ENGLISH NAME: Catnip
LATIN NAME: Nepeta cataria
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Šanta kočičí
Turkey: Kedi nanesi
Bulgaria: Коча трева
Georgia: კატის პიტნა (Katis pitna)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Central and Eastern Bohemia (Czechia), Marmara and Aegean regions (Turkey), Danube Valley and Thracian lowlands (Bulgaria), Kartli and Kakheti (Georgia)
Elevation: 200–1200 meters
Terrain: Roadsides, dry meadows, rocky slopes, garden borders, and fallow fields
DESCRIPTION:
A bushy, aromatic perennial herb with square stems, heart-shaped, serrated grey-green leaves, and spikes of small whitish or pale lavender flowers with purple spots. It grows up to 90 cm tall and has a minty-lemony fragrance. Beloved by cats due to the compound nepetalactone, it also has valued medicinal properties for humans.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves and flowering tops
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used as a calming herb, mild sedative, and digestive aid. It is helpful for insomnia, anxiety, colds, coughs, and fever (as a gentle diaphoretic). Also used for colic in children and as an antispasmodic for digestive cramps.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Very safe in moderate doses. Large amounts may cause lethargy or overstimulation in sensitive individuals. Not recommended in pregnancy due to uterine-stimulating properties.
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
Often combined with chamomile, lemon balm, or valerian for sleep and anxiety; with elderflower or yarrow for cold and flu teas.
PREPARATION:
Used as an infusion (tea) from dried or fresh flowering tops. Can also be made into tinctures, syrups, or herbal baths. Fresh leaves are also used topically in poultices for irritation or minor wounds.
HARVEST TIME:
Mid to late summer, during full bloom (July–September)
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut aerial parts when flowers are open and aromatic. Harvest on a dry, sunny day and avoid plants already past bloom.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Dry quickly in a shaded, well-ventilated place to preserve aroma. Store in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Best used within 1 year.
✅ Note: While best known for its effect on cats, Nepeta cataria is a gentle and effective nervine and children’s herb with a long history of use in European and Middle Eastern folk medicine.