Family: Labiatae
Common Names: Catnip, Catnep, Catmint, Catswort, Field Balm
General Description:
- perennial, branched bush growing to about 3 feet
- dark green, oval-toothed leaves
- native to Europe and the Orient
- now established throughout Northeastern US and Canada
- leaves used medicinally
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:
- CNS: insomnia and nervousness
- GI: hiccups, child colic, diarrhea, and flatulence
- URI: colds and bronchitis
- MISC: menstrual cramps and "hot flashes", minor cuts and scrapes
Toxicity:
- considered nontoxic
- large amounts of the tea may induce emesis
- intraperitoneal LD50 for the oil is 1300 mg/kg
- should only be used in medicinal amounts in consultation with doctor
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
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US $3.00










