Catnip herb (nepeta cataria)

Growing, Information, Magical uses.
Catnip is a perennial herb that causes many cats to become euphoric, you will probably find they will jump in it, roll in it, eat it, lick it, drooling with pure pleasure. Since this plant is harmless to them, there is no reason to deprive your pets of the pleasure. Your cats will love you for it; Catisfaction guaranteed.

Tip: Catnip sprinkled on their food will aid digestion.

Catnip is a member of the mint family and being a perennial it will come back every year from a single planting. It will also self-seed, giving you lots of baby plants. This is a pretty plant, growing to three feet or more (if you can keep your cats off it) with bluish flowers in mid-summer. Grow in full sun to part shade. Uses: Fragrant, ornamental. Characteristics: Low maintenance, spreading. Common names: Catnip, Catnep, Catmint, Catrup, field balm and Catswort.

Click here to view photo of catnip: [16.0 KB opens in a new window]

Catnip needs to be protected when the plant is small, plants left to grow at ground level soon get chomped away to nothing; some cats will bite off the leaves or even pull up the whole plant. Try growing it in a pot, on something high, or in a hanging basket. Alternatively sow the seeds directly into the garden and be especially careful not to injure developing plants (releasing the volatile oil) or the neighborhood cats will destroy the crop. There is an old saying : If you set it, the cats will eat it, If you sow it, the cats won't know it.

You can also buy toys from a pet shop impregnated with catnip, though not as good as the real thing cats do enjoy playing with them.

It's not only cats who can enjoy catnip - The leaves steeped in boiling water and sweetened with honey make a soothing tea (not recommended for pregnant women). It's relaxing properties can help soothe pain, nervousness, tension and headaches. The dried leaves can also be used to make a pillow that can be slipped into a pillowcase to promote sleep.

catnip
[Catnip leaves]

Make meandering through the garden more pleasurable by using catnip to the line the edge of steps and pathways. The fragrant flowers and foliage will release their scent when brushed against.

Magical Uses: The deity associated with Catnip is "Bast", and the magical use of the herb is love, luck, animal contacts, happiness, and beauty. It is said catnip grown near or around your home attracts good luck. Use in a sachet combined with rose petals to attract lovers. Give catnip to your cat to create a psychic bond between you.

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