David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHNepeta cataria
Labiatae
Names: Catnip, Catnep.
Habitat: A common European herb, cultivated in Britain and theUSA.
Collection: The leaves and flowering tops are collected between June and September.
Part Used: Leaves and flowering tops.
Constituents:
- Volatile oil, carvacrol, citronellal, nerol,
geraniol, pulegone, thymol and nepetalic acid - Iridoids, including epideoxyloganic acid and 7- deoxyloganic acid.
- Tannins.
Actions: Carminative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, nervine, astringent.
Indications: Catnip is one of the traditional cold and flu remedies. It is a useful diaphoretic helpful in any feverish condition, especially acute bronchitis. As a carminative with anti-spasmodic properties, Catmint eases any stomach upsets, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic. It is a perfect remedy for the treatment of diarrhea in children. Its sedative action on the nerves adds to its generally relaxing properties.
Combinations: May be used with Boneset, Elder, Yarrow or Cayenne in colds.
Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.
Citations from the Medline database for the genus Nepeta
CatnipHarney JW Barofsky IM Leary JD Behavioral and toxicological studies of cyclopentanoid monoterpenes from Nepeta cataria.
Lloydia (1978 Jul-Aug) 41(4):367-74Hatch RC Effect
of drugs on catnip (Nepeta cataria)-induced pleasure behavior in cats.
Am J Vet Res (1972 Jan) 33(1):143-55Sherry CJ Hunter PS The effect of an ethanol extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) on the behavior of the young chick.
Experientia (1979 Feb 15) 35(2):237-8
Hyla Cass MD
Tom Ferguson MD