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Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. Catnip was originally native to Europe and Asia but has been imported to the United States and other countries. Catnip has become so common that it is now a wide-spread weed in the United States. It grows about 2’ tall. It has sturdy stems with hairy, heart-shaped, grayish-green leaves. When it flowers, the flowers are white or lilac and occur in several clusters toward the tip of the branches (Plants). Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Species Nepeta camphorata (old: ) Nepeta cataria Nepeta curviflora Nepeta faassenii (old: ) Nepeta grandiflora Nepeta racemosa (old: ) and dozens, if not hundreds, more. ...

In order to maximize the growth of catnip, each plant should be planted about 12 inches apart because plants can reach a height of 36 inches by the second year. They should be planted in a dry, sandy, sunny area in order to get the greatest flavor and smell. Catnip can grow in most soils because it does not require the moisture that most mint plants need. The only soil that Catnip should not be planted in is severely drained clay. Propagation can also be done by dividing the plants and cuttings. Self-sown seedlings can be transplanted to other soils (Jacobs, 5). Catnip requires no care except for weeding, and a bed can last for several years. Catnip should be harvested in middle to late summer just before flowering has occurred. It is best to harvest the Catnip on a dry, sunny day and in late morning. When drying, the leaves should be stripped from the stems and dried as quickly as possible. A room with good ventilation should be used for drying (Plants).

During the Middle Ages catnip was used for the treatment of nervousness, colds, flues, and fevers because it promotes sweating when taken as a hot infusion. Catnip has also been alleged to aid with flatulence, diarrhea, colic, and other childhood diseases, as well as preventing miscarriages, premature births, and morning sickness. It is also sometimes used as an enema (Plants).

Catnip is mainly known for the effects it has on felines. Catnip can cause incredible reactions when given to cats, however, not all cats are affected by catnip because the ability to detect it is inherited. Only 2/3 of cats actually respond to it. Catnip contains a chemical known as nepetalactone that is thought to trigger responses in the cat’s brain. When given Catnip, cats will rub in it, roll over it, paw at it, chew it, lick it, leap about, then purr loudly, growl, and meow. This reaction only lasts for several minutes before the cat loses interest. It takes up to two hours for the cat to “reset” and then it can come back to the catnip and have the same response as before (How does catnip work?, 2005). Young kittens and older cats are less likely to have a reaction to catnip but big cats, such as tigers, seem to be extremely sensitive to it. Cat owners do not need to worry about giving their cats Catnip because there are no side effects to it. Other plants that also have this effect on cats include Valerian and plants that contain Actinidine (Smith, 2005).

Reference:

Jacobs, Betty E.M. Growing & Using Herbs Successfully. Garden Way Publishing. Pownal, Vermont, 1981

How does catnip work? HowStuffWorks, Inc. 1998-2005. http://science.howstuffworks.com/question303.htm

Plants. Holoweb, Inc. Edina, MN. http://www.holoweb.com/cannon/catnip.htm

Smith, Linda. Catnip. Penmarrie Cornish Rex. 1996-2005 http://www.penmarric.ns.ca/catcare/usefulinfo/catnip.htm