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Family: Labiatae

Common Names: Catnip, Catnep, Catmint, Catswort, Field Balm

General Description:

Chemical Composition:

volatile oil = nepetalactone(70%-99%)
minor isomer responsible for cat-attractant activity = cis-trans-nepetalactone
also contains: dihydronepetalactone, isodihydronepetalactone,
neonepetalactone, nepetalic acid, nepetaside, and a tannin

History and Folk Use:

elicits euphoria in cats-keeps them away from other houseplants
used medicinally for > 2000 years in Europe and Orient, introduced to
New World by colonists
in Appalachia-used for colds, nervous conditions, stomach ailments, and hives
dried leaves smoked to relieve respiratory ailments
poultice used externally for swelling
teas used for cough/cold, mild sedative/tranquilizer, (weak tea used to treat
colicky infants)
leaves chewed to relieve toothache
"Hangman's Root"- can make even the kindest person mean
NOT A HALLUCINOGEN!!!

Pharmacology:

aromatic; antibacterial; antispasmodic; carminative; diaphoretic; mild sedative
structural similarity between nepetalactone and valepotriates from Valerian
suggests sedative effects
Feline Catnip response = six distinct phases, each lasting about ten minutes

-ranges from stretching and animation to euphoria and sexual stimulation

-won't be repeated in less than an hour even if more is eaten

-seen in all cat species but not all cats, particularly young cats

Clinical Applications:

Toxicity:

Dosages:

infusion: 2 tsp. Dried herb per cup boiling water, steep 10-20 minutes
**do not boil the catnip--dissipates the oil**
tincture: ½ to 1 tsp. up to TID
antibiotic: press crushed leaves into wound on way to washing and bandaging
minor cuts and scrapes