Catnip

(Nepeta Cataria)

Stew Eckard and Mike Darnofall

Family: Labiatae

Common Names: Catnip, Catnep, Catmint, Catswort, Field Balm

General Description:

• perennial, branched bush growing to about 3 feet
• dark green, oval-toothed leaves
• native to Europe and the Orient
• now established throughout Northeastern US and Canada
• leaves used medicinally

Chemical Composition:

• volatile oil = nepetalactone(70%-99%)
• minor isomer responsible for cat-attractant activity = cis-trans-nepetalactone
• also contains:  dihydronepetalactone, isodihydronepetalactone, neonepetalactone, nepetalic acid, nepetaside, and a tannin

History and Folk Use:

• elicits euphoria in cats-keeps them away from other houseplants
• used medicinally for > 2000 years in Europe and Orient, introduced to New World by colonists
• in Appalachia-used for colds, nervous conditions, stomach ailments, and hives
• dried leaves smoked to relieve respiratory ailments
• poultice used externally for swelling
• teas used for cough/cold, mild sedative/tranquilizer, (weak tea used to treat colicky infants)
• leaves chewed to relieve toothache
• "Hangman's Root"- can make even the kindest person mean
• NOT A HALLUCINOGEN!!!

Pharmacology:

• aromatic; antibacterial; antispasmodic; carminative; diaphoretic; mild sedative
• structural similarity between nepetalactone and valepotriates from Valerian suggests sedative effects
• Feline Catnip response = six distinct phases, each lasting about ten minutes

          -ranges from stretching and animation to euphoria and sexual stimulation

          -won't be repeated in less than an hour even if more is eaten

          -seen in all cat species but not all cats, particularly young cats

Clinical Applications:

• CNS: insomnia and nervousness
• GI: hiccups, child colic, diarrhea, and flatulence
• URI: colds and bronchitis
• MISC: menstrual cramps and "hot flashes", minor cuts and scrapes

Toxicity:

• considered nontoxic
• large amounts of the tea may induce emesis
• intraperitoneal LD50 for the oil is 1300 mg/kg
• should only be used in medicinal amounts in consultation with doctor

Dosages:

• infusion: 2 tsp. Dried herb per cup boiling water, steep 10-20 minutes
• **do not boil the catnip--dissipates the oil**
• tincture: ½ to 1 tsp. up to TID
• antibiotic: press crushed leaves into wound on way to washing and bandaging minor cuts and scrapes

References:

Sewester C:  The Lawrence Review of Natural Products.  St. Louis, MI:  Facts and Comparisons, 1991.

Tyler V:  The Honest Herbal, 3rd edition.  New York:  Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1993.

Web sites as follows:

http://www.pathfinder.com/@@RiUplg...ia/Cats/Catslists/Catfiles/106.html

http://newcrop.hort.purdue.edu/hort/newcrops/Crops/Catnip

http://www.ion.com.au/~iridology/NepetaCataria.html

http://www.ion.com.au/~iridology/NepetaCataria.jpg