Catmint isn’t just for cats, despite its reputation for being beneficial to felines. This plant is edible and even offers some therapeutic advantages to us. You can steep the leaves and blooms to create a calming herbal tea with a light mint flavor and a sweet aroma. You can also consume the young cat mint leaves as an alternative. They make a wonderful fragrant addition to salads because of their subtle scent and delightful minty flavor. Older leaves can be added to prepared foods as a potherb in the interim.
How is catmint used for cats?
Catnip has a powerful effect on cats, as is known to cat owners and anyone who care about cats. If you have a cat and bring catnip indoors, the cat will discover it no matter where you put it.
After obtaining catnip (also known as catmint or nepeta), a cat may rub her or his head and shoulders against the plant, lie down on it, or even run around the house. Cats often consume and chew on catnip.
A study looked into the effects of catmint on cats and why. I excitedly read the report even though I’ve never been sure whether or not to give my kitties catnip. Could inhaling or ingesting catnip cause them to lose brain cells? Does it become a habit? Is catnip a cat’s first drug?
The component in catmint, a member of the mint family, that drives cats crazy is nepetalactone. Instead, it drives 70% of cats insane; only 30% of cats are unaffected by catnip.
Additionally, it’s likely that your new kitten won’t react to catnip (good news, as kittens are plenty wild without drugs). In general, this herb has little effect on kittens under the age of 12 weeks.
Nepetalactone is detected by cats through their olfactory organs. According to some theories, catnip exerts pheromone-like effects on cats. For more explanation, I refer you to the experts and the many links here. Except to say that it would be interesting to examine which parts of the brain are affected if a cat could be fed catnip and connected to an fMRI machine. A cat behaviorist responded to my inquiry about this by stating that it wouldn’t be very effective because cats don’t respond well to the “sit order. An fMRI scan would need the cat to remain quite still.
Nepeta species are a beautiful, low-growing perennial that may be found all across the world, including this section of southern Wisconsin. Nepeta is native to Europe, not the US, although it thrives here in both its wild and cultivated forms. Evidently, one of the first immigrants to the New World loved their cat enough to bring their favorite catnip with them.
Being a gardener who has a special love for perennials, I took notice when our beautiful city’s gardening team began employing a gorgeous, low-growing plant with attractive silver-green leaves and a durable blue blossom. When I discovered that it was Nepeta sp., I went to a nearby greenhouse and purchased a couple plants. It was clear right away that this plant propagated since the following year, it created some sizable mounds in the garden.
The dogs are free to roam the yard while the cats are always indoors where I reside with other animals. When our neighbors throw bread into their yards, squirrels snag it and eat it “in our garden, a plant. As a result, the dogs are constantly searching the plants for breadcrumbs.
More and more of those plants are Nepeta species as a result of its expanding nature. Fortunately, this won’t be an issue because catmint doesn’t harm dogs, right?
My indoor cats enjoy the outside exploits of the dogs as if they were their own. The cats are constantly at the door when we return from a walk, not to welcome me but rather to smell the dogs.
Normally, this is not a problem. The attention is usually manageable and may be brushed off by the dog stepping away, but the dogs find the cats’ sniffing and climbing on them somewhat bothersome. It’s not unexpected that the dogs carry scent home on their coats and feet as the dogs and I walk through an area where fox, mink, and other animals live.
On the other hand, if you let a dog inside after it has walked through a patch of Nepeta sp., the cat will pay close attention to it. A cat engaged on nibbling or rolling on whichever foot has come into touch with the plant immediately pursues the affected dog. The dogs get concerned as they realize how serious the cats’ intentions are.
I was getting ready to spend 45 hours away from home when this first happened. As I observed the cat’s perseverance, I had visions of returning home to find dogs whose toes had been chewed raw by cats.
I had a strategy in mind: “Need to swiftly and securely remove oily stuff from dog’s feet. A particular dishwashing product with a good reputation for cutting grease seemed to be the answer. I quickly cleaned it and then put the dog in a cat-free area.
I was shocked to realize that catmint is a plant when I read about it in the literature “owners who use a natural sedative and digestive assistance (and other humans).
Anesthesia, antibiotics, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, and relief from muscle aches and pains are mentioned as additional advantages.
Nepeta species come in a variety of smell and flower color varieties. Those who are truly cat-conscious should be aware that cats are said to prefer the common catnip, Nepeta cataria, which has white blossoms.
However, I kindly ask that you refrain from going to your yard to cut some catnip and brew a cup of tea because:
- There are specialists in catnip and herbs; I am neither. Before ingesting any catnip or Nepeta sp., kindly consult a knowledgeable, active herbalist.
- If you have cats, the herbalist can give you advice on how to drink your cup of nepeta tea without running the risk of them wanting to rub or chew on you while you’re drinking it or later.
Which catmint plant portion is used?
Fresh, dried, or frozen catmint can be used in cooking or as a tea. As the flowers start to blossom, gather the leaves, trimming the top leaves, stems, and flowers if you like. To keep the dried herb’s effectiveness, spread it out to dry in a cool, well-ventilated place and store it in an airtight container or bag.
You can include the leaves and shoots into sauces and soups. Tea produced from the blossoms and leaves can be used to ease menstrual cramps, relax tensions, and treat coughs and congestion.
Is there any use for catmint?
The plant has been used as a sedative, to induce menstruation, to treat indigestion, to improve hunger, to cause sweating, and to alleviate intestinal cramps. The herb has also been used to cure cancer, colic, diarrhea, and other illnesses.
Catnip mint is it edible?
Catnip tea is excellent for all of the above if you want to relax, unwind, calm your nerves, reduce restlessness, or combat sleeplessness. Catnip works wonders for children’s colic, teething, hyperactivity, ADHD, and sleep issues.
Since catnip doesn’t have the best flavor when consumed alone, I always attempt to combine it with other relaxing and savory herbs. Chamomile and lemon balm are two ingredients in my go-to catnip tea recipe. It works beautifully with lavender as well.
For a calming effect, combine the following dried herbs:
- 1/3 cup chamomile
- Catnip: two parts
- 1 component lemon balm
Keep in an airtight package (glass or plastic). Use 1 tsp of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. The longer you let it sit, the more medicinal it will be. After 15 to 20 minutes, add honey to taste as a sweetener. To preserve the essential oils in the herbs if you don’t have an infusion tea pot, cover the cup of hot tea with a cloth as it steeps.
Baby teethers benefit greatly from catnip. The tea indicated above can be made in bulk and frozen into ice cubes or soaked in cooled tea and frozen washcloths.
Put a herbal ice cube in one of those mesh baby food feeders so your baby may sip on the cube without choking, or let him chew on the frozen cloth to ease his sore gums. (Remember to keep honey away from infants under a year old.)
A strong mosquito deterrent is catnip. It can be planted all around your house to deter mosquitoes.
Make a 1/2 gallon batch of catnip tea with a few handfuls of fresh leaves or about a cup of dried catnip (lavender and chamomile added are pleasant as well), let it simmer for about an hour or so, drain it out, and then pour it into a hot bath to soak in to relieve muscular discomfort and relax your body.
You may consume fresh catnip leaves in salads or just munch them straight off the plant. Use it gently though, as the flavor is quite potent and almost minty.
Catnip would be a lovely and practical addition to your flower bed or herb garden if you’re interested in providing your family with herbal remedies.
Catmint vs. Catnip
Which is better, catnip or catmint? Plant common names can be confusing, especially when they sound so similar. Nepeta cataria, a widespread member of the mint family with white flowers that can be found all over the United States, particularly in disturbed areas, is known as catnip. These low-growing plants are a favorite among cats, and dried leaf cat toys are known to drive cats crazy.
On the other hand, catmint, another member of the mint family, is a stunning decorative plant that is hardy and flexible but is not as well-liked by domestic cats.
Walker’s Low Catmint: Nearly Perfect
Nepeta faassenii, often known as Walker’s Low catmint, has long served as the benchmark catmint in western gardens. In May, mounds of glistening periwinkle blue flowers begin to open, continuing for one to two months.
The blooms are a haven for hummingbirds, moths, butterflies, and bees, but deer and rabbits appear to avoid them. Catmints are nearly ideal plants since they can withstand drought, bloom for a long time, and withstand our harsh weather.
That is, almost flawless, barring two aspects. The weight of the blooms eventually causes the stalks to drop, opening and flattening the plant’s core, which causes all catmints to flop out a little after blooming.
The majority of catmints found at garden centers are fertile, which means that after blooming and receiving pollinator fertilization, they set viable seeds that disperse throughout the garden and result in an abundance of seedlings growing. Free seedlings are occasionally appreciated (especially those of such a lovely plant), but they are frequently an annoyance.
One more warning: Walker’s Low isn’t actually that “low.” Walker’s Low has a height range of 24 to 30 inches, which is quite low compared to Six Hills Giant, the previous benchmark for garden catmints, which reaches a height of 3 feet. Walker’s Low is actually not as low as its name suggests considering how little it is!
Little Trudy: Compact and Not a Spreader
Try Little Trudy catmint if you want a catmint with a neater appearance, one that stays compact and is more suited for small gardens, or one that won’t seed itself.
Before being released by Plant Select in 2008, Little Trudy was found at Little Valley Wholesale Nursery in Brighton, Colorado, and tested at Colorado State University and the Denver Botanic Gardens. It begins to bloom in the late spring and will continue to softly blossom all summer long. When crushed, the tiny, grey-green leaves release a pleasant scent.
Wildlife benefits: Pollinators such as moths, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to stalks of small, purple-blue blooms.
Growing advice: If desired, prune back the first heavy flush of blooms; a second full flush will occur later in the summer.
Citronella
One of the most well-known plants for repelling mosquitoes is the citronella plant, commonly known as the mosquito plant. In fact, citronella is probably one of the components in any candle that claims to keep mosquitoes away.
The citronella plant, as its name suggests, smells like lemons and is simple to grow in any yard or plant pot.
The citronella plant is a sun-loving perennial ‘clumping’ grass that can reach heights of up to 5 or 6 feet (about 2 meters). It does not tolerate frost, therefore if you reside in a region with chilly winters, you should put it in pots and bring them indoors over the winter.
The best varieties of citronella plants to purchase if you want to deter mosquitoes are Cybopogon nardus or Citronella winterianus.
When applied topically, citronella essential oil offers exceptionally excellent defense against insects and mosquitoes, making it one of the most powerful all-natural mosquito repellents.
The fact that citronella oil alone evaporates quite quickly is one thing you should take into account. But according to a study in the Journal of Vector Ecology, combining citronella with vanillin boosted the mosquito-repelling power of the mixture for up to 8 hours1. This indicates that it is equally efficient as DEET, the most widely used chemical ingredient in insect repellents, as an insect repellent.
Another investigation shown that citronella retained its insect-repellent qualities on garments for up to 30 days when combined with gelatin-arabic gum microcapsules2.
Citronella is therefore one of the best natural plants you can use to repel mosquitoes, and this is supported by scientific studies. It is also one of the most effective natural insect repellents. Furthermore, citronella works just as well as chemical-based repellents to keep mosquitoes away while having none of the negative side effects.
Here are some tips for using your citronella plant to keep mosquitoes away:
To ward off mosquitoes, rub all exposed body parts with a few softened citronella leaves that you have between your palms.
You can also prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by placing fresh leaves on window sills.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a clumping, dark green herb that can reach heights of 3-6 feet (1-2 meters) and has a pungent lemon aroma.
Lemongrass works well as a mosquito repellant because it also includes citronella oil. Mosquitoes will stay away thanks to its potent lemon aroma.
Catmint
Nepeta faassenii, an oil found in catmint, has been demonstrated in numerous tests to have insect-repelling effects. Catmint possesses qualities that make it a natural mosquito repellent, according to a study published in the journal Parasitology Research3.
Catnip
Catnip and catmint are closely related, and most people think of catnip as a herb that makes cats crazy. Although they are both simple to grow, catnip and catmint have a propensity to take over a garden.
Many people might not know that catnip works well to keep mosquitoes away, though. Additionally, research has demonstrated that catnip possesses insect-repelling qualities. For instance, according to research from Iowa State University, catnip essential oil was 10 times more efficient as an insect repellent than DEET4.
However, if you have cats, you might want to consider growing alternative plants in your garden.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a widely used herb that has a lovely appearance and numerous culinary applications. It thrives both inside and outside. One of the greatest plants for repelling mosquitoes is rosemary (as well as insects and other bugs). One of the plants that deters wasps is this one.
Therefore, to get the most out of rosemary, you should have a pot growing on a windowsill or next to a doorway. This will not only provide color and a great scent to the area, but it will also help keep insects out of the space by blocking their flight.
Basil
Basil may be grown and used as a mosquito repellent and in cooking, similar to how rosemary can. Additionally supported by scientific study is this. For instance, one study found that oils made from turmeric and hairy basil, along with 5% vanillin, effectively repelled three types of mosquitoes for 6 to 8 hours in cage conditions2.
Basil contains anti-inflammatory qualities and can be used to treat mosquito bites in addition to repelling mosquitoes (as I mentioned in my article about the top 15 natural ways to relieve mosquito bites). Basil leaves can be applied directly to the affected area by rubbing them between your fingers or by crushing the leaves in a pestle and mortar and applying the paste to your skin.
Pyrethrum
This plant aids in the prevention of a wide range of insects and pests, such as ticks, aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, and harlequin bugs, in addition to mosquitoes. Insecticide prepared from dried flower heads of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium and Chrysanthemum coccineum is known as pyrethrum.
The six esters known as pyretrins, which are active components found in the floral sections termed achenesthe future seeds of Pyrethrum, function as an insect repellent.
Lavender
Due to its relaxing effects and lovely aroma, lavender has a wide range of applications. Additionally, lavender naturally deters mosquitoes. Lavender essential oil is particularly efficient when coupled with other natural oils, according to certain studies5.
Geranium
Geraniums thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments and are prized for their stunning, vivid colors. Mosquitoes and other creatures can be repelled by their aroma. In fact, research on geraniums as a mosquito repellent revealed that it was effective when combined with the oils of lavender and lemon eucalyptus5.
Peppermint
Another plant that deters insects is peppermint. Due to the fact that most insects dislike its potent taste and smell, it is an effective all-purpose insect repellent. According to one study, peppermint oil both kills the larvae of malaria-carrying mosquitoes and works well as a repellent against them6.
Other studies on natural mosquito repellents have revealed the effectiveness of essential oils from the mint family, which are widely used as insect repellents worldwide2.
Rub peppermint leaves on the region where you’ve been bitten by a bug to get the relief you need.
Garlic
Naturally, garlic is well-known for both the health advantages it offers and the strong stench we release after consuming it. Additionally, if we consume too much garlic, it will likely ward off more people than insects!
Fortunately, garlic’s insect-repelling qualities can be experienced without eating it. Few people would like to rub it on their skin to deter insects, especially when there are much better and more pleasant-smelling natural options like citronella.
Garlic has a pungent smell that insects and mosquitoes typically find repulsive, thus it can be effective in warding them off.
Lemon Balm
This also belongs to the mint family and thrives in all environments. Essential oils from the mint family contain insect-repelling qualities, as previously described with peppermint oil.
Marigolds
Marigolds are rarely considered to have any uses other adding color to a garden, but did you know that they also act as a natural insect repellent?
Marigold plants produce flowers that are yellow or orange and have a strong scent. Alpha-terthienyl, a chemical produced by marigolds, has been shown to have insect-repelling properties. The ability of marigold essential oil to deter mosquitoes has also been discovered. 7
Horsemint
This is sometimes referred to as Beebalm, and it has a potent scent that effectively serves as a natural mosquito deterrent. It may be grown in pots and is simple to grow. Therefore, it can deter insects from entering your home when placed next to doors or windows.