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.