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Catnip — Nepeta cataria

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Catnip — Nepeta cataria

layout: base.njk title: Catnip description: Growing Catnip in West Virginia (Zone 6b/7a) category: medicinal

Type: Perennial
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low to moderate (drought-tolerant once established)
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardiness: Zones 3-9

Quick Reference: See detailed growing information below

🌱 Expected Yield

  • Per plant: ¼-½ lb dried leaves/flowers per season
  • Per patch (10'x10'): 6-10 lbs dried (40-50 plants)
  • Lifespan: 5-8 years with division every 3-4 years (short-lived perennial, may act as annual in harsh winters)

🏺 Heirloom Varieties & Species

Common Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

  • Source: Herb nurseries, Seed Savers Exchange, Mountain Rose Herbs
  • Notes: Most common species. White flowers with purple spots. Native to Europe/Asia. Highest nepetalactone content (cat attractant). Most researched medicinally.

'Citriodora' Catnip (Lemon Catnip)

  • Source: Herb specialists, Richters Herbs
  • Notes: Lemon-scented foliage. Less attractive to cats. Used for culinary, tea. Milder medicinal properties.

'Compacta' Catnip

  • Source: Perennial nurseries
  • Notes: Dwarf variety (12-15"). Compact habit. Good for containers, edging.

Faassen's Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii)

  • Source: Perennial nurseries, ornamental collections
  • Notes: Hybrid (N. racemosa × N. nepetella). Sterile (no seed). Lavender-blue flowers. Ornamental. Less nepetalactone—not attractive to cats.

Walker's Low Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low')

  • Source: Perennial specialists
  • Notes: Award-winning hybrid. Lavender-blue flowers. Long bloom period. Ornamental, not medicinal.

Siberian Catnip (Nepeta sibirica)

  • Source: Native plant specialists (Asia)
  • Notes: Native to Siberia, Central Asia. Similar properties to common catnip. Less common in cultivation.

Persian Catmint (Nepeta racemosa)

  • Source: Rock garden specialists
  • Notes: Dwarf (6-12"). Native to Middle East. Blue flowers. Ornamental.

Greek Catnip (Nepeta parnassica)

  • Source: Mediterranean herb collections
  • Notes: Native to Greece. White flowers. Similar properties.

Japanese Catnip (Nepeta subsessilis)

  • Source: Asian herb specialists
  • Notes: Native to Japan. Pink-purple flowers. Traditional Japanese medicine.

Note: Only Nepeta cataria (common catnip) has significant nepetalactone content and strong cat-attracting properties. Other species/hybrids are primarily ornamental.

📜 Cultural History

Domesticated: Medieval Europe, from wild populations

Historical Record: - Ancient Rome: Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE) mentioned catnip. Used for digestive issues, "melancholy" (depression). - Medieval Europe: Cultivated in monastery gardens. Used for fevers, colds, digestive complaints, hives. - 17th century: Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654) recommended for "wind" (gas), women's complaints, to "provoke urine." - 18th century: Shaker herb gardens cultivated catnip extensively. - Colonial America: Adopted from European settlers. Tea for colic, fever, menstrual cramps. - Victorian era: Popular children's remedy (safe, gentle for infants). - Name origin: "Nepeta" possibly from Nepi (Italian town where it grew); "cataria" = of cats (Latin)

Cultural Significance: - Medieval medicine: "Catmint" — common household herb - Traditional European medicine: Children's remedy, nervine, digestive aid - Colonial America: Frontier medicine, tea for infants - Cat behavior: 50-70% of cats respond to nepetalactone (heritable trait) - Modern herbalism: Mild sedative, children's calming herb, digestive aid - Insect repellent: Nepetalactone is effective mosquito repellent (10x stronger than DEET in some studies) - Symbol of playfulness, protection, comfort

🌾 Seed Saving / Propagation

  • Seed method: Tiny seeds produced in flower clusters. Harvest when brown/dry. Shake to release.
  • Isolation: ½ mile (insect-pollinated, crosses between Nepeta varieties)
  • Viability: 3-4 years
  • Division: Every 3-4 years in spring or fall. Dig clump, divide into sections with roots + shoots.
  • Softwood cuttings: Root in moist soil (early summer, before flowering).
  • Special notes: Seeds need light to germinate (surface sow). Germination 7-14 days. Self-seeds readily—deadhead to control spread. Cut back after first bloom to encourage second flowering.

💊 Medicinal Preparations

Catnip Tea (Infusion)

Uses: Infant colic, children's restlessness, digestive issues, mild insomnia, menstrual cramps

Recipe: - 1-2 tsp dried catnip leaves/flowers (or 2-3 tsp fresh) - 1 cup boiling water - Steep 10-15 minutes, covered (traps volatile oils) - Strain, drink 1-3 cups daily

For infants/children: 1-2 oz, weak strength. Safe for colic, teething, bedtime.

Notes: Mild, pleasant flavor (minty). Excellent children's herb. Combine with chamomile for enhanced calming.

Catnip Tincture

Uses: Chronic digestive issues, long-term nervine support, anxiety

Recipe: - Fill jar ¾ with dried catnip (leaves + flowers) OR ½ with fresh - Cover with 80-100 proof vodka (1-2 inches above plant material) - Seal, label, store in dark place 4-6 weeks - Shake daily - Strain through cheesecloth, store in amber dropper bottles - Dosage: 30-60 drops (1-2 mL) 2-3x daily

Shelf life: 3-5 years

Catnip Poultice

Uses: Headaches, minor wounds, insect bites, hives

Recipe (Fresh): - Crush fresh catnip leaves - Apply directly to forehead (headache), bite, or skin irritation - Cover with cloth, secure - Replace every 1-2 hours

Recipe (Dried): - Mix dried catnip powder with small amount of water - Form paste, apply to affected area - Cover with cloth - Replace 2-3x daily

Catnip Bath Tea

Uses: Restless children, hives, skin irritation, pre-sleep relaxation

Recipe: - ½-1 cup dried catnip (or 1-2 cups fresh) - 1 quart boiling water - Steep 30 minutes, strain - Add to bathwater - Soak 15-20 minutes

For babies: Use weaker tea, shorter soak (5-10 min). Supervise always.

Notes: Excellent for fussy babies,睡前 (bedtime) routine.

Catnip Infant Gripe Water

Uses: Infant colic, gas, fussiness

Recipe: - 1 tsp dried catnip - 1 tsp dried fennel seed - 1 cup boiling water - Steep 20 minutes, strain through coffee filter (removes particles) - Cool to room temperature - Dosage: 1 tsp as needed for colic (infants over 6 months)

Shelf life: 3-5 days refrigerated

Notes: Traditional children's remedy. Safe, gentle. Consult pediatrician for infants under 6 months.

Catnip Smoke (Traditional)

Uses: Asthma support (historical), respiratory clearing

Recipe: - Dry catnip leaves thoroughly - Crush to smoking consistency - Smoke small amounts as needed

Notes: 19th century asthma remedy. Not recommended by modern herbalists due to smoking risks. Use steam inhalation instead.

Catnip-Infused Oil

Uses: Massage oil, minor skin irritation, ear mites (veterinary)

Recipe: - Fill jar ½ with dried catnip leaves/flowers - Cover with olive oil (2 inches above plant material) - Infuse 4-6 weeks in warm dark place, OR 2-3 hours in double boiler (low heat) - Strain through cheesecloth - Store in amber bottles

Shelf life: 1-2 years

Veterinary use: 1-2 drops in ear for ear mites (cats, dogs). Consult vet first.

Catnip Pillow

Uses: Insomnia, restlessness, children's bedtime

Recipe: - Fill small muslin bag with dried catnip flowers/leaves - Add dried hops, lavender (optional, enhances effect) - Place inside pillowcase or under pillow

Notes: Aromatherapy effect. Mild sedative. Replace flowers every 1-2 months.

⚠️ Safety Notes

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy: Avoid medicinal use (may stimulate uterus, traditionally used to "bring on menses"). Small amounts in tea considered safe.
  • Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe. Traditional use for nursing mothers.
  • Children: Safe and widely used. Standard children's herb. Reduce dose by age/weight.
  • Infants: Safe over 6 months. Use weak tea, small amounts. Consult pediatrician for infants under 6 months.

Drug Interactions

  • Sedatives: Mild sedative effect. May enhance prescription sedatives (theoretical, rare).
  • Diabetes medications: May lower blood sugar. Monitor glucose closely (theoretical).
  • Lithium: Catnip may have mild diuretic effect. May interfere with lithium excretion (theoretical).

Allergic Reactions

  • Lamiaceae family allergy: Those allergic to mint, basil, oregano may react to catnip. Incidence low.
  • Contact dermatitis: Rare. Some report skin irritation from fresh plant.

Overuse Concerns

  • Long-term use: Generally safe for extended use. Not habit-forming.
  • High doses: May cause nausea, headache, vomiting. Stick to recommended dosages.
  • Cats: Not toxic to cats, but excessive ingestion may cause mild digestive upset.

Species-Specific Notes

  • Common catnip (N. cataria): Only species with significant nepetalactone content.
  • Other Nepeta species: Primarily ornamental, lower medicinal potency.

Cat Safety

  • Domestic cats: Catnip is SAFE for cats. 50-70% respond (heritable trait).
  • Response: Rolling, rubbing, vocalizing, excitement (5-15 minutes), then immunity for ~2 hours.
  • Overconsumption: May cause mild digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if cat eats large amounts.
  • Wild cats: Also respond (lions, tigers, leopards).

Pregnancy Warning (Traditional Use)

  • Historically used to stimulate menstruation ("emmenagogue").
  • Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy (may stimulate uterus).
  • Small amounts in tea generally considered safe.

🌱 Natural Soil Amendments (WV Zone 6b/7a)

Following The Loop Farmstead Natural Soil Amendments Standard—NO synthetic fertilizers, NO mined minerals.

At Planting (Year 1)

  • Compost: ½-1 inch incorporated into planting area
  • Local forest soil: 1-2 cups per planting hole (mycorrhizal inoculation)
  • Eggshells: 1 tablespoon crushed per plant (slow-release calcium)

Annual Maintenance (Year 2+)

  • Compost: ½ inch top-dress in early spring
  • Leaf mold: 1-2 inches mulch (optional—catnip tolerates poor soil)
  • Wood ash: Light sprinkle (1 tsp per plant) in early spring if soil pH is acidic

Cover Cropping (For larger plantings)

  • Buckwheat: Summer cover crop between rows (phosphorus mobilizer)
  • Crimson clover: Living mulch (nitrogen fixation)

Notes for Catnip Specifically

  • Catnip thrives in low-to-moderate fertility. Over-amending reduces nepetalactone content.
  • Excellent for "problem" areas—poor soil, dry spots, erosion control.
  • Drought-tolerant once established.
  • Cut back after first bloom to encourage second flowering (harvest twice per season).

🐺 The Loop Farmstead Notes

Why We Grow Catnip: - Children's calming herb (safe, gentle) - Infant colic remedy - Digestive aid (gas, bloating) - Mild sleep support - Cat enrichment (cats love it!) - Insect repellent (nepetalactone is effective) - Beneficial insect attractor (bees, predatory wasps) - Easy to grow, low maintenance

Harvest Tips: - Harvest leaves/flowers when plant is in full bloom (June-September) - Best nepetalactone content just before flowers fully open - Cut 4-6 inches above ground - Bundle, hang upside-down in dark, ventilated space - Second harvest possible 6-8 weeks later (cut back after first bloom) - Seeds: Collect when flower spikes turn brown

Where We Use It: - Children's tea (with chamomile, lemon balm) - Infant gripe water (with fennel) - Bedtime tea (with valerian, passionflower) - Cat toys (sew dried leaves into small fabric pouches) - Insect repellent spray (infused in vinegar or oil)

Cat Entertainment: - Grow in pots for easy cat access - Dried catnip in toys stimulates play - Fresh plants may be destroyed by enthusiastic cats (grow extras!) - Not all cats respond (genetic trait)