BeWell Bohemia Herbs & Things
Herbal Monograph, by Brooke Criswell
Catnip - Nepeta cataria
While many folks are familiar with catnip as a cat’s treat, they may not be aware of its relationship with humans. I have long loved the scent and flavor of catnip tea, and value its benefits on the nervous system. Catnip is rich in a variety of constituents, which have been researched.
According to the Pharmacognosy of Nepeta Cataria, an academic article investigating the scientific composition of catnip, published in 1995, states, “Leaves and flowering tops, which contain tannin and volatile oil are aromatic, carminative, tonic, diaphoretic, refrigerant, emmenagogue, antiseptic, and stimulant; leaves are sometimes chewed to relieve a toothache.”1 While many of those terms may be unfamiliar to you, it does show the many and varied effects catnip compounds have on people.
A study conducted in 2017, results of which were published in the article, Sustainable Manufacture of Insect Repellents derived from Nepeta cataria, showed effective results.2
Maybe you are not interested in all this scientific journal stuff, and prefer I just share what I have learned. So I shall share. Catnip relaxes the nervous system and promotes calm, alleviates anxiety, ameliorates restlessness, and supports positive mood. The effect is mild enough for use with children; therefor catnip makes a great friend to chamomile.
Catnip, though to humble to boast, holds a long history of use among various cultures. Mountain Rose Herbs, a reputable herb source, asserts on their website, “Catnip was part of American folk medicine and Native American healing systems, and employed as a gentle tea for children in cases of occasional upset stomach or sleeplessness. Catnip was used by the Hoh, Delaware, and Iroquois tribes for children's complaints due to its mild nature. The Cherokee used the plant similarly to other indigenous groups and also considered it to be an overall strengthening tonic. They chose this herb when a relaxant was needed in cases of irritability or sleeplessness, just like the Europeans.”3
In addition to the most excellent interactions with the nervous system, catnip impacts the digestive system by calming upset tummy, lessening the upward fire feeling associated with indigestion or heartburn sensation. Catnip also facilitates perspiration, thereby having a cooling effect and helping the body handle a fever.4
Catnip is easy to grow showing the same assertiveness in the garden as many other members of the mint family. Not shy to spread, you may find it best controlled in a container or raised bed. Or, plant it and await its abundant generosity.
Garden Use
Growing Conditions
Grows as an herbaceous perennial (top growth dies back, roots remain alive)
zones 3 to 8
Member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family
Catnip prefers:
- Moderately rich, loamy to sandy, well-draining soil
- Full sun
- Tolerates partial shade
- pH range 6.3 to 7.3
- Drought tolerant 5
Plant size and spacing
Will grow 1 to 3 feet tall
Spreads aggressively
Best controlled in container or raised bed
Companion Planting Affiliations
Catnip is an herb noted for repelling certain garden pests, and therefore an ally to other plants.6
Pests repelled by catnip:
- Aphids
- Colorado potato beetle
- Cucumber beetle
- Flea beetle
- Japanese beetle
- Squash bug
Because of its growth habit, catnip may also attract beneficial insects who like “dark, cool, moist spots.”6
Care notes
Water catnip regularly, especially until established; however, be sure not to over water. Allow soil to dry slightly between watering. Once the plant is established in the ground, roots strong, watering should only be necessary during long spates of dryness.
If catnip is in a container, the plant will require regular watering, and occasional feeding.
Herbal Use
Parts Used
Leaves, stems, and flowers are used medicinally
When to Harvest
Gather leaves, stems, and flowers before the seeds begin to develop. 7
Catnip, though not especially noted for its flowers, blooms from late spring to midsummer. Paying attention to bloom can inform when the plant is harvested.
The leaves and stems can be harvested at any time, often multiple times a season. If the catnip plant is cut back (harvested) after the initial flowering, the plant may bush out and yield another harvest later in the growing season.
How to Prepare
- make an excellent tea - from either fresh or dried plant material
- Boil water
- Place 2 tsp of fresh chamomile flowers or 1 tsp of dried catnip leaves per 8 oz water into teapot, press, thermos, or mason jar
- Pour boiling water over blooms
- Cover (this is very important, for if uncovered the constituents will rise with the steam, and you will have a less flavorful, less potent cup of chamomile tea)
- Allow to steep for 10 minutes
- Strain and Enjoy!
You can blend catnip with many other herbs to create delicious tea blends. The options are many, and open to your taste and creativity.
- Make a soothing blend of catnip, chamomile, and passionflower to support relaxation and restful sleep.
- Combine catnip, fennel, dandelion leaf (or root) for a digestive support tonic.
Catnip can be made into a delightful cat treat
- Pick of a leaf or stem and give directly to cat
- Crush leaf or stem gently to release aromatic constituents
- Crumble dried plant material between fingers
- Spread on fabric, cardboard scratchpad, toy, or even the floor for cats to enjoy
Pair ginger and catnip for a blend that helps address nausea or queasiness (in people or animals). 7
- Use powdered form to make pellet form
- Pulverize catnip with mortar and pestle (or coffee grinder)
- Combine with powdered ginger root
- Add drop of honey and roll three ingredients into a little pellet
- Eat (or give to pet)
- Use plant parts to make tea
- For people
- Make a decoction of ginger root
- Sliced 1 inch of fresh ginger root
- Place in pot of 12 oz water
- Heat to simmer
- Simmer 30 minutes with lid on so water does not evaporate (or start with 18-20 oz water if not have tight fitting lid, still cover pot so constituents remain in water rather than evaporate with steam)
- Turn off heat
- Make catnip infusion
- Add to ginger infused water 1 heaping tsp catnip
- Cover and let sit 10 minutes
- Strain and enjoy
- For animals - same as above, only instead of water use bone broth base
Cautions/Considerations
Do not ingest the seeds! Be sure to harvest plant before seeds begin to form. If you are at all concerned about your timing, then err on the the side of harvest before plant is in flower. The leaves and stems provide the constituents even if no flowers are in the blend.
Avoid high doses when pregnant or on pregnant animals. A cup of tea is fine, just not medicinal doses throughout day.
Bibliography
- Patience, Gregory S., et al. “Sustainable Manufacture of Insect Repellents Derived from Nepeta Cataria.” Scientific Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, 2018, doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18141-z.
- Sarkar, M. et all. “Pharmacognosy of Nepeta Cataria.” Ancient Science of Life, vol XIV, April 1995, pages 225-234.
- “Mountain Rose Herbs: Catnip.” – Mountain Rose Herbs, www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/catnip/profile.
- Wells, Katie. “Benefits of Catnip & How to Use It | Wellness Mama.” Wellness Mama®, 23 Jan. 2019, wellnessmama.com/4525/catnip-herb-profile/.
- Beaulieu, David. “How to Grow Catnip: It Might Not Make Your Cat Tipsy!” The Spruce, TheSpruce, 30 Mar. 2019, www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-catnip-plants-2132328.
- Kowalchik, Claire, et al. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Rodale Press, 1987.
- Wulff-Tilford, Mary, and Gregory Tilford. All YOu Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Bowtie Press, 1999.
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