Nepeta cataria – cut flowering tops

Native to Europe, catnip grows easily in dry, sunny soils. Its reputation comes partly from its attractive effect on cats, but it is also used in folk herbalism for its digestive and relaxing qualities. Its light, minty aroma makes it a pleasant infusion.

Description

Cut aerial parts, composed of green leaves, thin stems and flowering tops. Pleasant, minty scent, mild, slightly lemony taste. Light, dry texture.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Catnip, catnip, catmint
• Latin name: Nepeta cataria
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Part used: Aerial parts
• Shape: Cut, dry
• Origin: Europe, temperate Asia, North America (naturalized)
• English name: Catnip
• German name: Katzenminze
• Name in Spanish: Hierba gatera
• Name in Italian: Erba gatta
• Name in Arabic: نعناع البساتين (Naʻnāʿ al-Basātīn)

Main virtues

Traditionally used for its calming properties, catnip is often incorporated into evening or digestive teas. It is also used in herbal baths, scented sachets, or soothing botanical blends for external use.

Main constituents

Nepetalactone (essential oil), flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons for 250 ml of simmering water, infuse for 10 minutes.
• Bath: concentrated decoction added to bath water.
• Home use: scented sachet or dried plant for cat cushion.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• To be consumed moderately and occasionally.
• Not recommended for pregnant women without medical advice.
• Keep out of reach of animals if not intended for their use.

History and origin

Used since ancient times in medicinal gardens, catnip features in medieval pharmacopoeias and home wellness recipes. Its popularity among felines has contributed to its domestic cultivation, but its human uses remain just as varied.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in a dry place, away from light, in an airtight bag or opaque jar.
• Packaging: loose, cut herbal medicine.
• Appearance: dry, green, flowery fragments.
• Smell: minty, fresh, slightly lemony.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• European herbaria and ancient botanical treatises
• Corpus of medieval herbalist traditions
• Family herbal medicine books

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