-IBIS-1.7.0-
rx
herb
Nepeta cataria (Catnip)
Botanicals

definition

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.