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| DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
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This erect, shrubby, perennial plant, from 1 to 3 feet tall, is native to Eurasia but widely naturalized throughout the temperate zones. Can be found in hedgebanks, along roadsides, and in waste places. Leaves are heart-shaped, toothed, 1 to 3 inches long and downy, more so beneath the leaf than above and with a strong mint-pennyroyal aroma and a bitter camphorish flavor; 'white as a nep' is an old English expression referring to the pale color of the leaves. The stems are 4-sided (square) as is typical of members of the mint family. The bilabiate flowers are tubular, white to pale blue with crimson dots, appearing in dense, prickly, spike-like whorls. The calyx tube has 15 ribs (characteristic of Nepeta species). Fruit contains 4 smooth tiny nutlets or seeds.
Was official in the USP from 1842 to 1882 and the NF 1916-50.
The name 'nepeta' is said to be taken from Nepi, an ancient Tuscan town, where it was said to grow in abundance.
Astrologically ruled by Venus. Was said to have been sacred to the Egyptian goddesses Bast (cat) and Sekhmet (lion). Is associated with the Major Arcana of Tarot, specifically #8 - Strength, and the 9's of the Minor Arcana. In Earth religions it is used in ritual with Dragon's Blood to rid one's self of bad habits and in shape shifting practices.
NOTE: An urban legend states that you can get high smoking catnip. YOU CAN NOT!
MEDICINAL:
Bitter, appetite stimulant (taken before a meal), astringent, antispasmodic, anodyne, antibiotic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, carminative, emmenogogue, nervine, sedative, digestive aid (taken after a meal); affects nervous and digestive systems, lungs and liver.Has been used in infusion form for anemia, to improve circulation, colds, flu, catarrh, bronchitis, feverish illnesses, indigestion, flatulence, insomnia, measles, neuraligia, nightmare, scurvy, tuberculosis, chicken pox, hives, headaches (also a compress of the infusion on the forehead), hyperactivity, palpitations, colic, nervous dyspepsia, nervousness, drug and nicotine withdrawal, fatigue, hemorrhoids, hiccups, infertility, insanity, pain, restlessness, shock, skin problems, external sores, stress, vomiting, roseola, amenorrhea (also for difficult periods; for delayed or spotty periods, 1 tbsp of the juice of the leaf jas been taken 2 or 3 times daily), diarrhea (due to the presence of tannins), worms and head congestion before a flu.Two cups of infusion has been added to a shallow bath as an alternative to internal use.The young tops were once made into a conserve for nightmare.Has been taken daily in the form of tea as a preventative for cataracts, although there is no scientific proof this actually works.The bruised herb has been applied as a poultice (2 to 3 hours) to relieve pain of piles. An ointment containing the juice has been used for the same purpose. Has also been used in poultice form as an antiseptic for scabs, boils, other skin problems.An infusion has been used as a rinse for dandruff and applied to acne as a lotion.Has been used in enema formulas (1 Tbsp dried herb steeped in 1 pint of water). The warm tea was once used as an enema for children with convulsions and for blocked urine, fever, and expelling worms in children.Has been combined with Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Elder (Sambucus nigra) for the feverish stages of colds and flu, and with Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) for the congestive stages.Has been combined with Fennel for colic in children.A tea of equal parts Catnip and Saffron in tea form was once used for small pox and scarlet fever.Has been used in stress formulas for its sedative effect.Has been added to laxative formulas to avoid cramping.Was once used to calm restless toddlers (5 drops tincture in a bottle of water or formula).The tea has been used externally for bee stings.Nicholas Culpeper, a 17th century herbalist, noted that barren women sat over the fumes of catnip tea in an effort to rectify their inability to breed. He also advises the juice of the plant in wine to treat bruising.Was used by the Menominee for pneumonia. The Flambeau Ojibwe steeped the herb in lukewarm water as a bath to raise body temperature; they also brewed a tea used as a blood purifier.Was used by settlers of the Smokey Mountains for colds, nerves, hives, stomach problems and the leaves were smoked for respiratory problems..Has been used in poultice form for painful swellings.In Chinese medicine a poultice has been made from the whole plant and used for corns. The leaves have been chewed to relieve toothache and sore gums.In some Chinese folk lore, a salve of catnip was used as a cancer cure (type unknown).
DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY!VETERINARY:CULINARY:COSMETIC:INSECTS:OTHER: