Catnip

CATNIP (Nepeta cataria)
(Cat, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Wort, Field
Balm, Nepeta, Nip)

Cultivation - Moist, well drained soil in the sun

Propagation - Seed sown in Autumn. Division in
Spring and Autumn. Stem tip or softwood cuttings in
early Summer (before flowering starts, and if any
cuttings develop flower heads, remove them)

Flowers - are produced in Summer

Harvest - Plants are cut when in bud. Leaves are
picked when young

Dimensions - 30cm-1m high. 23-60cm wide

USES

Medicinal

Internal - Feverish illnesses (esp. colds and flu),
insomnia, excitability, palpitations, nervous
indigestion, diarrhoea, stomach upsets, colic and
digestion related headaches

External - haemorrhoids, rheumatism and arthritis

Culinary - The leaves can be used in herbal tea,
especially if you want to impart a light mint flavour.
The leaves can also be added to salads sauces and
stews

Magical - Cat magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY

Catnip was cultivated in England as far back as 1265,
but the related N. mussini (Catmint) was only bought
to England from Caucasus around 1800. This is a herb
that your cat will love, it will either send them to
sleep or send them loopy. You can hold catnip in your
hand until it warms up and the next person who's hand
you hold, will be your friend for as so long as you
keep the catnip in a safe place. Growing Catnip near
your house will attract good spirits and great luck.
Hanging it over your door will do the same.

Sources:

The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of
Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867)
Published by DK

The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs
in Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1864290455)
Published by Millennium Books

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott
Cunningham (ISBN 0875421229) Published by Llewellyn
Publications


Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used effectively for mild ailments but
medical advice should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.