Catnip Leaf Sooths The Stomach
Friday, October 31st, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Catnip, officially Nepeta cataria, 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.
Catnip Leaf is a native of Europe but was imported to US and is now a common weed here. Other names include Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Field Balm, Menta De Gato. Catnip has been used in herbal remedies on humans since at least the 15th century. It was the most commonly consumed herbal drink in Europe before teas from the orient began to be imported. By the 1890’s, Ojibwe native women were using it. It had a Native name, Gajugensibug, and was said to be a good tea to drink to bring down fevers, as well as being pleasant-tasting.
Catnip got its name by giving cats of all sizes a harmless “high.” Although many cats will eat it, scientists say they’re more interested in the smell than the taste. Felines bite, chew, rub against, and roll in catnip to release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. The cat will generally go crazy for several minutes. Then suddenly it will lose interest and walk away only to return and do it again two hours later. Although no one knows exactly what happens in the cat’s brain, we do know that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is what triggers the response. The catnip reaction is inherited, and, though some cats are totally unaffected by it, even large cats like tigers can be sensitive to it.
As an herbal treatment, catnip sooths the stomach and digestive system. This means it aids with flatulence, diarrhea, and colic. As an enema it can cleanse and heal the lower bowel. Taken as a hot infusion, Catnip promotes sweating and this helps with colds, flu, fevers, and infectious diseases. It is soothing to the nervous system and can help to prevent a miscarriage, premature birth and to decrease symptoms of morning sickness.
Catnip is beneficial for young children. It stimulates the body, settles the stomach, and soothes the nerves. The combination of catnip with fennel has long been used as a remedy for colic, gas, teething difficulties, and indigestion in children. It also helps clean out mucus in the body.
Combined with garlic’s infection fighting properties, the duo is a powerful enema. It has the ability to induce sleep while producing perspiration without increasing the heat of the system. This makes it a valuable drink when someone has a fever. Its sedative action on the nerves adds to its generally relaxing properties.
Essential oils are taken from the flowers and leaves. But the real benefit of catnip is in the leaf that may be purchased and used dried, cut, and powdered. The most common uses are as a tea, as an extract, or as a sprinkling on food. Of course, some use catnip to make an herbal pillow for their cats.
Catnip is a safe herb but must be stored properly. As is the case with most bulk herbs, Catnip should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing prolongs its value. The petalactone in catnip is UV photosensitive and, therefore, it is important that it be stored out of the sun. Some recommend caution for use by pregnant women but others say it is perfectly safe, even beneficial for expectant mothers.
Just remember to use caution when purchasing from a bulk herb store. You want to make sure the herbs you purchase will provide you their full benefits.
Tags: Traditional Chinese Medicine, natural home remedy, natural healingremedies
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