[Sca-cooks] Catnip - probably more information than you would like to know

[Chris Stanifer]

Here's a bit more about catnip, including a recipe and a warning (should be listed in our list of
cautionary herbs):

This is from Herbs2000.com:

Catnip is an invaluable remedy for respiratory infections - taken as a hot tea it increases
perspiration and effectively brings down fevers, and acts as a decongestant. Catnip should be
taken frequently at the first signs of colds or flu, and is also helpful in bronchitis and asthma,
as well as eruptive infections such as chicken-pox and measles. Catnip is a wonderful remedy for
babies and children; being calming and relaxing it will relieve restlessness and induce sleep. Its
relaxant effect is also felt in the digestive tract where it relieves tension and colic, wind and
pain - excellent for babies who have wind or colic or trouble sleeping. A strong infusion will
relax headaches related to tension. Catnip can be used for other digestive problems - stomach
upset, indigestion, and stress related conditions; the tannins make it a good remedy for diarrhea,
particularly in children. As an enema it is prescribed for inflammatory bowel conditions, bowel
infections, constipation and diarrhea. Catnip's relaxant effects are also felt in the uterus. It
can be used to relieve period pains as well as tension or stress prior to a period. It can also be
used to regulate periods, and for delayed or suppressed menstruation. A hot infusion makes a good
antiseptic inhalant for sore throats, colds, flu and coughs, a decongestant for catarrh and
sinusitis, and a relaxant for asthma and croup. Its disinfectant properties can be used for
infected skin problems. The tannins speed tissue repair and staunch bleeding of abrasions and
cuts; they aid healing of burns and scalds, piles and insect bites, and inflammatory skin
problems.

Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. Its erect, square, branching stem is hairy and
grows from 3-5 feet high. The oblong or cordate, pointed leaves have scalloped edges and gray or
whitish hairs on the lower side. The flowers are white with purple spots and grow in spikes from
June to September.

A major constituent in catnip, nepelactone, is quite similar in its chemical structure to the
valepotriates, the sedative principles of valerian root. This helps to explain why a "cup of hot
catnip tea taken at bedtime insures a good night's sleep." Mice given catnip extract experienced a
reduction of overall activity and an increase in their sleeping time. And a hot water extract
administered to young (9- and 27-day-old) chicks in a hatchery caused "a significant increase" in
their average daily and weekly light sleep time.

To make yourself a truly effective nightcap, simply bring 1-1/2 cups of water to a boil. Remove
from heat and add 1 tsp. of preferably the fresh cut herb or else 1 tsp. of the dried material and
let steep for about 20 minutes until lukewarm before drinking. Honey may be added if desired. An
Old Amish Herbs remedy called Night Nip works pretty well, too, for insomnia. Three capsules
before retiring is suggested. The tea is also very good for reducing fevers, the miseries of hay
fever, and nausea. A small cup of warm catnip tea sweetened with honey is good for calming
hyperactive kids.


Here's the warning:


Catnip has some capacity to cause uterine contractions and stimulate menstruation, so you should
avoid it if you are pregnant or suffering from menstrual disorders.
While a cup of catnip tea is helpful if you don't sleep well at night, the herb's diuretic
properties mean that your peaceful sleep may be disturbed by an urgent need to go to the bathroom.
It has been said that catnip may be smoked like marijuana; however, there is no proof that this
herb has the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Nevertheless, your suspicions may be justified if
young people of your acquaintance seem unusually interested in your catnip plants.

Hope this helps.

WdG


=====
Through teeth of sharks, the Autumn barks.....and Winter squarely bites me.


		
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