Did you ever notice how cats go berserk when they are around catnip?  Well, catnip isn’t just used to make your cats crazy.  It actually has many beneficial uses for humans as well.  Also known as catmint, catswort and fieldbalm, catnip is a wild perennial herb found throughout Europe and North America.  Catnip is a member of the mint family and is a grayish green plant with heart-shaped leaves that grows to about two to three feet tall and blooms between June and September.

Catnip has long been used in alternative medicine treatments for digestive system disorders and to help reduce fevers as it promotes sweating when ingested. When made into a mild tea, catnip is used to help alleviate symptoms of colic in babies and to reduce restlessness and nervous conditions in children.  When the catnip tea is brewed stronger, it reduces fever and calms the stomach to prevent diarrhea and nausea in children. It is also used as relief for babies that are teething and to help reduce mucus build up.

When catnip is applied externally, the oils are good for clearing up certain skin conditions like acne. The oil in catnip has a strong smell and is often used in aroma therapy.  It is an excellent insect repellent as well.  Many herbalists recommend the use of catnip to induce sleep while at the same time to promote sweating.  This is a great method to break a fever while keeping the patient comfortable.  Many cultures have used catnip for centuries to treat insomnia as well as muscle spasms, coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms.