Catnip


Catnip

There are about 250 species of perennials, and a few annuals, in this genus, occuring in a variety of habitats in all but tropical regions of the northern hemisphere. The true catmint, Nepeta cataria, is a medicinal herb with little merit as a garden plant, though widely grown in herb gardens. Its names refer to the stimulant effect it has on most cats, which eat and roll in the plant with obvious pleasure. The constituent responsible for this effect is thought to be actinidine, an iridoid glycoside, similar to that found in Valeriana officinalis (See, Valerian). Some cats do not respond to catmint, perhaps because the response may be genetically determined. The hybrid N. x faassenii, commonly known as "catmint", is a popular ornamental but has less effects on some cats and no medicinal properties. Nepeta cataria contains citronellal (as found in Melissa officinalis, See, Lemon Balm), pulegone (as found in Mentha pulegium, See, Pennyroyal) and thymol (as found in Thymus vulgaris, See, Thyme). The closely related Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Japanese catnip, Jing jie) is used in Chinese medicine for hemorrhages, especially postnatal bleeding and heavy menstruation, colds, measles, and nettle rash. It is an attractive plant with lobed, divided leaves, and dense spikes of light purple flowers; the foliage is aromatic, with a pennyroyal-like fragrance. Research has shown that Japanese catnip increases surface blood flow.

Catnip, best known for the euphoric effect it has on cats, acts as a mild sedative in humans, making it useful for soothing the nervous system and easing cramps. It also helps to calm an upset stomach and ease diarrhea and colic. In the form of a hot infusion, catnip promotes sweating, which can help ease colds and flu.

Pungent, hairy perennial with erect, branched, stems and gray-green, ovate, toothed leaves, to 7cm (3in) long. White, purple-spotted, tubular flowers are borne in whorls in summer.


Common Name:
Catnip
Other Names:
Catmint, catswort, field balm
Botanical Name:
Nepeta cataria
Genus:
Nepeta
Family:
Lamiaceae
Native Location:
Europe, SW and C Asia
Cultivation:
Moist, well-drained soil in sun. Seedlings reach flowering size in the first year. Cut back hard for second harvest. Powdery mildew may damage leaves. Nepeta cataria is said to repel cabbage pests, aphids (including peach aphids), flea beetles, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and ants, if planted among garden plants and vegetables.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn; by division in spring or autumn; by stem-tip or softwood cuttings in early summer.
Harvest:
Plants are cut when in bud and dried for use in infusions. Leaves are picked when young for culinary purposes and used fresh or dried.
Height:
30cm-1.5m (1-5ft)
Width:
23-90cm (9-36in)
Variations:
Citriodora
Is smaller growing and lemon-scented. Often preferred for tea; and less attractive to cats.
Height: 30cm-1m (1-3ft)
Width: 23-60cm (9-24in)
Hardiness:
Z4-9
Parts Used:
Whole plant, leaves, stems, flower
Properties:
A bitter, astringent, cooling herb with a camphoraceous, pennyroyal-thyme aroma. It lowers fever, relaxes spasms, increases perspiration, and has carminative and sedative effects.
Vitamin Content:
Thiamin
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for feverish illnesses (especially colds, and influenza), insomnia, excitability, palpitations, nervous indigestion, diarrhea, stomach upsets, colic, and digestion-related headaches. May be combined with Achillea millefolium (See, yarrow) and Sambucus nigra (See, Elder) for feverish stages of colds and influenza, and with Glechoma hederacea (See, Ground Ivy) for congestive stages. Externally for hemorrhoids, and as a rub for rheumatism and arthritis.
To treat colds, fever, colic, migraine headaches, gynecological disorders, and nervous disorders.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of catnip is two 300 mg capsules three times daily at meals.
Possible Side Effects:
Catnip's side effects include vomiting and headache.
Drug Interactions:
Taking catnip with these drugs may cause excessive sedation and mental depression and inpairment:
Alprazolam, (Apo-Alpraz, Xanax) Amitriptyline, (Elavil, Levate) Amoxapine, (Asendin)
Bupropion, (Wellbutrin, Zyban) Buspirone, (BuSpar, Nu-Buspirone) Clonazepam, (Klonopin, Rivotril)
Cyclobenzaprine, (Flexeril, Novo-Cycloprine) Desipramine, (Alti-Desipramine, Norpramin) Diazepam, (Apo-Diazepam, Valium)
Diphenhydramine, (Benadryl Allergy, Nytol) Doxepin, (Sinequan, Zonalon) Fluoxetine, (Prozac, Sarafem)
Fluphenazine, (Modecate, Prolixin) Flurazepam, (Apo-Flurazepam, Dalmane) Imipramine, (Apo-Imipramine, Tofranil)
Lorazepam, (Ativan, Nu-Loraz) Metoclopramide, (Apo-Metaclop, Reglan) Midazolam, (Apo-Midazolam, Versed)
Morphine Hydrochloride, (Morphine Hydrochloride) Morphine Sulfate, (Kadian, MS Contin) Nefazodone, (Serzone)
Nortriptyline, (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor) Olanzapine, (Zydis, Zyprexa) Oxazepam, (Novoxapam, Serax)
Oxcarbazepine, (Trileptal) Prochlorperazine, (Compazine, Compro) Propoxyphene, (Darvon, Darvon-N)
Quetiapine, (Seroquel) Risperidone, (Risperdal) Temazepam, (Restoril, Novo-Temazepam)
Tramadol, (Ultram) Triazolam, (Apo-Triazo, Halcion) Zolpidem, (Ambien)
Disease Interactions:
May worsen cases of pelvic inflammatory disease and extra-heavy menstrual bleeding.
Supplement Interactions:
May enhance therapeutic and adverse effects of herbs, and supplements that have sedative properties, such as 5-HTP, Kava Kava, St. John's Wort, and Valerian.
Culinary Uses:
Leaves are infused for a mint-like tea (lemon-scented in the case of 'Citriodora'), and added salads, sauces, and stews.
Economic Uses:
Dried catnip is used to stuff cat toys.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2005. Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 288.
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright ©2007 Barry Fox,PhD PP.134-135