Catnip
Catnip, renowned for the euphoria it causes in cats, also
has a few human uses, both culinary and medicinal. It makes an attractive
border plant if you don't mind frequent feline visitors.
Description: This perennial herb can grow to a height of
up to 3 feet with a spread of 15 inches.
It has a straggly habit and is likely to be flattened by cats who love to
roll in it.
The only way to protect it is with wire netting.
Medicinal Uses: Catnip tea made from the leaves and flowers
may be taken for coughs, colds, catarrh, and a bedtime calmative.
Culinary Uses: Use very sparingly in salads and use the flowers
as a garnish.
Other uses: The most common use for catnip is as
a recreational herb for cats.
Dry catnip by hanging it upside down in bags, then crumble and sew into cotton
bags.
Cultivation: Catnip is easily grown from seed in spring and summer.
It prefers good, fertile soil and partial shade.
Soil should be well-drained and slightly alkaline.
Roots can be divided in spring and fall.
