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CATNIP
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(Nepeta
cataria)
Top
Pick
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Other
Names
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Catmint, Catnep, Catrop,
Catswort, Field Balm.
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Description
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Catnip
is a perennial herb of the mint family found
all over the world.
It grows 3 - 5 feet tall producing
scalped edged leaves with whitish hairs on the
bottom side, and white flowers are covered with
purple spots, that bloom from June through
September.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance
Yin/Yang
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Cooling
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Humor
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Fire
ê
Water
ê
Air
Û
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Uses/Applications
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Traditionally Catnip has been
used as a cold and flu remedy, as well as for
fever, and bronchitis.
Use as an anti-spasmodic to ease stomach
upset, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, and
diarrhea.
It has a sedative action on nerves and
adds to relaxing properties of other
herbs.
It is also a mild
sedative.
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Infusion
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Used as
a digestive aid, and mild
tranquilizer.
It is used to soothe menstrual
cramps.
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Combinations
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Boneset, Elder, Yarrow,
Cayenne.
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Constituents
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Volatile Oil, Bitter
Principle, Tannins.
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Action
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Carminative, Anti-Spasmodic,
Diaphoretic, Sedative,
Astringent.
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Food
Values
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Magnesium.
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Part
Used
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Leaves,
Flowering Tops.
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Collection
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Harvest
leaves and flower tops late in the summer when
they are in full
bloom.
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Preparation
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Infusion
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Pour a
cup of boiling water onto 2 Tsp. of dried
herb.
Infuse 15
minutes.
Take three times per
day.
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Decoction
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Put 2
Tsp. dried herb per cup, steep 20
minutes.
Do not boil as the healing oil will be
dissipated.
Take three times per
day
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Capsule
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Take 1
to 3 daily.
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Extract
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Take 1
Tsp. in a cup of water two times per
day.
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Tincture
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Take 2
- 4 ml. three times per
day.
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Growing
Directions
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Catnip
grows easily from either seeds or root
divisions planted in the spring or
fall.
It thrives in well drained soil under
full sun, but it will tolerate partial
shade.
Thin seedlings to 18
inches.
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History
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Catnip
has been medicinally used for at least 2000
years from Europe to
China.
It has a long history as a tranquilizer,
sedative, digestive aid, menstrual promoter,
and for flatulence. Equal parts of Catnip and
Saffron were once used to treat smallpox and
scarlet fever.
It was also a popular tea in
Pre-Elizabethan
England.
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Additional
Information
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1.
Catnip has no hallucinogenic qualities,
even though sometimes it is reported as
so.
2.
Catnip is a relative of the Mint
family.
3.
Catnip is known as “Natures AKA
Seltzer.”
4.
From 1842 - 1882 Catnip was listed in the
US Pharmacopoeia.
5.
From 1916 - 1950 Catnip was listed in the
National Formulary for its medicinal
value.
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Cautions
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None
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Magick
Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Venus
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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Bast
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Powers:
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Cat
Magick, Happiness,
Love.
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Magickal
Uses:
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Feed
Catnip to your cat to create a psychic bond
with you.
Use in love sachets with rose
petals.
Grow around your home to attract good
spirits and good luck.
Catnip is also used in spells to enhance
beauty and happiness.
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