Catnip belongs to the labiates family. The name of the robust perennial plant comes from the fact that cats are attracted to the essential oils of the plant. Less well known is the equally mild euphoric effect on humans.
Occurrence and cultivation of catnip
Catnip belongs to the labiates family. The name of the robust perennial plant comes from the fact that cats are attracted to the essential oils of the plant. Catmint can reach heights of 69 centimeters to one meter. Up to seven centimeters long pointed and hairy leaves appear on its erect, square stems. The white to pale blue flowers appear in July. The brown seeds form on the spike-like inflorescences in the fall. A distinctive feature of the seed pods is that they retain their germination capacity for five years. Characteristic of catnip is a tart smell reminiscent of lemon. The original home of catnip is in Africa and southern Europe. Since about 1750, the plant is also found wild in Central Europe. On hedges or roadsides, catmint can be found up to altitudes of 900 meters. Especially in the foothills of the Alps, the Neckar-Main area in Schleswig-Holstein or the Weserbergland, rich natural occurrences are recorded. In some areas of Germany, however, the population is also declining. Preferably, the plant thrives on a dry and nutrient-rich loamy or sandy soil. Plenty of sun and light promote growth. Nitrogen applications are also beneficial for the plant to thrive. The plants are hardy and very robust, and are particularly well suited for beds or balconies. Catmint is easy to grow yourself by sowing seeds. The plant can be propagated by cuttings or by dividing the rootstock.
Effect and application
Used the catnip already in the Middle Ages. Documented is, for example, the use as a seasoning for meat. Far earlier, the plant was valued for its healing properties. Evidence of this is a doctrinal poem written by Abbot Walahfrid Strabo in 827. John Gerald has described the appearance of the plants already in 1597 in a plant book. Catnip is widely known today as a component of various cat toys. The palette here ranges from the play mouse made of plush to the cuddly pillow, which is filled with catnip herb. Generally, the plant is offered in the trade dried, coarsely cut or as an essential oil. Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy, added to bath water or can also be used to repel insects. When cats come into contact with the plant, they enter an almost intoxicated state and roll around on the ground in rapture. Female cats in particular respond to the herb. Researchers have shown that kittens or older cats, on the other hand, show little reaction to the herb. The constituents of catnip are also important to humans, and the plant is said to have relaxing, detoxifying and digestive effects. The dried leaves are drunk as tea and also smoked the plant is used to take advantage of the slightly euphoric effect.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
A tea made from catnip herb can be antispasmodic, relaxing, antipyretic and digestive. To make it, pour 0.25 liters of hot but not boiling water over two tablespoons of dried herb. The infusion time for the refreshing drink is five minutes. If the tea is to develop its healing effect particularly intensively and help against acute complaints, then the infusion time can be up to 20 minutes. If the fresh leaves are chewed, they can help relieve toothache. Generally controversial is the effect as a narcotic plant. Some people use the herb as a substitute for marijuana. Catnip herb is smoked pure or in combination with tobacco. The effect is rather small and usually becomes noticeable only after regular use. Calming and a positive body feeling can be the result. Users also report visual changes in color perception. Colors are perceived more intensely and if the eyes are closed, then slight visions can occur. The slightly euphoric effect of catnip is expressed in humans in a good mood and talkativeness. Catnip is collected during the flowering period, dried and used for medicinal applications.The plant contains essential oils, tannins, camphor, thymol, fatty acids or various other substances with health-promoting properties. The fresh, lemony scent attracts not only cats, but also in humans a slight mood-lifting effect can be observed when a tea is brewed from the dried herb. An infusion of catnip herb helps with colds, fever, gout, irritability or insomnia. The drink is also said to bring relief from diarrhea and colic. For this, regular intake is necessary and the tea should be drunk at least three times a day. As a prevention against infections, the tea is also administered. The calming effect of catnip was already proven in studies in the 1970s. Drunk before meals, tea made from catnip herb makes appetite. Enjoyed after meals, it has a digestive effect. In cats, the healing effect can be used in that the animals relax faster and the urge to move can be activated by catnip. This is especially important for owners of sluggish or extremely overweight animals. However, if the animals react too strongly to the herb, then it should be refrained from using The catnip belongs to the labiates. The name of the robust, perennial plant comes from the fact that cats are attracted to the essential oils of the plant. Less well known is its equally mild euphoric effect on humans.
