Natural Catnip - an Old Cold and Flu Remedy
Catnip Products Include Herbal Tea Remedies, Liquid Tincture
Sep 23, 2009
Natural catnip is known for its effects on felines. But most folks are unaware of catnip's long history as a healing herb. For centuries, people have been using catnip herb tea to treat a wide range of ailments.
Catnip Products Aren't Just for Cats
Catnip tea is an old remedy for coughs and colds. People would start drinking this tea at the first sign of a cold or respiratory infection. Catnip herb tea causes sweating, which helps to bring down a fever. It has a decongestant action, as well. Inhaling the steam from a cup of catnip tea, as well as drinking it, will help to open the sinuses.
Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is the secret ingredient that drives many kitties wild. However, it has the opposite effect on people. Nepetalactone is very similar to the compounds found in valerian, an herb that has sedative properties. An old remedy for insomnia is a cup of catnip tea at bedtime.
Who needs commercial cold and flu preparations when catnip tea helps to relieve cold symptoms, as well as promoting a good night's sleep? This tea is quite safe for babies and small children as well. In fact, catnip herb tea is a time-honored remedy for colicky babies, as this herb also has a soothing effect on the stomach.
Natural Catnip is an All-Purpose Herb
Catnip is also an anti-spasmodic, and will help to relieve menstrual cramps. Since this herbal tea also helps to bring on menstruation, pregnant women should avoid it.
Make a natural eyewash from from three cups of boiling water and five teaspoons of fresh catnip leaves (half this amount if using the dried herb). Let it simmer for three minutes, but don't boil it, as this destroys the essential oils. Take the brew off the stove, and let it steep for about an hour. Strain, and use it in an eye cup, or on a cloth over the eyes, to relieve eye inflammation and swelling from allergies or colds.
Have a toothache? Catnip is a traditional toothache remedy in the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains. Mash up some fresh leaves, and put them directly on the gum. Powdered catnip can be put on a wet cottonball to make a homemade poultice. Place the herb-covered cottonball in the mouth, against the gum under the sore tooth. Fresh leaves work more quickly to relieve toothache pain, but the powdered herb takes a little longer.
Tips for Using Catnip
Use only organic catnip when making tea or eyewash, to avoid being exposed to any pesticides that may have been used while the herb was grown or processed. Dried catnip herb should contain only leaves and flowers, with no stems. The dried herb should still be green. If it's gray, it was probably dried at high temperatures, or in the sun, which will reduce the quality. It should smell like catnip. If it doesn't, it's probably too old to be of any use.
To make a cup of catnip tea, pour a cup of boiling water over one to two teaspoons of dried herb. Cover it, and let it steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Add honey or stevia to sweeten to taste.
Catnip extract is also available as an herbal tincture. For children, mix a few drops of the liquid tincture with water, or in a warm drink.
Have a mouse problem? Catnip is very effective as a repellent for mice and rats. Old-timers used to hang bunches of dried catnip in the hen house to keep rodents at bay. This herb is used in manufacturing a safe insect repellent, too
Catnip is only one of many herbal tea remedies that are making a comeback, as people discover how safe and effective herbs are for treating minor illnesses. Think kitty will share her stash?
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