Catnip Nepeta cataria

A harmless high for felines and beneficial for humans. Catnip leaves contain considerable quantities of vitamins C and E, both excellent antioxidants. The primary phytochemicals, nepetalactone isomers, are mild sedatives, somewhat like the active ingredients in valerian. Catnip is a gentle but potent sleep-inducer for humans that calms without affecting you the next day. It soothes the nervous system and can safely help get a restless child off to sleep, in fact catnip, along with chamomile, is one of the most often recommended herbs for use in childrens complaints.

Catnip teas have long been used in traditional herbal medicine to quell digestive disturbances, and reducing the pain of menstrual cramps. A hot cup of catnip tea is excellent for treating colds and flu because it producing perspiration without increasing the heat of the system. Catnip tea is good for curing headaches as well. ^{(Dawson,Adele )}