Catnip Herb of Cat Magic

Catnip is also known by the names Catmint, Catnep, and Catnap, Catrup, Catswort, Field balm, Cat, Nepeta, Nip..

The genus name, Nepeta cataria, is from Nepeti, a Roman town where this herb was first cultivated.Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. Its erect, square, branching stem is hairy and grows from 3 to 5 feet high. The oblong or cordate, pointed leaves have scalloped edges and gray or whitish hairs on the lower side. The bilabiate flowers are white with purple spots and grow in spikes from June to September.
Catnip, a member of the mint family, grows on banks and waste places in northern temperate regions around the world. It is so named because of the peculiar behavior of cats when they get a whiff of this feline favorite. It doesn't cause such behavior in humans but, like many botanical, it has many
excellent nutritional properties.

Early American settlers believed Catnip would make kind people mean, and so the dried roots were fed to hangmen and executioners.

The part of this plant used medicinally is the leaf. The primary chemical constituents of Catnip include essential oils (carvacrol, citronella, geraniol, nepetol, nepetelactone, pulegone, thymol), iridoids, and tannins. It also contains iron, selenium, potassium, manganese, chromium and moderate amounts of other minerals & vitamins.

Catnip has soothing and relaxing effects on the digestive system, relieving diarrhea, flatulence,n indigestion, upset stomach and headaches.

Catnip contains antispasmodic properties that are ideal for treating abdominal and menstrual cramping, as well as chronic coughing. Excellent in reducing fevers, Catnip is also good
for alleviating sleeplessness and insomnia. Catnip's antibiotic and astringent properties are also beneficial for treating colds and bronchial infections.

This herb also has many topical application - as a bath herb for stress, colic and teething; as a compress or poultice for pain, sprains, bruises and insect bites; as a poultice for toothache; and as a hair rinse for scalp irritations.

Other uses include Catnip as a liniment for arthritis & rheumatism; as an eyewash for inflammation, allergies and bloodshot eyes; as an enema to cleanse the colon; and as a salve for hemorrhoids. Make
catnip tea for upset stomach, colic, spasms, flatulence and acid. It can also be used for an enema. Popular uses in Europe are for chronic bronchitis and for diarrhea. Anodyne, Antispasmodic, Aromatic, Carminative, Diaphoretic

MAGICAL PROPERTIES
GENDER : Feminine PLANET : Venus ELEMENT : Water Deities :Aengus Ogâ and
Aine

POWERS : Cat magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness.

MAGICAL USES
Given to your cat, catnip creates a psychic bond between the two of you. It
is also intoxicating to the cat. Also wonderful for familiars, & friendship
Ritual Uses Use Catnip while calling on Aengus Óg the God of Love, to bring
happiness and Love. In order to experience Beauty and Clarity call on the
Goddess Ãine while using.