Health Benefits Of Catnip

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) also known as field balm, catswort or catmint, is a perennial mint which grows in northern Hemisphere in the most territories with moderate climate. It is a plant with small dark-green and fuzzy leaves and with small tubular flowers. From the historical perspective, this herb was used in Ancient Egypt as a sacred herb which relates to the cat goddess Bast. Also, it was cultivated and valued in Ancient Rome, and in the British Isles catnip tea was a very common beverage until the black tea was brought there from the Far East. For herbal remedies and herbal preparations, as well as for culinary purposes, usually stems, leaves and flowers of catnip are used. Read the rest of this entry »