Family:

Lamiaceae

 

Part Used:

Aerial parts.

 

Energetics & Taste:

Bitter, cooling, and drying.

 

Habitat:

Native to Europe, naturalized in North America, and prefers dry climates.

 

Key Benefits:

Catnip is both a carminative and a nervine, making it particularly effective for digestive complaints accompanied by anxiety or stress. It can also help with flatulence, colic, nervous dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, gastric ulcers, IBS, nausea, and general digestive discomfort. This gentle herb is often used for infants and children, especially colic and fevers.

As a relaxing diaphoretic, catnip increases perspiration without raising internal heat, helping to lower a fever. As a nervine, it can be taken for restlessness, insomnia (particularly in hyperactive children), and nervous or tension headaches. Additionally, its antispasmodic properties make it worthwhile for conditions such as asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and hiccups.

 

Contraindications:

Do not use in pregnancy.