Catnip tea is from an herb belonging to the mint family that can grow up to 5 feet high. Catnip is known under many different names including catmint, cats-play and catswort.
The herb is well known for attracting cats and driving them wild with the chemical scent it gives out when the leaves or branches are broken. It is included in many cat toys for this reason and can keep a young cat active for hours.
The tea helps with numerous ailments, and drinking the tea hot can help to reduce a fever by increasing perspiration. It is also said to be effective for easing toothache pain just by rubbing the fresh leaves onto the affected area.
Catnip herbal tea is also good for the digestive system, as it helps to ease the pain suffered by trapped gas and is safe enough to be used on babies suffering from colic.
Catnip is a relaxant, and its effects can be helpful for women suffering from menstrual cramps and premenstrual tension. It can also be helpful for tension and migraine headaches and stress-related digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome.
For Children
As already stated, catnip herb tea is safe for children and as a relaxant can help the child to sleep peacefully, ease restlessness, and also help to calm hyperactivity in the young. The tannins contained in catnip tea are very good for remedying diarrhea in children as well.
Brewing
The tea is made by adding either the fresh or dried herb to boiled water and left to stand for 20 minutes. Adding a little honey to make the tea sweeter makes for a tasty herbal beverage.
Catnip tea brewed a little stronger can be poured into a bowl and used as an inhalant to help clear congestion, so helping those suffering from sinusitis, catarrh, sore throats, and colds. It can even help those suffering from hay fever by reducing the symptoms suffered during an attack.
External Use
Catnip can be used on the skin to help such ailments as measles and chickenpox. It has disinfectant properties, which help to ease the itching of insect bites, ease the sting from scalds and burns, and can even help to ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Strongly brewed catnip herbal tea can be used as an eye wash to help against irritation caused by allergies and colds, and reduces redness in bloodshot eyes. Also if using the readymade tea bag after brewing, allow the tea bag to cool a little, wring it out gently, and place over the eyelids. This helps reduce puffiness and eye bags.
Catnip itself is said to be effective on easing toothache, just by rubbing the fresh leaves onto the affected area.
Catnip is also said to be a repellent for rodents, and the leaves are placed anywhere it is suspected there may be a presence. The leaves are often used in hen houses for this purpose.
Side Effects
There are very few side effects with catnip tea, but one notable one is that it is a mild diuretic, so you may not totally get the restful sleep you were aiming for if you drink too much of it just before bed time.
The tea is safe enough to be consumed several times a day, but as with all herbal supplements always seek advice of a medical practitioner beforehand, particularly if pregnant or taking any form of medications.
Purchase high-quality organic herbs, teas, and essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs.
