Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria

Common Name:

English: Catnip
Also, known as: Nep, Cat’s Wort, Catnep, Katzenkraut, Catswort, Cataire, Nébeda, Cataria, Catmint, Chi-hsueh-ts’ao, Cataire, Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Chataire, Field Balm, Herbe à Chat, Herbe aux Chats, Hierba Gatera, Menta de Gato, Menthe des Chats, Nepeta cataria

Origin: Ukraine

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Whole plant

General Information:

This perennial herb is naturalized in the United States and found in all parts. The root is perennial and sends up square, erect and branched stems, 2 to 3 feet high, which are very leafy and covered with a mealy down. The square, erect branching stems are covered with fine whitish hairs; leaves 1–2½ in. Long with heart-shaped or oblong, pointed apex, the top side green with grayish-green and whitish hairs underneath. The flowers grow on short footstalks in dense whorls, which towards the summit of the stem are so close as almost to form a spike. Flowering in June to September with whitish corolla, purple dotted sectioned lips, and lobes make up the conformation of the bloom. The calyx tube has fifteen ribs, a distinguishing feature of the genus Nepeta, to which this species belongs.

Faintly mint aromatic, with bitter taste. The plant has an aromatic, characteristic odor, which bears a certain resemblance to that of both Mint and Pennyroyal. The names catnip and catmint are derived from the intense attraction most cats have towards them. It is owing to this scent that it has a strange fascination for cats, who will destroy any plant of it that may happen to be bruised.

In France, the leaves and young shoots are used for seasoning, and it is regularly grown amongst kitchen herbs for the purpose. Both there and in this country, it has an old reputation for its value as a medicinal herb.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herb to any super food herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, gives you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Catnip Herb Powder