Catnip Store

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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