Nepeta cataria
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Related to Nepeta cataria: catmint
catnip
Drug slangRegional 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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