How to Use Catnip

Catnip, an herb related to mint, is known for the affection cats display for it. However, humans also have used catnip for over 2,000 years. Grow some in your garden and you will find several medicinal and culinary uses this versatile plant.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make a catnip tea by steeping several teaspoons of dried catnip leaves and flower stalks in a cup of boiling water. The tea will have a strong minty flavor.

2. Try catnip tea as a digestive aid and mild sedative. Catnip can be used as a carminative, which aids digestive cramps. Catnip tea also has use as a sedative and can be consumed in the late evening hours to aid digestion after large meals and sleep.

3. Add fresh sprigs of catnip leaves to green salads. The flavor of catnip is similar to mint, but sharper.

4. Serve candied catnip leaves after a large meal. Use catnip leaves as an after-dinner mint which also helps with digestion. Beat together egg white and lemon juice and coat the catnip leaves with the mixture. Sprinkle sugar or other sweetener on the leaves to sweeten.

5. Use catnip in homemade cat toys. Catnip contains nepetactone, which gives most cats intense pleasure when they inhale it. The scent is released when the catnip is punctured, which explains why cats often bite catnip. Give a cat fresh springs of catnip or dry catnip, and place it inside cat toys.

Tips & Warnings

• Catnip can increase menstrual flow in women. Women who are pregnant should not consume catnip to avoid this complication.

[deltanova]

on 7/29/2008 heat actually drives away the flavor of catnip and the oils go away--heat after letting it sit for a few days in water in the fridge, then heat!