Just about everyone that owns a cat knows what catnip is. This “stuff” promotes
such frenzy in our feline friends. How many of our cats have ended up at the top of
our curtains after playing with their catnip stuffed mouse?!
What exactly is this powerful cat toy made out of? Is it just for our cats? In this
article I will explain what catnip is, how it can be used, and who can use it.
Catnip is known by various names – Catmint, Catswort, Catrup, Field Balm, and
Field Wort. The scientific name for catnip is Nepeta Cataria and comes from the
mint family. This herbal plant can be grown in just about anywhere and is perennial
in nature. It is a hardy plant with hairy heart shaped leaves that are grey-green in
color. It is the leaves that are used and usually are harvested right before the
flowers of the plant bloom in around mid to late summer when planted outdoors.
The flowers range from white to lilac in color. Catnip plants are a wonderful and
welcomed addition to any garden. Be assured though, that you will end up with
some new feline friends!
It is actually the oil that cats are most interested in. Ever notice how a cat will roll
up against the catnip or catnip filled toy? This is a way of bruising the catnip to
release the oils. A cats love or hatred of catnip is inherited; so yes, some cats are
immune to the powers that be!
Most everyone knows the number one use of catnip – the entertainment for cats.
However, there is more to this herb than meets the average eye!
For medicinal properties, there is much to be said about catnip. It is safe for human
consumption, but as always if you have allergies or take medications, please be
careful in using catnip.
Catnip can be used for nausea, colic, calming the stomach, flatulence, diarrhea,
calming the nervous system, and as a de-stressor due to it’s sedative properties in
humans. It is a wonderful little herb to keep always in the kitchen in the case of
flu. Catnip should not be used during pregnancy as it may induce uterine
contractions. Personally, I use it weekly when I have to take methrotrexate (an anti-
cancer agent) for the nausea and it works well!
One of the best ways to use catnip is to steep it. Try steeping it in your favorite
tea! You will need either a tea ball or cheesecloth to contain the catnip leaves.
There are several herbal stores online that sell the tea balls and also reusable tea
bags. I always add to the effects of catnip by steeping it in a spearmint and
peppermint tea. Steep for 10-15 minutes then sweeten the tea with your favorite
sweetener. You can either drink the tea hot, warm, or the way I prefer it – cold.
The coolness feels nice with the mint on a nauseated tummy!
Need an inexpensive getaway? Try adding some catnip to your bath! This will
help relax you and reduce stress. You can even get creative and add lavender
and/or Jasmine along with the catnip for an even more exotic experience!
You can also make little dream pillows. All that is needed is some material and a
ribbon or yarn. I have material just for the use of dream pillows, it’s blue with silver
moon and stars. The material just seemed so fitting for this project! Cut about a 4”
x4” square of material and fill with catnip. Again, you can add to this. I like to add
lavender and Jasmine to help with headaches and worries. If you have a cold, try
adding bruised eucalyptus leaves! After filling the square with the catnip and
herbs, fold up the corners so that it forms a sort of pouch. Wrap and tie the ribbon
or yard (I prefer ribbon as it makes it look prettier) around the pouch. Place the
dream pillow inside your pillowcase and enjoy the fragrance! The dream pillows
will help promote sleep. Over time, the herbs will lose their fragrances so it will be
necessary to replace the herbs in the pouch. I always make two pillows; one for
my cat and one for me. I also like to make mine a little more fancy, so I cut little
slits around the square and thread the ribbon through the holes before filling. This
gives it an even more “pouch look” about it.
Terms
Bruising – breaking, rubbing, or crushing of leaves to release fragrance or oils
Steep – to let set in hot liquid over a period of time
