Catnip is one of the herbs people know today. Also called catmint or catswort, catnip serves as a species of the genus Nepeta from the family Lamiaceae. The plant is native to various territories like the Middle East, central Asia, some parts of China, as well as eastern and southern Europe. The herb’s name is derived from the extreme attraction of cats towards them.
Catnip as a Relaxant
Catnip helps a person relax, allowing him to cope with stress and sleep peacefully. According to Organic Facts, the plant can be used as an herbal remedy to combat chronic anxiety and stressed. It can be eaten or consumed as a juice or tea, in addition to being smoked as an herb. This way, the plant also helps relieve the secondary signs and symptoms of chronic stress and boost the person’s immune system.
Catnip can also be used by people who suffer from insomnia or difficulty falling a sleep. As per the publication, catnip has a sedative property, which aids the body slow down its natural processes; as a result, the body gains a calm and relaxed stated. It is added that people who consume catnip are able to have a restful sleep through the night. In this regard, most people prefer drinking a cup of catnip tea before bedtime.
Catnip and Cat Flatulence
One benefit catnip has for cats is the relief of flatulence. According to Mercola, catnip relieves tension in cats; it calms them to prevent stomach upsets. As per the publication, flatulence in cats can be due to various factors like their nutrition, malabsorption, or accidental swallowing of air. In fact, a catnip tea bath also promotes a cat’s skin condition; it helps soothe their skin and prevent tick and flea infestation.
Catnip as Carminative
Catnip also helps relieve stomach discomfort. As per Mercola, the herb aids expel excess air in the intestines; thus, it can be used by people with stomach gas problems. Due to this property, catnip can be used t treat colic in babies, since it also promotes relaxation. Nonetheless, the usage of the herb on babies should be done following a medical consult with a health professional. This is to ensure that the proper amount is given to the baby.
Catnip as Mosquito Repellant
Catnip also helps protect the skin from mosquitoes. According to Medical Health Guide, the herb was tested against mosquito species like the Aedes aegypti, A. vigilax, Cules annulirostris, and C. quinquefasciatus. Studies found that while the plant extract did not achieve similar protection level from biting mosquitoes like deet, considerable difference in the protection level to the four mosquito species was established.
Sample Recipe
Since cats are attracted to catnip, the herb can be used in making cat treats like Catnip Crackers. According to Reader’s Digest, the ingredients include three-fourths cup of flour, half cup of whole wheat flour, two tablespoons of dried catnip, half cup of yogurt, one egg, a tablespoon of honey, and three tablespoons of vegetable oil.
The meal can be prepared in less than 20 minutes. As per the publication, oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, flour and catnip are mixed together in a medium bowl and egg, yogurt, vegetable oil, and honey are stirred in. Then, dough is pressed out on a floured surface and it is cut into smaller treats with a cookie cutter or pizza wheel. The cookies are placed on greased sheets and are baked for 15 minutes until they become golden brown. Finally, the cookies are stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for a week; they can also be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Catnip stands as one of the healthy herbs people have today. Thus, its inclusion in meal recipes helps promote a person’s (and a cat’s) health.
