Catnip, or Nepeta Cataria, is easily grown in the United States. It is enjoyed by cats of all sizes, including lions and tigers.

Catnip is also enjoyable and beneficial to humans. It is non-toxic, with the general appearance of mint, and might grow invited or not in the garden. In Europe, catnip is grown commercially, where the leaves and aromatic white flowers are harvested and carefully air-dried for their precious oil that is exported around the world.

Catnip has the aroma of mint. The active ingredient, nepethalactone, is without scent, but with general properties similar to "feel good" sex pheromones. It allows the cat to let off steam and relax, and the degree of enthusiasm and intensity seems to have a correlation between the size of the animal and the amount of catnip involved.

Catnip remedies for humans have been applied in Europe since before the 15th century, and catnip tea was probably the most commonly used herbal drink before tea was commercially imported from the East.

Tea bags of the dried herb are convenient and available at the supermarket. If there is catnip in the garden, make a cup of tea with boiling water poured over a generous hand full of leaves. Allow to steep for about five minutes. Honey and lemon juice are delicious additions if you choose.

Used sparingly and with purpose, catnip gently stimulates and relaxes at the same time, and is an important herb for treating digestive disorders in humans.

Catnip is soothing and beneficial to young children. Combined with fennel, it eases colic, teething problems, indigestion, flu and inflamed mucus membranes.

A tea of catnip and garlic fights infection and induces restful, curative sleep.

Capsules, often catnip combined with herbs such as fennel or senna, have excellent nutritional value as food supplements, with significant amounts of iron, selenium, potassium, manganese, chromium and minimal amounts of additional minerals and vitamins.

Catnip is considered a tonic herb highly anticipated in springtime. A salad of baby lettuces and the sweet herbs like any of the varities of basil, licorice-flavored tarragon, cucumber-tinged borage, spicy nasturtium leaves and flowers, parsley, tiny sweet dandelion leaves and flowers, lightly dressed with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, is a special treat that soothes, satisfies, and tells you that spring has arrived.

It is time to get moving, plant the garden, enjoy the warmth of the sun, and get about the business of life.

Learn more about this author, Joan Mccord.
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