Catnip

Catmint – Nepeta mussinii (Note this herb is not generally used for cooking or medicinally and should not be confused with Catnip)

Alternative Chamomile Names

English	-	Catnip
Afrikaans	-	Kattekrui
French	-	Chataire
German	-	Nept
Italian	-	Cataria
Spanish	-	Calaminta

Note: The indigenous (South Africa) herb Ballota africana is also referred to as kattekruid

Catnip/Catmint Types

Catnip	-	Nepeta cataria
Catmint	-	Nepeta mussinii

Description

Hardy perennial, which grows up to 1 m high has serrated dark green leaves and small white flowers.

Catnip grows naturally in the dry regions of the Meditiranean in Southern Europe and North Africa

Growing Catnip

Catnip grows well in full sun or partial shade. The scent comes out best in the hot sun. It does not require any special soil preparation but does best in well drained soil with a pH between 5 and 7.5.

. In early spring, cut back the old stems to allow the new ones to grow. Cutting off old blooms will allow fress flowers to set.

Catnip does well in pots or window boxes where it can more easily be protected from destruction by cats.

Propogation of Catnip

Catnip will grown easily from seed. If the seeds are sprinkled on the surface of the soil and a light layer of soil sprinkled over the top they will germinate quickly Once established the seedlings can be easily transplanted into individual pots.

Preserving Catnip

To dry Catnip cut about 10 cm soft stems, make bundles of 3 to 5 sprigs, tie them together, and hang them in a warm, airy, dry, and dark location away from traffic. Or spread them on a fine screen or newspaper in a well-ventilated room to dry.

Another method of drying is to just place the cut sprigs into a brown paper packet. Tie string around the neck leaving a small hole for air to enter and hang up in a dust free environment or leave in a dark cupboard. A few holes pricked into the bag does help with air circulation.

If the area is very humid or you need rapid drying put the sprigs out in the sun for a short while or try laying them out in the warming drawer of an oven for a few days. The more gently you can apply the heat the better. Once dried, strip the leaves and flowering tops from the stems and store in a closed container.

Using Cat Nip in the Garden

Cats are so attracted by Catnip that they will often destroy the plants by rolling on them. Keep the plant protected from cats by planting into a hanging basket or under some form of cover. Window Box Herbs sells Catnip in a pot protected by a wire basket.

Cats generally enjoy catnip so much that they go into a euphoric fervor, chewing the leaves and rolling on them. If your cat does not take to catnip immediately try rubbing and crushing some leaves in your hands and rubbing them onto the cats fur.

Culinary Uses of Catnip

Catnip can be added to soups and stews to give a minty flavour and provide a mild digestive action.

Catnip used fresh or dry leaves and flowers to make a good mint flavoured tea which is a good aid to digestion. Sweeten with a little honey.

Use about 2 teaspoonfuls of dried Catnip to 1 cup of water and infuse for 10min.

Medicinal Uses of Catnip

Important! Do not use of herbs for medicinal purposes without consulting your medical doctor. Herbs have medicinal qualities and can react with other medication.

Digestive problems; Indigestion; Diarrhea; Flatulence and Colic: especially good for children and babies and if you have over indulged on food or alcohol