Kelseyville Katnip, nepeta cataria

Organically grown Kelseyville Katnip is the cats meow.

Kelseyville Katnip
Fresh, Chemical free, sun cured
Festers Finest Garden Grown Catnip
(Nepeta cataria)

Catnip is a wonderful herb with medicinal properties for human and feline health. Known in the past as a remedy in the treatment of tension and anxiety, and is mentioned as being a useful calmative for hyperactive children. Also listed as a mild diaphoretic, catnip can be helpful in eliminating toxins from the body. Distilled oil from catnip can be procured from an herbal apothecary, and this oil is supposed to be a very effective appetite stimulant, and has been used in the treatment of anorexia.

Catnip is now mostly recognized for its use as a feline "aphrodisiac", although it is estimated that about 15-20% of cats do not have a response to catnip. The presence (or lack) of a response to catnip appears to be a genetic trait for cats. Since catnip triggers responses that are sex-behavior linked, kittens generally do not begin responding to catnip until they have started to sexually mature, at the age of six months. Studies have shown that the Big Cats (lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, etc.) also enjoy the effects of catnip!

Catnip loves full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and does well in almost any garden soil (pH between 5 and 7.5). It is more pungent when it is grown in sandy soil with full sun. Cataria grows to 4 feet tall and somewhat resembles stinging nettle. Bruising the leaves releases the powerful oils in the catnip.

Catnip is a perennial easily grown from seed, cuttings or root division. Plant seeds 1/4 in. deep or shallower, they will usually germinate promptly. Space seedlings 18 to 24 in. apart, they transplant fairly happily. Catnip grows well in pots and window boxes.

COOKING: Catnip can be used to add an unusual flavor to sauces, soups and stews, and be used as an herbal tea. When making herb teas, the leaves of some plants are used, the seeds of others, and the cut-up (or powdered) root of still others. When only the leaves or blossoms are used, it is only necessary to make an infusion by pouring boiling water over them in a pre-heated pot. When the stems are used, the tea should be steeped about 5 minutes. Seeds make a stronger tea than the leaves and should be crushed and boiled 5 minutes. To make an aromatic cup of catnip tea, steep a teaspoon of dried leaves in boiling water for 6 - 7 minutes. Add lemon and honey to taste. For a slightly stronger tea, add some crushed stem to the boiling water.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Catnip tea is used for headaches and stomachaches, fresh leaves can be chewed for a headache. A tonic made from the plant is said to be a good remedy for colds. Catnip is an extremely safe herb, and there are no listed warnings or contraindications.