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Nepeta Cataria (Catnip)
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This plant has been famed throughout the western world to be an irresistible plant to cats. It has been used, on numerous occasions, to coax cats, which have a mind of their own (on occasions), to do something which they would have not ordinarily have done.
The main active constituents which are found in N. cataria are Citronellal, Deoxyloganic Acid, Farnesene, Thymol, Pulegone, and Actinidine.
Location
This herb is found natively in the eastern Mediterranean, Southern Asia and China. The herb generally likes warmer climates but it can be found in cooler climates.
Propagation
The plant is a hardy perennial herb which will grow to about 1m in length. The leaves are about ½ inch long with are hairy club (in cards) shaped and are located near to the periphery of the plant.
The propagation of the plant is quite easy, in any type of soil. The plant is not water hungry as many of its species and so it is a low maintenance plant. The plant is best grown from seed, where it is likely to remain since when a plant is damaged or it has been transplanted the volatile oils which usually stay inside the plant are released and since cats appear to have an irresistible urge for these plants, when they are damaged, it would be recommended that you would keep these plants protected from those feline paws.
Harvesting the plant should occur just before the flowering begins, this is normally around Mid-Summer but it could vary around that point according to cultivation time and climate.
Preparation
The plant contains many volatile oils which may be lost with slow drying. Therefore it would need to be done in a warm room, with plenty of ventilation or in an oven with the temperature around 65oC (150oF).
How it's Used
Parts Used
To obtain the oil of catmint the best way to obtain the oils are by steam distillation.
Medicinal
Nepeta cataria has a sedative and soporific (sleep inducing) qualities to it. It also eases digestion and gas, promotes sweating and it also has a warming affect on the body.
Pregnant women should not take this herb, but taken during breast feeding will help babies which have colic.