Nepeta cataria

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Related to Nepeta cataria: catmint

catnip

Drug slang
Regional street argot for a joint (marijuana cigarette).

Herbal medicine
A perennial that contains volatile oils (carvecrol, citronellol, geraniol, nepetallactones, nepetol, thymol and tannins); it is antidiarrhoeal, antipyretic, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative, stomachic and tonic. Catnip has been used as an enema for colicky infants, topically for cuts, and internally for colds, flu, viral infections in children, “nervous stomach”, nervous headache and menstrual cramps.

Toxicity
It should not be used in pregnancy or in young children.

Veterinary medicine
A perennial that has a stimulant effect on cats.

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References in periodicals archive ?

Differences in the number of Harmonia axyridis adults responding to French marigold (Tagetes patula) (A) and catbip (Nepeta cataria) (B) after 60 min.

Typical chromatograms obtained from headspace collections of volatiles from French marigold (Tagetes patula) (B) and catnip (Nepeta cataria) (C).

Behavioral responses of Aphis citricola (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its natural enemy Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to non-host plant volatiles

(2001), that Nepeta cataria is effective in inhibiting bacterial growth.

Antibacterial properties of plant species native to the New Jersey pinelands

Volatile constituents of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria L.

The effect of natural mulches on crop performance, weed suppression and biochemical constituents of catnip and St. John's wort

a) A combination of Nepeta cataria and Cuscuta reflexa infusion provided significant improvement for postmenopausal symptoms.

AJHM based CPE questionaire

The American Chemical Society has reported that researchers Chris Peterson and Joel Coats at Iowa State University found nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip (Nepeta cataria), to be about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), the widely used synthetic repellent.

Outsmarting mosquitoes: protect yourself from those pesky little bloodsuckers with these safe, effective methods.

Catnip and catmint (nepeta cataria) also contains vitamin C and can be used to relieve colds and fevers, restlessness, colic, headaches and upset stomachs.