(Nepeta cataria)

For human use!

So easy to grow and harvest, so rich in nutrients and medicinal properties, and completely ignored by humans! Catnip herb is high in Chromium, Manganese, Potassium, and Selenium. It has been traditionally used to treat fevers, gas, insomnia, indigestion, nervousness, and it is also safe for children. It is also easy to grow in the garden or landscape .

It is excellent to give to children to calm excitability and hyperactivity. It also restores the tone of the bowels, promotes digestion, and can stop diarrhea. It is great for fevers and colds. It is mild and gentle enough to use for teething or colicky infants, but strong enough to help an adult get a good night sleep or to stop heartburn.

It is best used in tea form.

Member Tip*

 Catnip herb, organic and dried can be ordered from Frontier, you must set up a food club account to order online.  I will also have plants this year.  If you would like to reserve one, you may email me at christy@heartlandherbalist.com.   

Tea Recipe:  Add 1 oz of dried leaves to two cups of boiling water. Cover.  Sip when cool enough to drink. Sweeten with honey (for 2 yrs and older children) or stevia.  For insomnia, drink one cup  before bedtime.
For infants: Add 1 Tablespoon of dried herbs to one cup of boiling water. Administer Two Tablespoons of tea every 30 minutes until symptoms subside, or soak wash cloths or soft toys in tea and freeze for teething babies.

A weak tea is great for teething or colicky infants.

In the Garden

Catnip is one of the easiest plants to grow and can be purchased almost anywhere. It has thrived in full sun and partial shade in my garden. It’s one of the first plants to grow in spring, and the last one to bloom in summer.   It can quickly take over a garden area in a matter of years, so keep this in mind when choosing a spot.

To Preserve Catnip for Tea:

Cut catnip stems frequently and hang them in bunches upside down to dry in a warm, dry place. After leaves are completely dry remove them from stems. Store in a glass jar for up to one year.