Catnip leaf - cut

Excerpts from the book Practical Herbalism

Catnip is one of the traditional cold and flu remedies. It is an excellent diaphoretic, and its ability to induce sleep while producing perspiration without increasing the heat of the system makes it a valuable drink in every case of fever.

As a carminative with antispasmodic properties, the herb also eases any stomach upsets, dyspepsia, flatulence, and colic. Its sedative action on the nerves adds to its generally relaxing properties.

Owing to its gentle nature, catnip is highly prized in the treatment of children's ailments. It is good in colic, anxiety, and nervousness, and is used as a mild nervine. Catnip is an ideal remedy for the treatment of diarrhea in children.

Indicated Usages - Internal:

Indicated Usages - External:

Excerpts from the book Nutritional Herbology

Catnip is a sedative in humans and has traditionally been used to treat insomnia, indigestion, nervousness, amenorrhea, flatulence, coughs, colds and fevers.

Catnip is one of the most popular herbs in stress formulas where it is included for its sedative effect. Perhaps the most popular use of catnip is as an herbal tea consumed just before bedtime. It has a very long list of folk uses which is understandable since it is often difficult to get a good night's sleep in today's fast paced world.

Contains aromatic compounds that have a sedative effect, relieve smooth muscle spasms and induce sweating. It has been used to treat coughs, colds, anxiety, colic, fevers, influenza, lung congestion and nausea.

Excerpts from the book The ABC Herbal

 Catnip is another aromatic which many parents have found beneficial for their children. It also stimulates the body, settles the stomach and soothes the nerves. One famous herbal team is the combination of Catnip with Fennel, which has long been used as a remedy for colic, gas, and indigestion in children.

Excerpts from the book The How to Herb Book

• Used effectively for fevers and to alleviate the symptoms of childhood diseases.
• Good for stomach gas or cramps, aids in digestion.
• Used for babies and young children for colic, stomach pains, teething and fevers. Helps clean out mucus in the body.
• Used in enemas to bring down fever, eliminate mucus, relax the colon and ease colon cramping. Catnip enemas also help relieve the aches of flu.
• A very effective enema combination is catnip and garlic together in the same bag. Catnip's usefulness in an enema has been explained, with the powers of garlic (fights infection, eliminates mucus, kills bacteria, viruses and parasites, and improves peristaltic action) the two are a powerful enema combination.

Has been used in the following: 

Tid Bits You'll Want to Know:

Uses: Catnip has many uses internally and externally. We use it often in tea and tincture blends pertaining to any digestive, nervous or sleeping issues. It's mostly used for internal applications: teas, tinctures, capsules, food recipes, etc. Our two favorite uses are in teas and meals. It has a rather mild flavor so you hardly know it's there. Like many other bulk herbs, we add it to many dishes (salads, meat dishes, soups, stews, etc.) in small amounts for added nutrition and fiber without affecting the flavor. Alfalfa can be used to benefit men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing) and children. It can be used as often as you would like.

Voice of Experience: Catnip tea administered as enemas or colonics has been a life saver for our little ones.

Storage: The nutrients in Catnip are very sensitive to air and light exposure. It should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing is great but not necessary.

Questions?: Check out Frequently Asked Questions.