A genus of blooming plants in the Lamiaceae family is called Nepeta. According to some, Nepete, a former Etruscan city, is mentioned in the genus name. [2] About 250 species are present. [3]
Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, the genus has also established itself in North America.
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Because of their impact on domestic cats, certain members of this genus are referred to as catnip or catmint.
Cats’ olfactory receptors attach to some Nepeta species’ nepetalactone, which normally causes momentary happiness.
[5] Mint (Mentha) and catnip (Nepeta), which belong to the same species family, can occasionally be confused. Catnip smells minty, peppery, lemony, or even skunky to humans. While most mint cultivars have a mild scent in the garden and it might be difficult to distinguish between them based on look and fragrance, spearmint oil’s carvone content makes it a culinary gem and a standout in the garden.
How was the name catmint derived?
The Lamiaceae (mint) family includes the perennial herb known as “Cataria” catmint. It has Asian and European roots. Due to its potent aroma, which cats find alluring, catmint is known as such.
Although it tolerates a wide range of soil types, “Cataria” catmint needs adequate drainage and full sun to part shade. Give the plant some afternoon shade because it can tolerate heat and humidity but is moderately tolerant of drought, dry soil, and air pollution. After initial blooming, prune flower spikes to encourage sustained bloom. propagate through seed or division.
The minty-flavored leaves can be cut and added as a culinary herb to pasta, vegetables, sauces, soups, and stews. Catmint, also known as “Cataria,” is a plant that attracts honey bees as well as other types of bees, insects, and butterflies. Plant this fast-growing, low-maintenance perennial in a cottage, sensory, herb, or kids’ garden. It is deer resistant.
Consider growing the plant in a container because it can become weedy due to insects, diseases, and other plant issues. Cataria catmint attracts a lot of cats, however it can make them throw up and have diarrhea. Some cats become sedated while others become aroused.
Is catmint the same as nepeta?
These two plants can be mistaken for one another by using different names, although they are actually distinct species. Catnip is Nepeta cataria, while catmint is Nepeta mussinii, both of which are members of the mint family. The following are some further variations and parallels between the two plants:
While catmint is frequently used as a lovely, flowering perennial in beds, catnip has a weedier aspect.
Catnip blooms less frequently than catmint. Typically, catnip blooms are white. Flowers on catmint are lavender.
What distinguishes catnip and catmint plants from one another?
Nepeta cataria, a plant native to Europe and a close relative of the mints, produces catnip (spearmint, peppermint, pennyroyal, etc). The plant or dried herb attracts a lot of cats, and the smell might cause odd behavior patterns. Licking, chewing, head shaking, chin and cheek stroking, rolling, and salivation are a few of these actions. The herb only has an effect on roughly two-thirds of domestic cats. Other cat species, such as lions, leopards, and jaguars, are also impacted. A common folk treatment for fevers, colds, cramps, and headaches is catnip.
Catnip offers therapeutic benefits for both humans and cats, in addition to having insecticidal characteristics. Nepetalactone is the substance in catnip that is active (a component of essential oil extracted from catnip). Nepatalactone is an insect repellent that was developed by Iowa State University researchers in the early 2000s for use against cockroaches, mosquitoes, mites, ticks, spiders, termites, and other pests. Since then, it hasn’t been included in insect repellents that are sold commercially.
Additionally promising for crop protection is catnip oil. In a study, collard greens intercropped with catnip (placed in alternate rows) decreased the prevalence of flea beetles, an insect that is extremely harmful to collards. It has also been demonstrated that catnip extracts can repel harmful insects and the adult and larval stages of the Colorado potato beetle. Caterpillars, moths, and butterflies cannot be harmed by catnip extracts.
Catnip is comparatively simple to cultivate, accepts a wide range of soil types, and if not controlled, has the potential to spread beyond your garden. There are numerous seed firms that sell seed. If you have cats, you may need to protect it from them until it matures and establishes itself. The seed is very small and can be directly sown on well-prepared garden soil and covered with 1/8″ of soil. Alternatively, it can be sown in a flat and transplanted after it gets 5 sets of leaves. Once established, each individual plant should survive for several years.
If you are a cat lover, a few catnip plants will provide a year-round supply. To harvest catnip, cut stems before flowering (early to mid summer). Remove leaves from the stems. Place the leaves on a screen or tray in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Turn the leaves once a day to provide aeration. After two or three weeks, it should be dry enough to crumble into flakes.
Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is a low-growing mounded plant with attractive, gray-green foliage that is similar to catnip but does not stimulate cats. It self-seeds and can spread (almost to the point of becoming weedy) and is heat and drought tolerant once established. These sturdy perennials are hardy to USDA zone 4 and will thrive in mountain gardens. Deer and most other herbivores avoid it.
I grow both catnip and catmint; the catnip is harvested for use by cats; the catmint provides beauty and food for bees; and both plants attract bees and other beneficial insects. Catnip usually only blooms once per season, but when it does, it attracts bees and other nectar feeders. Given catmint’s extended bloom period, I see solitary bees feeding on nectar in early summer, Honeybees using it in mid
Can cats get high off catmint?
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.
Does catnip count as a cat drug?
Many cats respond strongly to catnip, and as soon as they catch a whiff, their personalities can completely change! While some cats become more energetic and playful, others have a more loving and laid-back personality. Some start off being more playful before passing out. So does it function similarly to a drug? Do they get high as a result?
Catnip is not a drug in the usual sense, is the quick response. It does not need to be consumed or processed through the body like THC does in order to affect your cat. This is so that catnip can actually operate completely off scent. The catnip’s all-natural oils, primarily nepetalactone, imitate a class of cat pheromones that, when inhaled, cause a response in the felines’ brains. It’s comparable to how certain emotions can be evoked by the use of candles, essential oils, or even particularly delicious-smelling food. But because a cat’s sense of smell is so much more acute than our own, the response is much stronger.
What made cat nip popular?
Catnip has been mentioned frequently throughout history. It is believed that Nepeta catataria got its name from the Etrurian city of Neptic (today the town Nepi in the province of Viterbo). Although there isn’t a specific piece of proof, it is highly likely that the Egyptians were among the first to feed catnip to felines given their love of cats. Catnip was highly valued by the Romans as well, and they included it in dishes and herbal remedies. Catnip was utilized for a variety of purposes during the Middle Ages. Nepeta catataria was also referred to as “nep” or catmint during the Middle Ages. Catnip was popular among both people and cats, and it was also employed in cooking and natural remedies. America first encountered catnip in the 18th century. When settlers came to the New World, they brought plant cuttings with them for food and medicine, and a recipe from Massachusetts in 1712 lists catnip among the components. When they discovered catnip, Native Americans also started using it in their recipes and treatments.
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.