Catnip
Nepeta cataria, L.

This sprawling perennial herb springs up around our barn, and can be found in most vacant lots and neglected corners of the garden.. Flowering in June to September. (Picture taken June 18/99). Faintly mint aromatic, with bitter taste. Tolerates hot sun without flinching, are immune to insect pests and diseases. All persist as drifts of silver from early spring until late fall.

Medicinal Part: The whole herb

Solvents: Diluted alcohol, boiling water

Uses:
- All Herbalists find Catnip useful for feverish colds. It will produce perspiration without increasing the heat of the system, and induce sleep.
-Catnip tea can be given to restless or hyperactive children before bed in place of stimulating chocolate drinks.
-It has proved invaluable in nervous headache, for allaying hysteria and insanity and other forms of nervous diseases of an acute character, without any effect of withdrawal from its use.
-The fresh expressed juice of the green herb taken in tablespoonful amounts three times a day will encourage suppressed menstruation..

Dose: Infuse 1 oz. leaves to 1 pint boiling water; Always steep the herb in a closed container, never boil.

Adults: 2-3 tablespoonfuls, children 2-3 teaspoonfuls, frequently for feverish colds..