Sunday, February 15, 2009

Catnip - Nepeta cataria

Grows best in rich moist soil.  Full sun or partial shade is great.  Can be propagated by division (in spring), cuttings (in summer), and can be sown in soil at or above 60F. Leaves and flowering stems can be harvested and used for teas.  When flower heads are opened, grasp a handful of stems and cut them back almost to the ground.  Hang them in bunches of 6-8 stems.  when the leaves are brittle, strip them from the stems, rub them between your palms and seal tightly in glass jars.  Catnip is sedative to humans and their nervous systems.  It helps calm digestive upsets, dispels gas, helps relieve fevers, insomnia, diarrhea and the restlessness of teething children.  Herb can be used as a tincture, infusion, or tea.

0 comments: