Catnip - Organic

Catnip Nepeta cataria

Commonly known as Catnip, Catmint. Originally from Eurasia, it grows wild in many parts of Australia & New Zealand in open, sunny or semi-shady places.

Part Used:

Flowering tops/foliage

Active Constituents are:

• Volatile oil (up to 0.7% including nepetalactone [80-90%], camphor, humulene, thymol, carvacrol, citronellal

• Tannins

• Bitter principle (iridoids)

Nutritional constituents:

• Vitamin A

• B Complex

• Vitamins C

• Magnesium

• Manganese

• Phosphorus

• Sodium

• Sulphur (traces of)

Main Actions are:

• Diaphoretic - (volatile oil), an agent that produces perspiration and increases elimination through the skin, often used in reducing fevers.

• Carminative - (volatile oil), an agent which improves digestion and relieves the discomfort of flatulence and colic.

• Spasmolytic - (volatile oil), an agent that counteracts or relieves convulsions or spasmodic pains.

• Sedative - (volatile oil), an agent that relaxes and reduces nerve conduction.

• Antidiarrhoeal - (tannins), an agent that slows down digestion, reduces fluid loss, decreases how often you pass loose or watery stools

Thymol within is a potent antifungal, an antiseptic and anthelmintic. It is a mucous membrane irritant in large quantities. Camphor is a stimulant to digestive secretion and peristalsis, at the same time relaxing sphincters. It is also a stimulant to the circulation, respiration and the central nervous system. It is what makes Nepeta a diaphoretic and antipyretic. Locally it is rubefacient and when inhaled stimulates mucus production. Citronellal is sedative.

Used traditionally in the following areas:

Nepeta is a relaxing herb, and like Valerian its iridoids have been found to directly affect cats through the olfactory nerve causing a type of intoxication so that cats seek out and roll around in it especially if it has been cut and branches left to dry. It’s uses for humankind are as follows:

Cardiovascular System:

As a diaphoretic it is used in

• Fevers (especially of childhood illnesses)

Respiratory Tract:

• Colds

Gastrointestinal System:

• Nervous dyspepsia (indigestion)

• Colic

• Flatulence

Nervous System:

• Headaches

• Insomnia (especially in children)

• Restlessness

Externally:

• Haemorrhoids (ointment)

Dosage:

Infusion 2 - 4gm tds (three times daily)

Historically:

Used for insanity; as an emmenagogue; nightmares; hysteria; scarlet fever; smallpox; bruises; coughs. Externally for painful swellings and scabs. It is a safe and an ideal children’s remedy

Link to studies/research on Nepeta cataria:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=nepeta%20cat...

Organic Catnip Nepeta cataria (Cut leaf and flower)

Available in black kraft bags.