Catnip Herb - Herbal Tea

Catnip Herb

Catnip is a member of the mint family and is widely known as a feline treat that will give our feline friends a pleasant safe ‘high’. Known as a flowering weed Catnip flowers are white, pink, blue or lavender and bloom in clusters.

The effect of Catnip on felines is a hereditary thing and if a mother cat is not interested in Catnip the offspring often will not be either. Cats that are affected will often paw at the plant, roll over it, leap about and purr or even growl and the effects will last up to 2 hours.

Catnip oil is being studied in its ability to repel insects such as mosquitoes and even cockroaches and studies are suggesting it may be up to 10 times more effective in repelling insects in test tubes than the commonly used DEET; however, not as effective when used on skin.

Catnip Tea

Catnip has medicinal qualities to it and is mild enough that it can be used with children as well as adults. A tea is prepared by steeping 2 teaspoons of dried Catnip in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes; dilute this by ½ for infants and children.

Catnip Uses & Herbal Remedies

A mild Catnip tea can be used in infants to relieve colic or children to relieve stomach discomfort as well as a mild sedative.

A stronger Catnip tea has been found to help relieve fevers due to colds and flu and even calm the stomach.

Catnip oil can be used to repel insects and has been used on carpets and animals to repel fleas.

Catnip Folklore

Catnip was once believed to cure children of evil hexes who are prone to fits; probably due to its sedative effect.

Catnip Cautions

Caution should be made if using Catnip as an insect repellant if you are allergic to cats as the use of Catnip topically may increase your attraction to cats.

Catnip is thought to be a safe herb when used topically or when ingested.

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