Catnip Leaf 

Organically Grown USA - Please note that cut and sifted leaf contains stem from the leaf. 

Also Known As - Nepeta cataria, Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Field Balm, Menta De Gato.

Overview - Catnip is member of the mint (lamiaceae) family, more noted for its effect on felines than humans. Many are surprised to find that it has benefits for humans, beyond a wonderfully fragrant and sublimely flowered garden mint. The name Nepeta is believed to have come from the town of Nepete in Italy. Cataria is thought to have come from the Latin word for cat. It is native to Europe and Asia but was introduced to North America by the colonists.

• Catnip has been used since Biblical times as a tea; it has a calming effect on humans. It's extremely exciting and attractive to cats, who are apt to romp in and tear up the plants, which does not effect their health.
• From an English herbalist comes the sobering advice that the root of catnip "when chewed is said to make the most gentle person fierce and quarrelsome, and there is a legend of a certain hangman who could never screw up his courage to the point of hanging anybody till he had partaken of it".
• In Colonial times, catnip tea was much used as a substitute for hard-to-get chamomile flowers. Catnip grew like weeds wherever the pioneers lived. Like chamomile, the warm tea was used for infants and children to soothe their stomach (simple colic) and help them sleep. Catnip tea is still very popular among folks living in isolated communities in the Cumberland Mountains, Kentucky and the Ozarks.

Parts Used - The leaf, dried, cut, and powdered.

Medicinal Uses - The active ingredient, which causes unusual behavior in cats, is a volatile oil called nepetalactone, which can be found in the leaves & stem of the plant. It is also interesting to note that this essential oil was found in one study to be about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, which is the active ingredient in most insect repellents. It has a long tradition in England and France as a kitchen aid and medicinal herb. It was also used occasionally as a stimulating drink until the introduction of black tea. Several Native American tribes used it to support immune function and for relaxing muscle spasm and cramps associated with digestion. Catnip supports healthy digestive motility. The Mohegan tribes relieved infant colic with a tea made from the leaves.

• A tbsp. steeped in a pint of water and used as an enema is soothing and quieting, especially in children, and very effective in convulsions, and for expelling worms in children. Leaves bruised and applied to hemorrhoids eases the pain.

Active Constituents - Iridoids, tannins, volatile oil (mainly alpha- and beta-nepetalactone, citronellol, and geraniol), antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, minerals (especially chromium, iron, manganese, potassium, selenium, and cobalt)

Preparations - As a tea it imparts a pleasant mint flavor. It can also be taken as an extract or lightly sprinkled on food, or as an herbal pillow for cats. It has also been used as a flavoring in sauces, soups, and stews. Never boil catnip.

• Infusion: use 1 tsp. herb with 1 cup boiling water. Steep only; do not allow to boil. Take 1-2 cups a day.
• Tincture: take 1/2 to 1 tsp. at a time.

Precautions - Not recommended for use while pregnant.

Disclaimer - These products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease. Reviews are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care or the advice of a physician or another medical professional. Actual results may vary among users. Mountain Maus Remedies LLC makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information contributed by outside product review submissions, and assumes no responsibility or liability regarding the use of such information. The information and statements regarding the dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your health care provider. If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you should work with your health care provider before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen, including augmenting your regimen with dietary supplements. Do not attempt to self-diagnose any disease or ailment based on the reviews and do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or suspect you have an undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician or health care practitioner.