Catnip Herb Decreases Morning Sickness And More

Catnip, officially Nepeta cataria, is one of the bulk herbs that is a member of the mint family. It grows to be about 2' tall. The leaves are downy above and below, a little larger than peppermint leaves. Catnip is harvested when this essential oil production reaches its peak, and leaves and fragrant flowers are carefully air-dried to preserve essential oils at their best.

A native of Europe, catnip was imported to US and is now a common weed here. Catnip is also called Catmint, Field Balm, Catswort, Catnep, Menta De Gato. Catnip has been used in herbal remedies since at least the 15th century, the most commonly consumed herbal drink in Europe before the importation of teas from the orient. By the 1890's, Ojibwe native women were using it by the name Gajugensibug. It was prepared as a tea to bring down fevers.

Its name starting with ‘cat’ is not a coincidence. Catnip actually drives cats wild for a short time. Although many cats eat it, they are more interested in the smell than the taste. A cat will bite, chew, rub against, and roll in catnip. This will release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. This may go on for several minutes, then suddenly the cat will walk away only to return and do it again two hours later. No one knows exactly why cats act this way, but we do know that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the trigger. The reaction is not learned, and, though some cats are totally unaffected by it, even large cats like tigers can be sensitive to it.

More importantly, catnip is an herb that helps people. If taken as a hot infusion, catnip promotes sweating. This is beneficial for treating colds, flu, fevers, and infectious diseases. It sooths the nervous system and calms the stomach. Catnip helps with flatulence, diarrhea, and colic. It is sometimes used in a diluted form as an enema to cleanse and heal the lower bowel. Cautious ingestion of catnip can help to prevent a miscarriage and premature birth, even to decrease the effects of morning sickness. These are just a few of Catnip's benefits.

Catnip is great for treating young children. It safely stimulates the body while it settles the stomach and soothes the nerves. In combination with fennel catnip is a great remedy for colic, gas, teething difficulties, and indigestion in children. It is also a great mucus cleanser.

Some also combine it with garlic because of garlic’s ability to fight infections. Together they make a powerful enema. Catnip can also induce sleep and increase perspiration without increasing body temperature, a perfect combination for someone who has a fever. This sedative action on the nerves makes it generally relaxing.

It is the Catnip leaf that has value though essential oils are taken from the flowers. It may be purchased and used dried, cut, and powdered. Catnip is prepared as a tea, as an extract, or the dried leaves are lightly sprinkled on food. Of course, the dried leaves are made into an herbal pillow for cats.

Catnip is safe for man, woman, and child to ingest. If you want its benefits to last though, you should store it in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing is even better. The petalactone in catnip is sensitive to ultraviolet light so keep it out of the sun. There is disagreement whether or not it will cause harm to a pregnant woman but most feel it is both safe and beneficial to expectant mothers.

By: ThelmaMTA02

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Catnip Leaf provides digestion aid, relief from fevers and stomach cramps and more health boosting benefits to those who use it regularly. To find out more about this and other bulk dried herbs, visit More Than Alive - an online store and trusted resource for family health information.