General Information
Common name: catmint, catnip
Scientific term: Nepeta cataria
Description:
Catnip is a valuable remedy in cases of respiratory tract infection. Drinking hot herbal catmint tea increases sweating, and therefore effectively reduces heat, and also acts as a natural remedy for reducing hyperemia. This plant is useful during bronchitis and asthma, in viral rashes on the skin, such as chicken pox or measles.
Catnip is an excellent natural remedy for babies and small children. Due to its calming properties, it helps to remove anxiety and improves sleep. It relieves tension, colic, bloating, or pain. In addition, it is an excellent herbal remedy for children who suffer from colic or have trouble sleeping. Catmint infusion relieves headaches caused by stress and nervous system stress. Catnip can also be used in other diseases of the digestive system, such as stomach pain or indigestion, poisoning. Thanks to the content of tannins, catmint is a good remedy for diarrhea, especially in children.
Also, catnip helps in the form of enemas with inflammation of the intestines, constipation or diarrhea. Due to its relaxing properties, catnip also favorably affects the uterus, and therefore this plant can be used to relieve menstrual pain, as well as symptoms of premenstrual tension. The herb is suitable for regulating menstruation or in cases when menstruation is delayed. Hot infusion of the herb is an excellent antiseptic for inhalation with sore throat, cold, flu, cough, infusion removes stagnant phenomena during the common cold and sinusitis, it’s a soothing means during asthma attacks and inflammation of the larynx, bronchi and trachea.
This plant has disinfectant properties, ie, it is great for treating skin infections. Tannic acids contained in the grass, accelerate the healing of tissues, inhibit bleeding from small wounds, heal burns, hemorrhoids, insect bites.
Composition:
Catnip contains: essential oils (citronellol, geraniol and citral), tannic substance.
Instructions for use:
The chemical structure of Catnip is very similar to tranquilizers, which are contained in valerian. This plant will provide a healthy and restful sleep.
In order to create a real and effective drink that will help to get a good sleep, you need to boil 1/2 cup of water, add 1 teaspoon of fresh catmint or dried catmint and let stand for about 20 minutes. The drink should be taken warm. You can add honey. This drink can also be used in insomnia, fever, during hay fever and nausea. A small cup of catnip tea with honey is a great way to appease hyperactive children.
Residents of the sparsely populated area of the Appalachians use crushed leaves of fresh grass, as well as herbal powder, like a compress on the diseased gums or teeth. For the application of herbal powder, gauze or cotton cloth impregnated with water is poured onto which herbal powder is poured, after which the compress is applied to the diseased tooth or they are massaged by the diseased gums to obtain rapid relief of pain. It should be noted that fresh catmint leaves bring quick pain relief, while dried leaves (catnip powder) last longer.
Strong catmint tea can also be used as an effective lotion for oedemas, for example, due to allergies, colds, flu or after drinking a lot of alcohol. Boil 3 cups of water, and then add 5 teaspoons of fresh catmint leaves. Reduce the heat and infuse the drink for 3 minutes. Let it stand for about 50 minutes. Pour the liquid into a glass jar or bottle and put in the refrigerator. Use as a lotion for the eyes or gargle several times a day. You can also soak a small towel in the lotion and put it on your swollen eyes, for about 30 minutes.
Catnip is an excellent remedy for stomach problems, has a sedative effect, increases sweating, reduces fever. This plant has a pleasant taste, and its mild effect is useful in the treatment of colds, flu, fever in children, especially when it is mixed with elderberry and honey. In addition, the catnip broth can be used for massage with arthritis, rheumatism and joint pain, and also as an ointment for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Dosage:
Catnip tea is made by brewing boiling water (250 ml) 1-2 teaspoons of herbs. The infusion is covered, then served after 10 -15 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 glasses a day. Children with a cough can drink 5 ml three times a day.
Side Effects and Warnings:
Catnip has certain properties that can cause uterine contractions and stimulate menstruation. Pregnant women and women who suffer from various ailments with the menstrual cycle should avoid using this herb.
The herb also has diuretic properties. Therefore it is recommended to drink tea an hour and a half before bedtime.
Posted by RxMed