Catnip A Natural Remedy

For many years now catnip has been used by many farmers and at one time even Doctors. Once thought to have special healing powers; catnip in many aspects has been long forgotten. My family has always believed in the beneficial healing powers of catnip and my sister and I were raised on the tea made from catnip. Many landscapers also use catnip along sidewalks due to its beauty and because it is a perennial.

What does Catnip look like?

Catnip is green in color- has heart shaped leaves and can stand up 3 feet tall.

Medicinal Uses:

• Digestive Problems
• Colic
• Restlessness
• Reduces Fevers

How to Make Tea:

dry leaf version : Take 1 Tablespoon of dried catnip leaves to 1 1/2 cup boiling water. Put leaves in kettle, bowl, etc and pour boiling water over leaves. Let sit for about 5-7 minutes strain leaves out and enjoy

Fresh leaf version: Take 2 1/2 Tablespoons of fresh catnip leaves to 1 1/2 cup boiling water. Put leaves in kettle, bowl, etc and pour boiling water over leaves. Allow to sit for 10 minutes. Strain leaves and Enjoy.

* some prefer to put a small amount of sugar, lemon, or honey with their tea- also placing a saucer over the cup of boiling water with the leaves keeps the steam from escaping as fast therefore preserving a lot of the essential oils from the herb.

Side effects:

Although not very common it is important to list the side effects of catnip as well they can include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• and feeling dizzy

*Authors Note* I am NOT a doctor nor do I claim to be. All information written in this article is just that. What I was raised and taught to believe. Please consult your family doctor before making any decisions on home remedies.