botanical name(s): Nepeta cataria
synonyms: catnip, catmint, catnep, catrup, catswort, field balm, echtes katzenkraut, katzenminze, cataire
part(s) used: leaves and flowering tops
qualities: spicy, bitter, cool, dry
affinities: stomach, intestines
actions: diaphoretic, antispasmodic, carminative, nervine sedative, astringent, emmenagogue, stomachic
dosage:
» tea: 2 tsp. herb to 1 cup water; drink 1 - 3 cups per day
» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.
» powder: 2 - 4 g.
therapy: colds, influenza, stress/tension/mild insomnia, fevers, upset stomach, dyspepsia, colic, diarrhea in children
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b
toxicity: 1
» caution is advised during pregnancy (Brinker, p. 120) due to its emmenagogue and abortifacient effects (Farnsworth)
constituents: essential oil, sesquiterpene lactones, bitter principle, tannins
footnotes
Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.