Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to Europe and parts of Asia, but now widely naturalized in North America. Catnip has been cultivated for centuries and used to treat ailments like colds, fevers, and digestive issues.
Catnip is also used for its calming effects. It is often brewed into tea to relieve insomnia, reduce anxiety, or ease menstrual discomfort. Some also use catnip topically or in tinctures as a mild sedative or digestive aid. Cats also adore it – we recommend growing it in hanging baskets if you have feline friends nearby!
When prepared as a tea, catnip has a mild, slightly minty flavor with earthy undertones. It is not as sharp as peppermint or spearmint, offering a gentler taste that is sometimes described as grassy or lemony, depending on how it’s grown and dried. Some tea drinkers blend it with other calming herbs like chamomile or lemon balm to enhance its flavor and effects.
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Chamomile
Lemon Balm
Orange Balm
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Calming
Digestive Aid
Cold/Fever Treatment
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Steep 1-3 teaspoons leaves in 8oz nearly boiling water for 3-5 minutes.