Catnip

Catnip grows wild all around my house so I always harvest some each year. I harvest some for medicinal purposes and some for the cats. When catnip is going to be used for medicinal purposes it should be cut before it goes to flower (as it has the most energy that way). When used for cats, it is best cut after it flowers.

After catnip is cut it needs to be dried. Normally I simply tie it and hang it upside down in a dark closet. Once dry, I cut it from the stem and simply break up the leaves and flowers by hand. Catnip can also be dried by laying it on a screen or even by cutting it and putting it in paper bags to dry in the sun.

Catnip has numerous medicinal qualities:

Catnip has anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, carminative and astringent properties and is also a mild sedative. It has many old folk remedy uses. Teas can be made from it to help with digestive upsets and gas, spasms, colic, bronchitis, colds, headaches, morning sickness and a sleep aid. It has also been used to treat enema and to help detoxify the body. Catnip is said to also help with cancer.

Catnip is also great for cooking:

Catnip can be used as a spice to flavour soups and stews. It has an unusual yet lovely flavour. For humans, it is mostly used as an herbal tea to help many health issues. Some enjoy a little lemon and/or honey in their catnip tea.