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Description
Catnip is a short lived herbaceous perennial, growing 2–3 feet tall and wide. It resembles mint in appearance by having the characteristic square stem that members of the Lamiaceae plant family has, but with grey-green foliage. The coarse-toothed leaves are triangular to ovate.
The small two-lipped bilabiate flowers can be white and finely spotted with pale purple or pink. They are showy and fragrant. The plant blooms from late spring through autumn.
For Cats
Catnip is known for its behavioral effects on the cat family, not only on domestic cats but also other species of cats. The physiology of catnip intoxication is not understood. Catnip is used as a recreational substance for pet cats' enjoyment and catnip and catnip-laced products designed for use with domesticated cats are available to consumers. Not all cats are affected by catnip. The common behaviors when cats sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip are rubbing on the plant, rolling on the ground, pawing at it, licking it, and chewing it. Consuming much of the plant is followed by drooling, sleepiness, anxiety, leaping about and purring. Some will growl, meow, scratch, or bite the hand holding it. Some cats will eat dried catnip; often eating too much can cause cats to be aggressive, typically making them hiss.
Although the physiology of intoxication is not well understood, obvious biologic and psychotropic effects demonstrate the plant should be treated like any pharmacological substance. Large doses may induce undesired effects in the cat.
For Humans
Young leaves of catnip are edible raw. Catnip leaves are used to add flavor to sauces, soups and stews. The dried leaves, seeds or powdered roots can be used as herbal tea. The tea should be infused in a closed container in order to preserve the essential oils, boiling is said to spoil it.
Medical Uses
The leaves and flowering tops of catnip are strongly antispasmodic, and have agents that prevent or relieve cough, cause tissue to contract, relieve and remove gas from the digestive system, induce sweating, reduce fever, give strength and tone to the stomach, to a slight extent promote or assist the flow of menstrual fluid, and are slightly stimulant, sedative and tonic.
Leaves of catnip can be chewed to alleviate toothache. Catnip tea has been shown to have anti-cholinergic effects and has been used to relieve intestinal cramps and gas discomforts. Taken as hot infusion, catnip promotes sweating and is beneficial for cure of colds, flu and fevers. Catnip is believed to help prevent miscarriage and pre-mature birth and allay morning sickness. Catnip has been used for relief of insomnia. The juice of catnip leaves can be used to stimulate menstrual flow.
Other Uses
Catnip oil can be used as natural insecticide. Thymol extracted from catnip can be used as fungicide and preservative. Thymol is a crystalline phenol with aromatic odor and antiseptic properties.
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepeta_cataria
http://montana.plant-life.org/species/nepeta_cata.htm
Recipes
http://catnipsum.com/blog/catnipsum-spotted/catnip-recipes-treats-for-you-your-cat/1357
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only. Plant Sale does not and can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Plant Sale makes no claims to the medicinal/edible effects of these plants. In fact, plants may be harmful or even deadly if taken for the wrong conditions, used in excessive amounts, or combined with other drugs. Consult your doctor about your health conditions and the use of plant-based remedies. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally/edibly. The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Use information wisely and at your own risk.
Catnip is a short lived herbaceous perennial, growing 2–3 feet tall and wide. It resembles mint in appearance by having the characteristic square stem that members of the Lamiaceae plant family has, but with grey-green foliage. The coarse-toothed leaves are triangular to ovate.
The small two-lipped bilabiate flowers can be white and finely spotted with pale purple or pink. They are showy and fragrant. The plant blooms from late spring through autumn.
For Cats
Catnip is known for its behavioral effects on the cat family, not only on domestic cats but also other species of cats. The physiology of catnip intoxication is not understood. Catnip is used as a recreational substance for pet cats' enjoyment and catnip and catnip-laced products designed for use with domesticated cats are available to consumers. Not all cats are affected by catnip. The common behaviors when cats sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip are rubbing on the plant, rolling on the ground, pawing at it, licking it, and chewing it. Consuming much of the plant is followed by drooling, sleepiness, anxiety, leaping about and purring. Some will growl, meow, scratch, or bite the hand holding it. Some cats will eat dried catnip; often eating too much can cause cats to be aggressive, typically making them hiss.
Although the physiology of intoxication is not well understood, obvious biologic and psychotropic effects demonstrate the plant should be treated like any pharmacological substance. Large doses may induce undesired effects in the cat.
For Humans
Young leaves of catnip are edible raw. Catnip leaves are used to add flavor to sauces, soups and stews. The dried leaves, seeds or powdered roots can be used as herbal tea. The tea should be infused in a closed container in order to preserve the essential oils, boiling is said to spoil it.
Medical Uses
The leaves and flowering tops of catnip are strongly antispasmodic, and have agents that prevent or relieve cough, cause tissue to contract, relieve and remove gas from the digestive system, induce sweating, reduce fever, give strength and tone to the stomach, to a slight extent promote or assist the flow of menstrual fluid, and are slightly stimulant, sedative and tonic.
Leaves of catnip can be chewed to alleviate toothache. Catnip tea has been shown to have anti-cholinergic effects and has been used to relieve intestinal cramps and gas discomforts. Taken as hot infusion, catnip promotes sweating and is beneficial for cure of colds, flu and fevers. Catnip is believed to help prevent miscarriage and pre-mature birth and allay morning sickness. Catnip has been used for relief of insomnia. The juice of catnip leaves can be used to stimulate menstrual flow.
Other Uses
Catnip oil can be used as natural insecticide. Thymol extracted from catnip can be used as fungicide and preservative. Thymol is a crystalline phenol with aromatic odor and antiseptic properties.
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepeta_cataria
http://montana.plant-life.org/species/nepeta_cata.htm
Recipes
http://catnipsum.com/blog/catnipsum-spotted/catnip-recipes-treats-for-you-your-cat/1357
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only. Plant Sale does not and can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Plant Sale makes no claims to the medicinal/edible effects of these plants. In fact, plants may be harmful or even deadly if taken for the wrong conditions, used in excessive amounts, or combined with other drugs. Consult your doctor about your health conditions and the use of plant-based remedies. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally/edibly. The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Use information wisely and at your own risk.