Catnip Seeds

Catnip Seeds

Catnip is a perennial herb that grows from 36″ to 48″ tall. It’s a medicinal herb and is often used as a tea. As a tea, it induces a good night’s sleep, helps treat stomach problems, and is used to remedy colds and fevers. Cats also love catnip. The plant is not harmful to cats, and they will not ‘overdose’ on it. When cats sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip plants, they may roll over it, paw at it, chew it, lick it, leap about and purr. It’s important to note that not all cats are affected by catnip.

Catnip contains an active ingredient called nepetalactone; it is a powerful repellent to cockroaches and mosquitoes. Mice and rats are also reported to have a strong dislike for it.

How to Grow Catnip

Catnip is a perennial herb and is hardy in zones 3 to 9. Catnip seeds are easy to germinate. The plant prefers full sun, but it will tolerate partial shade. Plant it in moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.1 to 7.8.

Surface the sow the catnip seeds and press them into moistened soil if grown indoors. If grown outdoors, lightly cover the seed with soil or peat moss. Keep the seeds and or seedlings moist but never soggy until they have at least two sets of leaves. At this point, it’s okay if they dry out a little, but not too much. For the best germination results and to avoid fungus and diseases, start them indoors in sterilized soil, black earth/peat moss mixture. You can transplant them outside after the risk of frost has passed.

Catnip Tea

Catnip tea is very nutritious and has many medicinal properties. It contains vitamins A, B, and C, and the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and sodium. Catnip tea is a mild herbal sedative that can be taken at any time of the day, but it is best taken at night before bedtime. The tea is made from the leaves and flowers of the catnip plant.

How to Make Catnip Tea

The tea can be made from fresh or dried leaves. For dried leaves, place one to two teaspoons of dried catnip leaves and flowers into the teacup. For fresh leaves, use four to six teaspoons. Boil the water and cool for about 5 to 10 seconds before adding it to the tea. Then steep the tea anywhere from 4 to 20 minutes. The longer you let it steep, the more medicinal the tea will be.

Catnip Health Benefits

• Antibacterial – helps fight off colds and flu.
• Decongestant.
• It is a mild sedative – calms nerves and anxiety, relieves stress.
• A remedy to treat stomach problems, indigestion and acid reflux.
• Stimulates appetite.

Catnip isn’t only for cats; it provides many benefits to humans, as listed above.