Catmint
Nepeta cataria, Labiatae

Names: Catnip, Catnep.

Habitat: A common European herb, cultivated in Britain and the USA.

Collection: The leaves and flowering tops are collected between June and September.

Part Used: Leaves and flowering tops.

Constituents:

• Volatile oil, carvacrol, citronellal, nerol, geraniol, pulegone, thymol and nepetalic acid.
• Iridoids, including epideoxyloganic acid and 7- deoxyloganic acid.
• Tannins.

Actions: Carminative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, nervine, astringent.

Indications: Catnip is one of the traditional cold and flu remedies. It is a useful diaphoretic helpful in any feverish condition, especially acute bronchitis. As a carminative with anti-spasmodic properties, Catmint eases any stomach upsets, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic. It is a perfect remedy for the treatment of diarrhoea in children. Its sedative action on the nerves adds to its generally relaxing properties.

Combinations: May be used with Boneset, Elder, Yarrow or Cayenne in colds.
Preparations & Dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.