FRESH

DRIED

CATNIP

Nepata Catarina

 

Standard Grade!

2015 Crop

 

Organic Catnip, fresh, crushed fine, virtually no stems or flowers included.

This Spring has been cool and really caused a delay in catnip production, BUT, has produced good quality catnip.

The first and second crops are in and drying. Leaves are huge and healthy!! All has been hand picked and hand cleaned, no stems or flowers!! I take great care to personally clean the stems and grade the leaves, so only leaves and petioles are included in your catnip bag!

 

*This auction is for 2 oz of dried catnip, crushed , in a ziplock sealed bag. *

 

apprx. 2 oz dry weight. This used to measure out to 3 cups, but now is crushed a bit smaller and does not always volume out the same cup amount.

 

This is grown organically in our properties. We are not certified, but do not use pesticides on any of our products.

 

** All leaves were hand picked off stems with great care and grading, thus virtually eliminating and stems or flower parts. The difference between Premium and Standard is that I use the best leaves for the premium, all green leaves and great care to not have any stems other than the leaf petioles or stem tips. For the Standard any color leaf is used and possibly more stem tips or petioles included. No major stems included! All stems are sorted out.**

Why no stems?

Stems are harder and have much less oil content. Do you know if other sellers eliminate the stems?

 

*I dried this differently this year, using great care to use best leaves, hand picked off stem, with little to no stems (only stems would be leaf petioles, no plant stems were used in drying process). This Catnip dried much greener than in previous years. A different drying process was used that decreased the dry time and greatly increased the fresh green color appearance*

 

What is Catnip?

Catnip is an aromatic herb that when used in moderation, induces a harmless physiological reaction in some cats. It can be applied to scratching posts or used in stuffed toys. Watch as your cat paws at it, chews or licks it, purrs, or even growls in joy over the treat. Your cat will love it! Everyone knows about cats and catnip but did you know that there are many medicinal catnip uses for humans? In fact, catnip has the opposite effect on people that it does for cats. It has been used for thousands of years as a mild sedative, a digestive aid and much more.

Catnip (Nepata cataria also known as Catmint or Field Balm) is a member of the mint family (Labiatae). It is a perennial herb that is said to grow up to 3 feet though my plants are closer to 4. The root sends up square, erect, and branched stems which are very leafy and are covered with a downy gray hair. The leaves are heart-shaped and toothed and covered with a soft, close down (especially on the undersides). It has white or pale purple flowers that bloom in late summer. The strong minty aroma is the nepetalactone contained in catnip. This is the substance that binds to the olfactory receptors of cats, typically resulting in temporary euphoria. But enough about cats, let's look at some catnip uses for us!

Catnip for Cats:

For:
Cats (3 months of age or older)

 

Benefits:

Can give cats an intense, euphoric high

Can be an exercise stimulator for overweight cats

Temporary remedy for stressed cats

Owners enjoy seeing their cat’s reaction

How it works:
Catnip is a plant in the mint family (it’s also referred to as catmint). It contains nepetalactone, which causes the playful reaction that most cats experience. Cats detect nepetalactone through the outer layer of skin in their noses where the nepetalactone binds to one or more receptors where it’s thought to mimic a cat pheromone.

Cautions:
Do not give more than one teaspoonful of catnip more often than once a week. Some cats can react aggressively. If your cat becomes aggressive, stop using catnip and consider an alternative.

 

Other Catnip Benefits, for us Humans

Catnip tea has been used medicinally for centuries though it is preferable to make a tincture with your catnip. Here are some of the medicinal benefits it is known for:

• Mild Sedative - This is probably the most popular uses for catnip. It's soothing, calming properties make it an excellent remedy for insomnia or just nervous tension. It has been said that it can even soothe an upset baby by making a cup of strong catnip tea and add it to your babies bathwater. The vapors would help relax the child and promote rest. Try this in your own bath!
• Digestion - Catnip is antispasmodic and can help calm upset stomachs, reduce gas, flatulence, bloating, heartburn and diarrhea.
• Muscle Spasms - Again it's antispamodic properties help prevent and relieve muscle spasms.

• Stimulates Menstrual Flow - For this reason pregnant women should avoid using catnip!

• Chest Congestion - Sip a cup of hot catnip tea and breathe in the vapors to help relieve congestion from a cold or flu.
• Reduce Fevers - Catnip tea will help promote sweating so keep sipping your tea until the fever breaks.
• Catnip Insect Repellent - The oils in catnip are a natural insect repellent. You can use the fresh plant by rubbing directly on your skin or use a tincture or catnip essential oil to make your own deet-free repellent.
• Smoking Catnip - It's funny that catnip uses include smoking the dried herb. It's said that smoking it has an effect (similar but milder) much like smoking marijuana. I haven't tried this myself but let us know if you have!

MORE ABOUT CATNIP

When to Harvest Catnip - Catnip is most potent right before flowering but you can use it any time you like. All above ground parts of the plant can be used including leaves, stems and flowers.

Catnip for Dogs - Catnip can be used as a mild sedative for dogs too! Make some tea and mix it in their food or give them a few drops of catnip tincture.

How to Make Catnip Tea - Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried catnip or a small handful of fresh. Depending on your taste buds you can adjust the amount. Cover the cup and steep the tea for 5-10 minutes. You can sweeten it with a little honey if you like. Honey has it's own medicinal properties. Relax, sip and enjoy!

Oh yeah, don't forget to save some for your favorite feline!

I ship within 2 days of receiving payment.

If combining with other items, please inquire for shipping total.

Returns accepted due to damage in shipping and must be initiated within 7 days.

Thank you for looking!