Catnip - just an ornamental perennial with colorful labial flowers? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! This herb has it all. It can be used for many purposes and even has medicinal properties.
Catnip for cats
The most common use of catnip is obvious: True to its name, it is often used to seduce cats. Cats are seduced by their scent. Many owners of these cats use the essential oil of the catnip or the plant itself. They add the catnip to cat toys or sprinkle the oil on cat furniture such as scratching posts.
Catnip against vermin
Furthermore, the catnip can be used against mosquitoes. The essential oils contained keep mosquitoes at a distance, as they feel repelled by the smell. It is sufficient, for example, to put a plant in a pot from the balcony in the bedroom overnight or to spread the diluted catnip oil on the body.
In the garden and immediately next to less resistant plants such as roses or herbs such as parsley, catnip protects against pest infestation. Vermin such as aphids and ants are effectively kept away. Only snails remain unimpressed by their smell.
catnip for humans
Because catnip is non-toxic, it can B. be brewed into a tea. It unfolds its healing powers. For a tea, 2 tablespoons of the dried herb are infused with 250 ml of boiling water. Among other things, the tea helps with:
- upset stomach
- lack of appetite
- infections
- depressions
- insomnia
- nervousness
- fever
In addition, the dried leaves can be used for incense and smoking. When smoked, they release a relaxing effect on the body. As a result, catnip leaves are often used as a legal substitute for marijuana.
Last but not least, the edible leaves and flowers of catnip can be used to flavor dishes. Lemon flavored varieties such as 'Odeur Citron' and 'Grog' are particularly recommended. They can be used for desserts such as ice cream, pastries and puddings and enrich summer fruit salads. The mint aroma of catnip also comes into its own in combination with chocolate desserts.
tips and tricks
When using, the fresh form of catnip is preferable. In dried form - and especially if the drying temperature is too high - a large part of the essential oils is quickly lost.
KKF