Catnip

Catnip is a perennial herb. It is a member of the Mint family Labiatae it is also a distant relation of marijuana. It is well known for it's ability to get cat's high. It is native to Europe & Asia however has become naturalised in America & Canada after being introduced. There are approximately 250 species of Catnip and this figure doesn't include hybrid species. Some of the more readily available ones are:

Common Catnip (Nepeta cataria) White flowers grows up to 3 feet. This is the variety most cats enjoy.

Camphor Catnip (Nepeta camphorata) White flowers with purple dots grows up to 18 inches. Camphor scent.

Greek Catnip (Nepeta parnassica) White pale pink flowers grows up to 18 inches.

Lemon Catnip (Nepeta cataria citriodora) White flowers spotted with purple grows up to 3 feet. The leaves have a lemony scent.

Catmint (Nepeta mussinii) Purple flowers. This plant has smallish grey/green leaves. It grows up to 15 inches high.

The name Nepeta is believed to have come from the town of Nepete in Italy. Cataria is thought to have come from the Latin word for cat.

Catnip is also known by the following names: Cataria Catmint Catnep Catrup Cat's Heal All Cat's-play Cat's Wort Catswort Catwort Chi Hsueh Tsao Field Balm Garden Nep Herba Cataria Herba Catti Nebada Nep.

The active ingredient which causes this is an essential oil called nepetalactone which can be found in the leaves & stem of the plant. Other constituents include Acetic Acid Alpha & beta-nepetalactone Citral Nepetalactone Geraniol Dipentene Citronellol Nerol Butyric Acid Valeric Acid and Tannins.

Catnip is considered a useful treatment for fevers and colds. It is also used to ease cramps and it is believed to have sedative properties that can remedy nervous disorders and migraine headache.

Catnip

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Herbs and Herbal Remedies

Catnip

Catnip

Catnip