Description: The root is perennial and sends up square, erect and branched stems, 2 to 3 feet high, which are very leafy and covered with a mealy down. The heartshaped, toothed leaves are also covered with a soft, close down, especially on the under sides, which are quite white with it, so that the whole plant has a hoary, greyish appearance, as though it had had dust blown over it.

The flowers grow on short footstalks in dense whorls, which towards the summit of the stem are so close as almost to form a spike. They are in bloom from July to September. The individual flowers are small, the corollas two-lipped, the upper lip straight, of a whitish or pale pink colour, dotted with red spots, the anthers a deep red colour. The calyx tube has fifteen ribs, a distinguishing feature of the genus Nepeta , to which this species belongs.

The plant has an aromatic, characteristic odour, which bears a certain resemblance to that of both Mint and Pennyroyal. It is owing to this scent that it has a strange fascination for cats, who will destroy any plant of it that may happen to be bruised. There is an old saying about this plant: 'If you set it, the cats will eat it, If you sow it, the cats don't know it.' And it seems to be a fact that plants transplanted are always destroyed by cats unless protected, but they never meddle with the plants raised from seed, being only attracted to it when it is in a withering state, or when the peculiar scent of the plant is excited by being bruised in gathering or transplanting.

Main constituents: Volatile oil (including carvacrol, nepetol, thymol, nepetalactone, citronellol, geraniol and citral), bitter principle, tannins

Properties: Aromatic, carminative, spasmolytic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, antidiarrhoeal, sedative, astringent, refrigerant, digestive stimulant, gentle circulatory stimulant (although it reduces body temperature in fever), antidiarrhoeal

Uses:Digestive Aid: Catnip may soothe the smooth muscles of the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic). Have a cup of catnip tea after meals if you are prone to indigestion or heartburn.

Women's Health : Antispasmodics calm not only the digestive tract but other smooth tracts as well, such as uterus. Catnip's antispasmodic effect supports its traditional use for relieving menstrual cramps. Catnip is also used as a menstruation promoter. Pregnant women should avoid using this herb.

Tranquilizer: Catnip is a mild tranquilizer and sedative.

Infection Prevention : Catnip has some antibiotic properties. It is used for the treatment of diarrhea and fever.

Safety Considerations: No adverse side effects were reported if used in reasonable quantities or doses. Some people may experience upset stomach. FDA classifies catnip as a drug of "undefined safety". No significant toxic reactions have ever been reported.

Magical:

Folk Names: Cat, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Wort, Field Balm, Nepeta, Nip

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Powers: Cat Magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness.

Uses: Given to your cat it forms a psychic bond between the two of you. It is also intoxicating to the cat. Use it in love sachets, usually in conjunction with rose petals. If you hold catnip in your hand until it is warm, then hold anyone else's hand; they will forever be your friend, as long as you keep the catnip you used for the spell in some safe place. Hung over the door, catnip attracts good spirits and great luck. Catnip is also used in spells designed to enhance beauty and happiness. Catnip leaves are pressed and used as bookmarks in magical texts

Protection, Passion. Add to love sachets and charms to attract a lover (physical sense) Carry the seeds to strengthen memory. Especially powerful to "Gemini's". This herb is where Rye bread gets it's smell.

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