Catnip

  ABOUT CATNIP

Catnip is usually well known for cats (my cat loves it as a snack), but it also is a nutrient-rich, edible, and medicinal herb for humans. I love the smell of catnip, how it serves insects on my property and that I can use it in so many things. It’s valued for its calming, digestive, and mild pain-relieving effects. The leaves, stems, and flowers are all usable, with leaves and flowering tops being the most common.

"I practice regenerative and permaculture methods.

I never use pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or store-bought fertilizers,

not even organically approved ones."

It has a dense concentration of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds like:

Vitamins C, K, A, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and Iron.

Bioactive Compounds: Nepetalactone is the primary oil responsible for catnip’s sedative, calming, and insect-repellent properties. It has mild sedative effects in humans, aiding relaxation and sleep. Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds with anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. Tannins are astringent compounds that support wound healing and reduce inflammation when applied topically. Rosmarinic Acid provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, potentially supporting digestion and reducing oxidative stress.

You can eat it raw and cook with it. It is also used in tea, infused water, poultice, salves, and compresses. Used for things like headache relief, insect repellent, aromatherapy, etc. I use it in my chicken coop for nesting boxes and even in flower arrangements as well. I encourage you to look into all the ways to use this great herb.

*There are some safety precautions. It's not recommended while pregnant or nursing, and there is some cases, it could enhance the sedative effects of some medications. So always double-check it is safe for you.

It is a big favorite in my food forest with the pollinators. Here are several videos: one of swallowtail, bees, a black wasp, and the hummingbird moth.