Growing Catnip

Long before true tea found its way to Europe people were brewing catnip tea. It was used medicinally and just as a soothing warm drink. It was often given to children to calm them and help them sleep. Since Catnip actually has simulative properties the tea probably soothed the colic pains that were keeping crabby children awake. It still makes a safe and soothing tea.

In some areas of France Catnip was also used as a cooking herb and flavoring. And of course most people know of the stimulating effect Catnip has on cats. Catnip has also been used to discourage rats, who are said to avoid areas where it grows.

The common Catnip, Nepeta cataria is native to the Mediterranean area of Europe, but has spread throughout Europe and North America and many other places, where it grows freely as a weed. The genus Nepeta has many species, some of which are called catmints and are grown as ornamental plants. In this article however we are talking about true catnip, used in many herbal remedies and to excite lazy cats.

Catnip or Catmint?
The names are often used interchangeably but Catnip is a member of the mint family. Like most mints it has a square stem. The catnip stem is covered with fine hairs and grows woody near the base as it ages. The leaves of common catnip are heart-shaped, gray green and have a scalloped edge. They are covered with soft hairs and appear downy.

The catnip flowers are small spikes of white flowers with tiny purple dots on the throat, and not very showy. In good conditions catnip can grow to 5 foot high and 3 feet wide. The plant is tough and spreads rapidly by seed through the garden, popping up everywhere.

Catnip is a perennial that dies down to the roots each winter and then returns quite vigorously in the spring. It is hardy to at least zone 4 and probably further.

Growing Catnip
If you have trouble growing catnip you truly have a brown thumb. Catnip grows just about anywhere, in any type of soil, in full sun and partial shade. It grows in dry or wet areas. For growing as an herb plant it in full sun and keep it on the dry side, to concentrate the medicinal oils.

Most people will buy plants if they can't find a place to pull up a seedling. Don't fertilize it. It doesn't need it and the medicinal qualities may suffer.

Using Catnip Medicinally
Catnip tea is used to calm the digestive system and relieve gas pains. It induces perspiration and is used as a fever remedy and as a headache remedy. Warm bruised leaves are also used as a poultice on wounds and boils. Catnip has also been used in strong concentrations to bring on menstruation.

The active chemical ingredient is nepetalactone. The flower buds have the highest concentration of this chemical but leaves are also used to make tea. Never bring catnip leaves and buds to a boil as this destroys the medicinal action. Instead gently steep it as one does green tea. Fresh leaves and buds can be used for tea or dried leaves. About a half cup of bruised leaves and buds or a couple teaspoons of dried herb are used to a cup of water. Catnip tea is available in most stores now.

Catnip oil is being tested as a mosquito repellent.

Cats and Catnip
Not all cats are affected by catnip. About 15% of cats lack a gene that makes them respond to catnip. Cats must be sexually mature to be interested also. The smell of catnip affects them like a hormone. Some eat it, some roll on it, some go crazy and wild on it, others are barely affected. It does not hurt them but it can hurt your house if the cat goes on a drugged rampage.

Some wild cat species are attracted to catnip and some are not. Bobcats and cougars appear to be interested but tigers and possibly lions are not. A catnip "trip" will last about 15 minutes and after that it will take a while before the cat will react again. Cats may pass right by catnip plants in the garden but will go nuts for it when a plant is bruised or pulled.

Cautions
Catnip is fairly safe as far as dosage is concerned. You would have to drink large quanities before it became toxic and you would vomit long before that. If you are taking prescription medications check with your doctor before taking herbal rememdies.