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Catnip
(Nepeta
cataria)
Other
names:
catmint
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Medicinally
Catnip
is most commonly used in connection with anxiety,
insomnia, and nervousness. It contains a
substance, known as nepetalactone, which has a
sedative effect in humans. (Nepetalactone is very
similar to valepotriate found in valerian, a more
commonly used herbal sedative.) Due to this
effect, catnip may also be used to help lessen
migraine headaches. Catnip has also been used
historically to relieve stomach complaints such as
colic, cramps, gas, and indigestion because
chemicals in it may have muscle-relaxing, or
antispasmodic, effects.
Tea
made from catnip is used to relieve intestinal
cramps and gas discomforts. Recent researches show
that consumption of teas containing catnip has
anti-cholinergic effects. Catnip has been used for
relief of insomnia and prevention of nightmares,
and has a mild anti-spasmodic effect and is used
to treat cramps. The juice from the leaves was
used to stimulate menstrual flow. It has been used
in the treatment of children’s ailments, such as
colicky pain, flatulence and restlessness. The
herb has also been used as a cold remedy, for
hives, as a diaphoretic, a refrigerant and an
anodyne. Poultices made from catnip have commonly
been used for toothaches, though they can be
applied to any part of the body. They have been
applied to sore breasts of nursing mothers and to
the neck for tonsillitis.
History
The
leaves of catnip have traditionally been chewed as
a remedy for alleviating toothaches. The
inhabitants of Southern Appalachia have used it
since the eighteenth century as a remedy for cold.
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Catnip
Leaf and Flower C/O
(Nepeta
cataria)
Origin-
USA 
catnip
is used to relieve intestinal cramps and
gas and insomnia. More...
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Bulk
Herbs
A-D
E-O
P-Z
For
educational purposes only This information
has not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease. |
