Botanical name: Nepeta cataria
Other names: Catmint, Catnep
Family: Lamiaceae
Part used: leaves
Taste (rasa): pungent
Characteristic (guna): light, dry and penetrating
Energy (veerya): cooling
Post digestive effect (vipak): pungent
Dosa effect: decrease vata, pitta, kapha
Action (karma): digestive, carminative, diaphoretic, nervine, sedative, antispasmodic, stomachic, astringent, tonic, refrigerant
Dosage: Infuse one teaspoon of herb with one cup of boiling water
Contraindications: Not to be taken in high vata conditions.
 
Catnip can have the effect of enhancing the mood, and creating the feeling of well being. Drink catnip tea to relieve built up emotional tension. It is a good source of vitamin C, iron, sellenium and chromium, making it a nutrient rich herb to use regularly. Tea of the leaves, is often prescribed for over active children and as a mild sedative at bedtime. Traditional herb for colds, coughs & bronchitis. 
 
Ref: ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’ by Sebastian Pole; ‘Ayurvedic Pharmacology & Therapeutic Uses of Medicinal Plants’ by Vaidya V.M. Gogte; ‘Yogi of Herbs’ by V. Lad & D. Frawley; ‘Herbs Are Special’ by Isabel Shipard.