Catnip—The same stuff in catnip that makes felines go absolutly
bonkers also lowers fevers, dries up post nasal drip, gets rid of sledgehammer headaches and relieves sore aching bones due
to colds and flu's. The active compound we’re speaking about here has been designated as cis-trans-nepetalactone.
It is interesting to note that catnip’s nepatalactone is
somewhat simular in its chemical structure to the sedative valepotriates in Valerian which gives the plant it’s infamous "dirty socks" smell.
Nepetalactone isomers, the same chemicals that drive cats crazy, can
actually calm you down. These compounds are closely related to the sedating chemicals in valerian, called valepotriates, and
have a mild tranquilizing effect on people.
Most cats are genetically programmed to enjoy catnip. The gene doen’t
turn on unitl about six moths of age, so catnip doesn’t usually affect kittens. Approximatly 10% of cats don’t
seem affected because they do not have a catnip gene. But if they do have it felines of all sizes and breeds love catnip.
This is from small house cats to Cheetas, Oumas and even Tigers ! !
.
Throughout history, this herb has been used in humans
to produce a sedative effect. From Europe to China, catnip had been used medicinally for at least 2000 years. In teas, its
before
the introduction of tea from China. Several other conditions (including cancer, toothache, corns, and hives) have been treated
with catnip by traditional herbalists.
pleasant, lemon-minty vapors were considered a cold and cough remedy, relieving chest congestion
and loosening phlegm. Old herbalists also praised its ability to promote sweating, a traditional treatment for fever.
Catnip tea was a regular beverage in England
Catnip also has a long history of use as a tranquilizer, sedative, digestive
aid, menstruation promoter, and treatment for menstrual cramps, flatulence, and infant colic.
Equal parts of catnip and saffron were once recommended for smallpox
and scarlet fever.
The leaves were also chewed for toothache, smoked to treat bronchitis
and asthma!
Colonists introduced catnip into North America. It now grows across the
continent. The Indians adopted the herb and used it for indigestion and infant colic and as a beverage.
Early Americans believed that catnip makes even the kindest person mean.
It was traditionally used by hangmen prior to execution "to get into the right mood!"
Remedies For:
Cough
Insomnia
Nervous Conditions
treatment for colds and bronchitus
Catnip is used as an tranquilizer, sedative, digestive aid, and treatments for colds, colic, diarrhea, flatulence, and
fever. Extract of catnip has been found to be cytotoxic to HELA-S3 cancer cells in cell culture.
Digestive Aid: Catnip may soothe the smooth muscles of the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic).
Have a cup of catnip tea after meals if you are prone to indigestion or heartburn.
Women's Health: Antispasmodics calm not only the digestive tract but other smooth tracts as well, such as
uterus. Catnip's antispasmodic effect supports its traditional use for relieving menstrual cramps. Catnip is also used as
a menstruation promoter. Pregnant women should avoid using this herb.
Tranquilizer: Catnip is a mild tranquilizer and sedative.
Infection Prevention: Catnip has some antibiotic properties. It is used for the treatment of diarrhea
and fever.
Description:
Catnip is a gray green aromatic perennial that grows to 3-4 feet tall
and bears all the hallmarks of the mint family, a square stem, fuzzy leaves, and twin-lipped flowers. 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. Catnip looks very much like the common nettle and I have often had
young gardeners refuse to weed the catnip bed because they were convinced that the plants in question were stinging nettles.
Nowadays there are many catnip toys and many brands of loose catnip on
the common market. But beware many of the toys that are sold now are merely "catnip scented" which means they are sprayed
with a little catnip scent before packaging which will wear off quickly.
Also many of the companies are cutting their catnip with hay straw or
alfalfa. Some use cut up stalks saving the tender leaves for gourmet tea companies.
Also 10-15% of all cats do not have the "Catnip Gene". They are
totally immune to that wonderful intoxicating feeling that catnip gives to most of the feline population.
If you think your cat or cats do not have the
catnip gene or that they do not care for catnip try switching brands of catnip. Different brands have different levels
of nepetalactone. Be suspicious if all the cats in your household do not like catnip (unless
they are related) this is a sure sign there is a problem with the catnip and not the cat.
If you suspect a lack of the catnip gene
then email Kitten Kaboodle and we will send you a sample packet (enough for 2 doses) of our famous Gourmet catnip. Nearly
every week I give out sample at the Farmer's Market and invariably the people come back exclaiming "You were right!!
The cat(s) LOVE this catnip!!"
