Catnip

This nature’s medicine is known as catnip and is a domestic herb of Central Europe, however it is now found in the Canada and the Northeastern region of United States as well. It’s medicinal properties have been discovered a long time ago and since then, the leaves and flowers obtained from this herb are dried and use to make tea. Catnip leaves and flowers are a remedy for headaches, anxiety and insomnia, but surprisingly, the roots of catnip are stimulatory in nature unlike rest of the plant parts.

Catnip tea has been successfully used in treatment of gastrointestinal issues such as gases, indigestion, upset stomach, etc. Due to the diuretic nature of catnip, it can be used to treat a varied number of medical conditions and will also be helpful in weight loss. As far as the history of this herb is concerned, the ancient people used it to treat viruses, hives, coughs, fevers, etc.

It is very easy to make catnip tea at your home. Just 2 tablespoons of catnip powder is enough to be boiled in a single cup of water and steep it only for just 15 minutes, makes a perfect cup of tea. You can also try to add some honey and lemon juice to make it drinkable. This tea will act as a soother for you and make you a little less nervous and anxious, which is sometimes all you need to feel normal.

It has been named catnip because the cats seem strongly attracted to this herb, and it is because of a compound nepatalactone. There are even records of use of catnip as an insect repellant in the past. There are some reasons because of which it’s medicinal properties are often overlooked.

Being strongly diuretic, it can lead to frequent urination and perspirations thus causing you discomfort, that’s why it should only be used when you’re ready to go for frequent urination. Besides that, it should only be consumed by the adults and giving it to the children should be avoided. You should never drink catnip tea in the morning because it has been seen to cause mild drowsiness which can disturb you whole days schedule. The use of catnip for treating different problems hasn’t been scientifically proved yet however, it holds a good record of use as a medicinal herb in the past.