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.