Catnip

Catnip

Catnip (Mao Bo He)

Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria

Catnip is a gentle edible herb that is ideal for treating children’s fevers, but strong enough to be used by adults. It is often used by women to help induce stuck menses.

Below is an overview of catnip, combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore and more. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of catnip.

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Western

Western Name: Catnip

Also Known As: Catswort, Catmint, Field Balm, Ment De Gato

Organs/Systems: Stomach, Uterus, Lungs, Skin

Key Actions: Relaxant, Diuretic, Tonic, Antifungal, Bacteriacide, Sedative, Febrifuge.

Medicinal Uses: Insomnia, anxiety, migraines and headaches, colds, flu, swine flu, hives, and worms. Treats indigestion, colic, cramping and gas. Increases urination and helps move delayed menses. Applied to skin to treat arthritis, hemorrhoids, swelling.

Eastern

Pin Yin: Mao Bo He

Also Known As: N/A

Meridians: Stomach, Lungs

Key Actions: Releases to the Exterior, Clears Wind Heat, Relieves Stagnant Qi, Reduces Inflammation, Benefits Skin

Medicinal Uses: Colds, flu with headache, chills and fever, sore throat, congestion, wheezing, restlessness, emotional, mental or nervous tension, gas, cramping, dermatitis.

Basic Habitat/Botany:

Catnip is in the family Lamiaceae (mint family). It is a short-lived herbaceous perennial, growing 20-39 inches tall and wide (20-100 centimeters), with square stems, brown-green foliage, and coarse-tooth leaves that are triangular to ovate. The flowers are small bilabiate and can be white, or white with spots of pale purple or pink. Blooms late spring to autumn. It is drought tolerant and deer resistant and native to Southern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and China. Catnip has become widely naturalized through Europe, New Zealand, and North America.

CatnipParts Most Frequently Used: Flowering Top, Leaf

Flavors: Slightly Pungent, Bitter, Cool, Dry

Caution: Considered safe.

History/Folklore: Traditionally used to start menses and aid children’s coughs. Culpeper said, “taken alone or with other herbs in a decoction to bathe in, or sit over the hot fumes thereof; and by the frequent use thereof it takes away barrenness, and the winds and pains of the mother.” Especially effective in cases with congestion and restlessness or delirium. Has been used to treat psychological and physical unrest. Used in cooking to impart a subtle mint flavor. In early colonial times, it was suggested that ingesting catnip would somehow make even the kindest person mean. It was consumed by hangmen to “get in the mood” for performing their job.

Key Constituents:

Terpenoid nepetalactone, essential oil, Vitamins E and C
Did you know?

Attracts Cats

Terpenoid nepetalactone is the constituent in catnip that attracts cats and butterflies.

Facts

Insect Repellent

It is a repellent for aphids, squash bugs, mosquitoes, and flies. The plant’s distilled oil repels cockroaches and termites and is considered ten times more effective than DEET, the active ingredient in most insect repellents.

Fun fact!

Mild Relaxant

Smoking catnip has a mild relaxant effect and aids respiratory conditions.

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ATTENTION: All material provided on this website is for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your healthcare professional or physician. Redistribution permitted with attribution. Be Healthy. Be Happy. Be Whole. Be Free.

ATENCIÓN: Todo el material proporcionado en este sitio web es sólo con fines informativos o educativos. No es sustituto del consejo de su profesional de la salud o médico. Esté sano. Sea feliz. Siéntase completo. Sea libre.

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