HERB - catnip vs catmint

[Gaylin Walli]

>What is the difference between catnip and catmint??  What can they be used
>for?

According to the University of Pennsylvania's Horticulture department
and generally cool people who play in the dirt (and are located on the
web at http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu/vegcrops/herbs.html )....

Catnip's latin name is Nepeta cataria. The plant is in the Labiatae family.
Catmint's latin name is Nepeta mussinii. The plant is a member of the
Lamiaceae family. Unfortunately for us gardeners, the names "catnip"
and "Catmint" are often used interchangeably for both plants.

Both plants get attention from cats. If you're looking for references
to one or the other plant, try the latin names first. You may also find
a bit of information just looking for the word "Nep" and also looking
under the simple name of "mint."

As for uses, my favorite is to use N. cataria for upset stomachs. It
has a somewhat strong following as a treatment for menstrual cramps.
Throughout the world, it's general recognized as a "safe" plant. Treat
that bit of knowledge with caution and look the facts up for yourself,
though.

If you have online web access, you may want to check out Catnip
descriptions in these sources (its not a complete list, but it'll get
you some period or historical info and some safety info):

Maude Grieve's Herbal
(Catmint and Catnep or N. cataria)
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/catmin36.html

Nicholas Culpepper's Herbal
(Nep or Catmint or N. cataria)
http://www.med.yale.edu/library/historical/culpeper/n.htm

The Wampole Family Guide to Nutritional Supplements
(Catnip or N. cataria)
http://www.wampole.ca/english/catnip.htm

Jasmine de Cordoba
jasmine at infoengine.com or gaylin at infoengine.com
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