Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
aka: cat mint, catrup

Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family, that has fine whitish hairs that give it a whitish appearance. It grows to about 2-3 feet, with erect, squarish, branched stems. The leaves are 1-2 inches in length and are heart shaped. From June to September, it blooms with flower spikes having white flowers that have purple spots. As with other members of the Mint family, catnip is aromatic. Catnip can be grown in the house or garden.

Uses: to treat coughs, colds, pneumonia, sore throats, fevers, colic, upset stomach, flatulence, and as a sleeping or relaxing aid.

Tea: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp dried leaves. Steep 10-15 minutes, strain. Take up to 2 cups per day, warm.

I don't know about anyone else, but I never knew what catnip could be used for, accept freaking cats out! As a remedy for flatulence, now there is something to look into! Who knew? We could market it as "Gas Away" Sorry folks, I'm feeling a little silly tonight.

So my dear, what in the world is it about catnip that gets cats so blasted freaky? I don't think it is my imagination for I have seen cats go crazy wild playing with the stuff. Any insight? Meow?

Thanks for the info. With the cold and flu season upon us, I will look into catnip to help ease the symptoms.

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Thank you, Martha. Catnip is a member of the Mint family (another name for it is Cat Mint), and all members of the mint family have medicinal properties. I use peppermint all the time, externally and internally. As for cats, it is the aromatic oils that drive them crazy, and the best guess I've heard is that the intoxicating effect on cats is because of similarity with some pheromones.