Catnip – not just for cats!

Nepeta cataria

We all know catnip as the herb that makes most cats go delightfully crazy. The ancient Greeks and Romans even cultivated this member of the mint family for cats. Not all cats seem to enjoy the effect of catnip though, which comes from the essential oil nepetalactone being released from the herb when crushed. This essential oil is also a very effective insect repellent. But did you know that catnip is good medicine for humans?  Catnip is a tried, true and safe children’s remedy for colds, stomachaches, insomnia, intestinal cramps and colic.  Adults can use catnip for stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or nervous stomach. Chewing on the leaf is an old remedy for toothaches. As a tea, catnip combines nicely with lemon balm, chamomile, and peppermint for a calming effect; or raspberry leaf, peppermint, and cinnamon for diarrhea.

Since I am a glutton for herbal lore and mythology, here are a few fascinating tidbits:
In early America, hangmen consumed catnip roots to harden themselves for their work. It was believed that the roots could make even the kindest person mean.  In ancient mythology, catnip was dedicated to the goddesses Bast and Sekhmet, the cat and lioness. It was said to help women transform themselves into cats at night! Unfortunately, it has never had that effect on me :)

The genus name – Nepeta – may have come from a town in Italy where it was once cultivated – Nepete. Catnip grows easily in the garden and is a common weedy plant.

Catnip in my mint garden in the foreground, with sage, lemon balm and peppermint in the back.

I think there's some skullcap hiding in there somewhere.

CSA season has begun! And an easy baby bok choy recipe

We had our first CSA pickup yesterday, and there is no shortage of spring greens this week! Included in this week's share was spring mix lettuce, head lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, baby bok choy, breakfast radishes, hakurei turnips, broccoli, and from the u-pick...snap peas and fresh herbs. Unfortunately, the strawberry crop did not do well this year due to the unusually mild winter. But we've been enjoying a few from our own patch. We also purchased a chicken share this year, and a fruit share which will start later in the season. Picked up bacon and eggs for Sunday brekkie at the farm store. The store also carries locally made cheeses, yogurt, meats, breads and baked goods, soaps, flour, and new this year, sunflower oil.

I also planted a small garden this year to supplement our small CSA share. The bunnies got to the broccoli  and cabbage plants, but the tomatoes, eggplant, lettuce, chard and herbs are going strong. I wanted to put up a fence, but that's just one of those things I haven't got around to.

I love the local growing season because that means not having to rely on supermarkets, knowing where my food is coming from, it's the freshest it can be, and supporting local farmers.

Baby bok choy recipe:
Slice the bok choy.
Toast some sesame seeds (I used black sesame seeds)
Sautee the stalks first ( I used coconut oil, but you can use sesame oil, olive oil, or butter).
When stalks start getting tender, add the leaves and cook till tender.  
Add some Tamari, Braggs Aminos or other soy sauce to taste.
Toss with toasted sesame seeds.
You can also add fried onions and/or garlic. Enjoy!
We had this with dinner and I had some with breakfast this morning.

The taste of freshly picked produce does not compare to most you get at the supermarket which may have been shipped from far away or may have been sitting around. They may also be higher in nutrient content.