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Family – Lamiaceae (mint family)
Common names: catnip, catmint, catswort, field balm, odu ngwele (Igbo) and egba owo opolo (Yoruba).
A short-lived perennial, herbaceous plant that can be found in dumps, parking lots, old homesites, field edges, roadsides, railroads, shores, flower beds and disturbed sites. Catnip has green to gray-green foliage on erect, branched stems and a rangy habit. Like other members of the mint family, it has the characteristic square stems of mint plants and opposite leaves with one-inch petioles. The light green stems and petioles are covered with fine hairs. The triangular to ovate leaves are up to 3 inches long with coarse teeth along the edges and are cordate at the base. They emit a mint odor when crushed. Both upper and lower surfaces are covered with fine hairs, and a reticulated network of veins is clearly visible on the upper side. The small, bilabiate flowers are fragrant and are either pink in colour or white with fine spots of pale purple. Plants can grow up to three feet tall and wide under ideal conditions and may form colonies from the short rhizomes.
Though considered a weed for animals, catnip offers many healing gifts to mankind. The plant has been consumed as a tisane, juice, tincture, infusion, or poultice, and sniff.
Part used: leaves, flowers, and roots
The medicinal importance of this plant derives from its active principles such as flavonoids, including caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, coumaric acid; volatile compounds like nepetalactone, thymol, pinene; iridoid glycosides, etc. Packed with these chemical properties, catnip may have the following health benefits:
Insomnia – catnip with its calming sedative effect can speed your journey to dream land. It makes a relaxing and soothing tea. Whether you’re feeling jittery from too much coffee or stress, catnip can help calm this excitable, restless state and release tension in the body. The compound responsible for catnip’s effects is nepetalactone. It also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, phosphorus, manganese as well as vitamins A, B, and C. Its natural carminative properties are highly beneficial for those who suffer from sleeplessness. Enjoy it in the form of a warm tea before bed with a little bit of honey to get you relaxed, drowsy, and ready for bed. To make catnip tea, place 1-2 tablespoons of the dried leaves in a teacup and cover with hot water. Steep for 10 minutes, covered, and then add honey if you desire. Catnip is also safe for treating irritability and restless sleep in toddlers and babies.
Vomiting- the volatile oil in this minty herb helps relieve spasms and may help allay bouts of vomiting- when the flu sneaks up on you, for example, or when you have over indulged with fatty, spicy foods or too much alcohol. Make a tea by steeping one Tbsp of the dried leaves in a teacup of freshly boiled water. Strain, then take small sips while it’s still warm.
Upset stomach – With its ability to relieve spasming and cramping, antispasmodic properties, catnip can ease stomach ache, bloating, gas, and excess flatulence. When gas gets trapped in the intestine, it can really be painful, but you can relieve the discomfort with a simple belly rub containing catnip and other antispasmodic herbs like lavender and mint. Add four to six drops of catnip and lavender/mint tincture to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and then gradually massage it into your abdomen in a clockwise motion.
Catnip is a carminative, helping to remove air stuck in the intestines by pushing it downwards until it’s expelled from the body. The relaxing, anti-inflammatory effects of Catnip’s organic compounds can ease the knots and inflammation of the gastrointestinal system and relieve tightness and discomfort.
Pain and menstrual cramps – catnip also eases muscle tension and cramping in the uterus. Pairing catnip tincture with ginger makes for fantastic uterine and muscle cramping herbal formula.
Bug bites- In addition to treating bites and stings, catnip naturally prevents them. Thanks to its powerful oil -nepatalactone, which according to some studies is more effective at deterring insects than most insecticides, which may even cause rashes, lethargy, muscle spasms, and nausea. Nepetalactone is a mosquito and fly repellent. I reminisced about vacations in my hometown as I wrote this article. My late grandma would place some minty herbs, I believe, consisting of catnip, bush mint (hyptis suaveolens), and basil (nchuanwu in Igbo) on our windowsill to repel mosquitoes. Did it really work?
Wounds – the herb possesses antiseptic attributes that are effective in treating skin afflictions. Catnip contains high levels of tannins, which help to accelerate the process of repairing damaged tissues and stop hemorrhages from grazes and cuts. The tannins are also useful in curing burn injuries and scalds, insect bites, piles, and skin problems accompanied by inflammations.
Fevers and cold -catnip is classed as a “diaphoretic” herb, meaning it can induce perspiration without raising body temperature to help break a fever. Drinking it hot, as a tea will help enhance its effects. A hot catnip infusion works as an excellent antiseptic inhalant and as a remedy for sore throats, coughs, colds and flu, in addition to working as a decongestant to alleviate sinusitis and catarrh as well as taming asthma.
Catnip tea is slightly bitter and has a minty, earthy taste. You may add lemon juice, honey, or sweetener of your choice to improve the flavor. Enjoy!
