- Botanical Name: Nepeta Cataria
- Common Name(s): Catnip
- Habitat and Growing area: Probably originated in Europe but has grown wild since before anyone can remember in other parts of Europe. We have this plant growing on our farm.
- Pertinent Information on the Plant:
- Nervine (relaxant, sedative)
- Sedative (calm the nervous system and reduce stress and nervousness throughout the body)
- Relaxing Diaphoretics (induces the body to increase perspiration)
- Cold, fever and Flu remedy (sore throat)
- Bronchitis
- Carminative with anti spasmodic properties (are rich in volatile oils, stimulate the peristalsis of the digestive system and relax the stomach. Their most known function is aiding the release of gas and griping on the bowels)
- Eases stomach upsets, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic
- Diarrhea in children
- Insomnia
- Relieve pain (headaches)
- Teething (adults and children…make a frozen pop of herbal tea)
- Scratching and scaring (give nervine tea to child and put on socks and mits)
- Asthma
- Bitter
- Spasms
- Analgestics (relieve pain without casing loss of consciousness)
- Colic in babies
- Smoked for calming effects and insomnia
- Enemas (to relax and gently restore the tone of the bowels)
- Excites cats into a frenzy
Cautionary:
- Emetic (can cause vomiting if taken in large doses)
- Your personal experience with the plant. Include your personal experience of tasting it and its effect on you.
- Bitter, spicy, mint, lemon
- My “go to” for both mother and child during teething; saving mom a sleepless night and baby much suffering.
- The reference books used, author, page
Holistic Herbal
David Hoffmann
Pages 116, 145, 189
The way of Herbs
Michael Tierra
Pages 12, 15, 28, 32, 34, 37, 114, 22, 26
The complete Encyclopedia of Herbs
Nico Vermeulen
Pages 200
Family Herbal
Rosemary Gladstar
Pages 49, 170, 172, 175, 187, 320
Peterson Field Guide
Easter/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs
Steven Foster and James A. Duke
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