Erowid Catnip Vault

catnip

Modern humans must learn how to relate to psychoactives
responsibly, treating them with respect and awareness,
working to minimize harms and maximize benefits, and
integrating use into a healthy, enjoyable, and productive life.

CATNIP

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Family :

Lamiaceae (=Labiatae)

Genus :

Nepeta

Species :

cataria

COMMON NAMES

Catnip; catnep; catmint

USES

Fresh, dried catnip leaves attract and intoxicate cats. Used to treat colds and flus as well as upset stomachs. Fresh leaves can be used as meat tenderizer and marinade. Also used to make a natural light yellow dye.

DESCRIPTION

A perennial, minty-smelling herb, growing upright from 1-3 feet tall. The branching square stems and toothed, heart-shaped leaves are covered with downy gray hairs, giving the whole plant a grayish-green appearance. Clusters of white or pale lavender flowers grow at the ends of the branches.