Herb. No. 071 · Lamiaceae
Eurasian mint, a cat-garden and tea plant in temperate yards.
Native · Europe · West Asia
Native Also grownNow a garden plant worldwide
OpenGentleplant
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
A grey mint that sends cats sideways and, as a mild tea, settles people the other direction.
Nepetalactone excites most cats and, in a human cup, is a traditional mild carminative and evening herb for restlessness. It is gentle. It is not a knockout drop. Lemon catnip (N. cataria 'Citriodora') makes a nicer cup.
Flavor
Dusty mint, lemon, and a faint bitter hay. Better with honey than alone.
Parts used
Aerial parts
In favor
- Easy, even weedy
- True kitchen nervine
Against
- Cats will flatten a young plant
- Flavor is an acquired taste