🌿 Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Also known as: Catmint • Catnep • Field Balm
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family — not related to ragweed)
Origin: Native to Europe and naturalized throughout North America
Parts used: Dried leaves and flowers
Primary use: Internal & External

✨ Description

Gentle, calming, and surprisingly powerful, Catnip is much more than a treat for felines — it’s a time-honored herbal ally for stress relief, digestive comfort, and restful sleep.

This soft, aromatic herb has a subtle minty aroma with earthy undertones, offering soothing relaxation for both body and mind. Traditionally used in herbal teas and tinctures, Catnip is known to calm the nerves, ease restlessness, relieve gas, and support gentle detoxification.

For children and adults alike, it’s one of nature’s sweetest remedies for peace and balance.

🍵 Dried Herb Uses

As a relaxing, digestive, and soothing tea:

Sleep & Relaxation: Naturally calming for anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
Digestive Aid: Eases stomach upset, gas, and colic, especially when combined with fennel or peppermint.
Cold & Flu Comfort: Helps promote sweating during fevers and supports the immune system.
Menstrual & Cramp Relief: Gentle muscle relaxant for menstrual discomfort.

Directions (Internal Use):
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried Catnip in 8 oz of hot water for 10–15 minutes.
Drink 1–3 cups daily as needed for relaxation or digestive support.
Pairs beautifully with Chamomile, Lemon Balm, or Valerian Root for bedtime blends.

💧 External Uses

Use cooled Catnip tea as a compress for headaches, sore muscles, or inflammation.
Add to warm baths to promote relaxation and relieve tension.
Apply as a gentle wash for irritated skin or rashes.
Used in herbal insect repellents and natural sprays for its mild repelling properties.

🔮 Metaphysical & Energetic Uses

Peace & Emotional Healing: Brings calm energy to the heart and home.
Love & Harmony Magic: In folklore, Catnip is used to attract affection and encourage understanding.
Psychic Protection: Clears emotional clutter and enhances intuition before meditation or dream work.

Affirmation:

“I am calm, grounded, and at peace — serenity flows through me.”

🌿 Pairing Suggestions

Chamomile or Lemon Balm – for relaxation and sleep.
Peppermint or Fennel Seed – for digestion and gas relief.
Lavender or Valerian – for stress and nervous tension.
Elderflower or Yarrow – for cold and fever support.

🌼 Harvest & Sourcing

Our Catnip is organically grown and shade-dried to preserve its soothing essential oils and signature minty aroma. Harvested at full bloom, it retains a soft green hue and a naturally uplifting fragrance — perfect for teas, tinctures, or herbal blends.

⚖️ Energetics & Taste

Taste: Mild, minty, and slightly grassy with a relaxing aroma.
Energetic profile: Cooling, calming, and gently drying.
Pairs well with: Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, and Valerian.

⚠️ Warnings

Safe for most adults and children in moderate amounts.
Avoid use during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine activity.
Overuse may cause mild drowsiness or nausea in sensitive individuals.
Store away from pets — cats are strongly attracted to its scent.

🌻 A Note from the Herbalist

Soft and steady, Catnip teaches us the beauty of unwinding. It soothes the nervous system, supports digestion, and invites restful sleep without heaviness.

This is the herb for busy minds and tired hearts — the one that reminds us to pause, breathe, and settle into the moment.