Catnip: what it is and what are the side effects

Catnip is a medicinal plant, also known as Catnip, native to Europe and the Mediterranean, which is currently cultivated in different parts of the world to treat digestive problems, fever, or to calm the nervous system.

The scientific name of Catnip is Nepeta cataria, which is a plant that produces tubular flowers, with white and purple spots, which appear from summer to mid-autumn. The part of the plant that has the most therapeutic effects are the aerial parts, which can be taken as a tea or used in an ointment or tincture.

What is it for

Catnip contains components such as citronellol, geraniol, nepetalactone and glycosides that have numerous properties and can therefore be used in the following cases:

• Cough;
• Gripe;
• Digestive problems;
• Cramps;
• Hemorrhoids;
• Stress;
• Bloating caused by gases;
• Fever;
• Diarrhea;
• Insomnia;
• Arthritis and rheumatism;
• Headache.

Additionally, this plant can also be used to disinfect wounds.

How to use

Catnip can be used in several ways, and can be prepared at home or obtained already prepared in a pharmacy or herbalist:

1. Tea

Catnip Tea can be used to treat flu, stomach problems and poor digestion, alleviate colic or reduce stress.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of dried catnip aerial parts;
• 1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the herbs in a teacup and pour boiling water over it. Let it rest for 10 minutes, covering to prevent the volatile oils from escaping, then strain and let it cool. Drink a cup of tea 3 times a day.

2. Dyeing

Tinctures are alcoholic solutions that are stronger than teas and have greater durability, allowing herbs to be stored throughout the year.

Ingredients

• 200 g of aerial parts of dry catnip;
• 1 liter of vodka with an alcohol content of 37.5%.

Preparation mode

Chop the Catnip and place in a sterilized dark glass with a lid, pour in the vodka, immerse the herbs completely and store in a dark, airy place, shaking occasionally for 2 weeks. After this time, strain the mixture and filter it with a paper filter and finally place it in a dark glass again.

Take 5 ml, 3 times a day, mixed in a little tea or water to treat digestive problems and headaches or use pure to massage painful areas due to problems such as arthritis or rheumatism.

3. Ointment

Catnip can also be used in the form of an ointment, which can be obtained from a pharmacy or herbalist. This ointment is very useful for treating hemorrhoids and should be applied 2 to 3 times a day.

Contraindications

Catnip should not be used during pregnancy.

Side effects

Catnip is generally a safe plant, however, if taken in excess it can cause headaches, vomiting and discomfort. Furthermore, it can also increase bleeding during the menstrual period.