herb: The leaves give a mild euphoria when smoked.
“Dried catnip leaves can even be smoked either by itself or mixed with
other smokable herbs such as vervain, and even (de facto) tobacco. When
smoked, catnip not only promotes a sense of calm and a temporary 'high', it
is also believed to promote better, more restful sleep as well as lucid
dreams. Smoking catnip may also bring about a feeling of coolness that
spreads all throughout the body, not unlike the feeling of smoking menthol-
tipped cigarettes, but with a more intense minty feel. Smoking catnip may
even bring about a certain feeling of euphoria, or a sense of time slowing
down. This 'slowing down' of one's external sense of time includes slower
reaction time, a feeling of 'floating' and a sense of everything being in 'slo-
mo'. If smoking catnip, it is therefore advisable to refrain from any activity
which may require fast reflexes such as driving or the operation of heavy
machinery, as catnip may impair one's performance.” 5
Infection and Respiratory System Indications
℘ Fever; relaxing diaphoretic: Its gentle but effective actions make catnip a
specific for infant and children’s fevers. “It does not keep its freshness
long and so is good to tincture high fever, as it is known to relax the body
while increasing perspiration, which helps the infection leave the body
faster.” Also a bath in a tepid (never cold!) tea is an excellent treatment for high infant fevers. It’s stomach and
mind-relaxing actions are also very welcome during a fever when children are easily upset. It’s diaphoretic
induces sweating helping to cool down and break the fever. Mix with boneset, elder, yarrow, or cayenne as a
treatment for colds.
℘ Flus and illnesses particularly for infant and children: Catnip infusions and baths to help with the achy
muscles that accompany flu and illness. It is gentle tasting, easy on the stomach and highly effective at helping
to move the healing process along. For a child just one tsp of nepeta is strong enough to convey the medicinal
benefit, best steeped in about half a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes then strained and drunk (it is
good to add some honey if this food is available and allowed)
℘ All types of infections of the respiratory tract: when consumed in the form of a hot tea, catnip makes one
perspire profusely and, in effect, alleviates fevers, while working in the form of a decongestant. When you have
a cold or flu, you should take catnip as soon as you notice the symptoms and take it quite often. In addition,
catnip is effective in treating asthma and bronchitis plus eruptive infections like measles and chicken pox.
Catnip “will cut recovery the time [of measles] in half” This herb is an excellent medication especially for
infants and children. As it possesses soothing and relaxing attributes, taking catnip provides relief from
restiveness and brings about sound sleep. A medieval remedy for lung disease was: “raspberry leaves & a reed
spear, ground ivy, bishopswort, pellitory, catnip. [Put] in clean water all these plants boil & drink.”
Leechbook II, li
℘ Antimicrobial, Staph & Fungal infections: Modern studies show that catnip is strongly anti-fungal and a
bactericide for Staphylococcus aureus. “A 2009 Turkish study had also revealed catnip’s in vitro antimicrobial
and antioxidant activities, although with a rather weak antioxidative nature. In this study, the antimicrobial and
antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanol extract from catnip as well as its essential oil
composition were explored. The results showed that catnip essential oil worked against eleven bacteria species
and twelve fungi species, including a yeast (Candida albicans), whereas catnip methanol extract displayed a
weaker activity.” (See notes for some references to studes)
℘ Traditionally used for smallpox, scarlet fever, yellow fever, hysterics along with colds. (tea with equal parts
saffron and catnip.)
Muscular Skeletal System Indications
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℘ Gout, Sprained Muscles and Arthritis: Tinctures applied topically
are a good friction rub for rheumatic and arthritic joints.
℘ Menstrual cramps (mild): particularly well indicated with nausea
and digestive complaints, as well as stress and tension during
periods Catnip’s anti-spasmodic and relaxing effect that can be
experienced even in the uterus. Catnip is also useful in regulating
menstrual periods and also treating suppressed and delayed
menstruation.
℘ Lessen the fatigue from muscular exertion (topically in bath);
Eases muscle cramps
℘ Pain: a medieval remedy for shoulder pain was to “boil betony and
catnip in ale; give often to drink, & also, beside the fire, smear [the
shoulder] with lesser celandine.” Leechbook, I.xx
Miscellaneous indications
℘ Hair: A strong infusion is an excellent hair and scalp rinse to treat
dandruff and scalp irritations (or put into a shampoo)
℘ Inability to sweat: diaphoretic and relaxing qualities are helpful
when one particularly needs to release sweat and fluids. [LeSassier]
℘ Skin: Catnip possesses antiseptic attributes, which are effective in treating skin infections. Its tannins help to
accelerate the process of repairing damaged tissues and help stop bleeding from grazes and cuts. The tannins
are also useful in curing scalds and burn, insect bites, piles and skin problems accompanied by
inflammations. Catnip lotions have also been used to treat acne fresh leaves may be crushed or bruised and
used as an antimicrobial rub or poultice for minor cuts and abrasions, as well as for larger wounds as it not only
facilitates in faster healing, but it also staves off infection. Culpeper recommended the juice of the plant drunk
with wine for bruises, the bruised leaves for hemorrhoids, and a decoction used as a shampoo for scabs and
scurf.
Repellent and attractant
℘ Insect repellant: Studies have found the essential oil to be more effective than DEET. In laboratory research,
catnip essential oil has been applied to the skin (at concentrations of 23 and 468 micrograms per square
centimeter of skin) and was effective for six hours. Mix catnip essential oil into spray insect repellants. Add
freshly dried leaves sachets to help deter flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas and termites from the home.
Catnip is not found to be repellant to ant spiders and other insects.
℘ Rat repellent Traditionally the growth of Nepeta cataria was encouraged alongside fields and around areas of
grain storage. It was believed that a dense growth bordering fields helped to protect crops from rats. Placing
bunches of catnip plants in the duck and hen houses is also said to discourage rats to visit those places. Though
a Turkish study found catnip when eaten is an aphrodisiac for rats! (see below)
℘ Snake repellent: In medieval time
catnip was burned to create a fragrant
smoke to chase away serpents out of the
house that this plant is burned in.
℘ Aphrodisiac: While catnip is a well
known aphrodisiac for cats, it was also
thought to make women enticing to
men (and visa versa?) and used as a has
also been used in magical Woman’s
Love Herb. Practice included: carrying
catnip in a flannel bag, catnip bath,
face-wash or rinse to increase one's
attractiveness, and burning it as an
incense to attract a new lover.
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“Sprinkling powdered catnip leaves on the four corners of a bed is said to spice up one's sex-life, as well as
ensure their lover's devotion and fidelity!”
A 2011 research study had revealed the positive effect of Nepeta cataria on the sexual behavior of rats. In
this study, male rats were fed with food added with 10% catnip leaves for 4 hours and were monitored for
general activity and motor coordination. Results had demonstrated that catnip consumption increases male rat
sexual behavior, which is closely linked with the dopaminergic system. Researchers concluded that catnip thus
may have potential as a viable candidate for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. [2
℘ Feline attractant (see below)
Contraindications & Cautions:
Contraindicated larger doses in pregnancy as it has
emmenagogue properties (though small doses is generally
fine). There also traditional uses for nausea in pregnancy
and to stop contractions ( I know
Best used symptomatically for children. If used for a long
while in young children, catnip can have a narcotic effect.
As catnip induces perspiration, it is not recommended for
women who suffer from hot flashes and night sweats.
Catnip & Cats
'If you set it, the cats will eat it,
If you sow it, the cats don't know it.'
Information and studies forthcoming in future drafts
Catnip as Flower Essence
Catnip as a flower essence helps to harmonize body mind and spirit.
Catnip Nepeta cataria [Fox Mountain Essences] Stimulates visions and
dreamlike states for those seeking deeper inner journeys. Brings peaceful
state of bliss while observing life from within oneself. Helpful for those who
seem ditzy or spaced out. Brings soul understanding into form in the physical
world. (research)
Catnip Nepeta cataria [Aroma Health Texas Essences] enhances social
skills, making friends; and is indicated when changing schools, jobs and
homes. catnip helps reduce peer pressure and bullying from others. I also use
it with autistic and shy children and adults. Allow catnip to enhance
friendships and common bonds. Social inhibition of any kind calls for catnip.
Yellow Catnip Nepeta govaniana rebalances and calms the nervous system
while giving us a deeper understanding of the origins of stress. Learning to
see stress as a disconnection from the right flow of our life, we begin to look
for synchronicity and develop trust in Divine timing.
Catmint Nepeta [Faerie Flowers Essences] Enfolds in the Arms of Love. Catmint is like a warm hug, an
enveloping warm fuzzy blanket of safety and love that provides a context for life on purpose. With the support of
Catmint, you feel empowered to go out into the world and live your life-adventure, knowing within and around you
are always the arms of love. Catmint creates safety in intimacy, and gently frees you from the fears of exclusion or
humiliation that you too often expect from your intimate experiences with other consciousnesses of whatever realm.
Use Catmint when you are seeking to experience more joy and safety in your relationships, to soften the scar tissue
or remove the thorns that keep you from that freedom. Catmint establishes a whole new level of safety in
relationships.
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Catnip as Food & Drink
In France, the leaves and young shoots of catnip were used as a seasoning. By 1265 it was a familiar herb of
kitchen gardens in England. During the early medieval period the leaves and young shoots was also used as a
seasoning in the kitchen. In 15th century England, catnip leaves were used for rubbing meats before cooking, and
also sliced finely and added to green salads. (Try, as was once commonly practiced, mincing catnip leaves to rub
into meat, or add to salads and experience their delightful aromatic mint-like flavor.)
Before modern Chinese tea became widely available, catnip tea was frequently consumed in England.
Catnip Insect Repellant adapted from wellnessmama.com
Essential Oil Bug Spray Recipe
Essential oils: Catnip and also choose from other insect repellant scents: Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree,
Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Lavender, Mint
Natural Witch Hazel Distilled or boiled Water Vegetable glycerin (optional)
Method
Fill spray bottle (@ 8 ounce) ½ full with distilled or boiled water
Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top
Add 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin if using
Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be.
Bug Spray From Dried or Fresh Herbs
Distilled water Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol Dried herbs: catnip, peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, lavender
Method
Boil 1 cup of water and add 3-4 TBSP of dried herbs total in any combination from the above. (ex 1 TBSP each of catnip
peppermint, spearmint, and lavender, and also throw in a couple of dried cloves.)
Mix well, cover and let cool (covering is important to keep the volatile oils in!)
Strain herbs out and mix water with 1 cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Store in a spray bottle in a cool place (fridge is
great because then its nice and cool!) Use as needed. Added bonus: it smells great and is very refreshing to the skin!
Sources: [citations forthcoming]
1. Michael Moore, Medicine Plants Of The Mountain West (Santa Fe Museum of New Mexico Press)
2. Darryl Patton, Mountain Medicine, the herbal remedies of Tommie Bass
3. Matthew Wood, The Earthwise herbal vol1
4. Brigitte Mars, Desktop Guide To Herbal Medicine
5. Catnip monograph www.herbs-info.com/catnip
6. Hamel, P. B., & Chiltoskey, M. U. Cherokee plants and their uses. (1975).
7. Maude Grieve, A Modern Herbal (1931)
Gastrointestinal and respiratory studies
8. Gilani A. H., Shah A. J., Zubair A., Khalid S., Kiani J., Ahmed A., Rasheed M., & Ahmad V. U. (2009). Chemical
composition and mechanisms underlying the spasmolytic and bronchodilatory properties of the essential oil of Nepeta
cataria L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 121(3): 405–411. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.11.004.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19041706 (Catnip, especially the essential oil, has long been traditionally
regarded as an alternative treatment of several gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, such as colic, diarrhea,
cough, and asthma. Catnip exerts spasmolytic and myorelaxant actions through a blocking activity on the calcium
channels and inhibition of phosphodiesterase. Pharmacological and clinical evidence for this has been provided by
Gilani et al.’s (2009) study wherein the essential oil Nepeta cataria L. (Limiaceae) was chemically analyzed.)
Antimicrobial Studies
9. Nostro, A., Angela Cannatelli, M., Crisafi, G., & Alonzo, V. (2001). The effect of Nepeta cataria extract on adherence
and enzyme production of Staphylococcus aureus. International journal of antimicrobial agents, 18(6), 583-585.
10. Bourrel, C., Perineau, F., Michel, G., & Bessiere, J. M. (1993). Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) essential oil: analysis of
chemical constituents, bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 5(2), 159-167.
11. Adiguzel A., Ozer H., Sokmen M., Gulluce M., Sokmen A., Kilic H., Sahin F., & Baris O. (2009). Antimicrobial and
antioxidant activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of Nepeta cataria. Polish Journal of Microbiology, 58(1):
69–76. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19469289
12. Nostro A., Cannatelli M. A., Crisafi G., & Alonzo V. (2001). The effect of Nepeta cataria extract on adherence and
enzyme production of Staphylococcus aureus. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 18(6): 583–585.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11738350 (study focused on 44 Staphylococcus aureus strains (some resistant
to meticillin), the extract from catnip has also been determined to exhibit inhibitory effects on the DNAse,
thermonuclease, and lipase of Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations equal to 1/2 and 1/4 MIC)
www.EarthFlower.org 1 Union Square W. #309 NY, NY 10003 claudia@EarthFlower.org 917 -723-2309
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Repellant studies
13. Feaster J. E., Scialdone M. A., Todd R. G., Gonzalez Y. I., Foster J. P., Hallahan D. L. (2009) Dihydronepetalactones
deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. Journal of Medical Entomology, 46(4): 832–840.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19645285
14. Zhu J. J., Zeng X. P., Berkebile D., DU H. J., Tong Y., & Qian K. (2009). Efficacy and safety of catnip (Nepeta
cataria) as a novel filth fly repellent. Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 23(3): 209–216. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-
2915.2009.00809.x. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19712151
15. Peterson, C. J., & Ems-Wilson, J. (2003). Catnip essential oil as a barrier to subterranean termites (Isoptera:
Rhinotermitidae) in the laboratory. Journal of economic entomology, 96(4), 1275-1282.
16. Peterson C, Rowley W, Coats J. Catnip Essential Oil as a Mosquito Repellent. American Chemical Society’s 222nd
National Meeting, 2001 Aug 26-30; Chicago.
17. Erectile dysfunction (impotence). http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Erectile-dysfunction/Pages/Introduction.aspx
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