Catnip (Nepeta cataria)Catnip InformationNepeta cataria is the botanical name of the plant more commonly known as catnip. Other common names include catmint, field balm, and true catnip. Nepeta cataria is part of the Lamiaceae (more commonly known as the mint) family of plants. The Lamiaceae family is made up of over 3000 species and 200 genera. The Nepeta genus contains over 200 different species of flowering plants. Besides being appealing to cats, members of the genus have been used by humans for food, medicine, and psychoactive effect. It has long been known that living Nepeta cataria plants are effective at repelling insects. A study of these properties suggests that a chemical called nepetalactone (found in the essential oil of Nepeta cataria) is much more effective as a mosquito repellant than commercial products that contain DEET. Nepetalactone is also an effective repellant of cockroaches and some types of flies. Scientific Classification Of Nepeta cataria Nepeta cataria is thought to have originated in Europe and/or Asia. The herb was transported to various parts of the globe and can now be found growing wild in parts of Africa and North America, as well as Europe and Asia. The plant can grow to a height of about 3 feet and looks similar to the mint plant. The leaves are green and may show a gray colored tinge, the tightly clustered flowers are purple and may have small white or pale lavender spots. History Of Catnip (Nepeta cataria)Catnip has a history of being used as a drug, food, garden plant, and for other purposes. The essential oil can be used as a natural insecticide. The leaves can be used to add flavor to sauces, soups and stews, they can also be chewed to reduce toothache. The dried leaves, seeds or powdered roots can be made into herbal tea. Catnip tea has been has been found to have an anticholinergic effect (used in the management of bladder dysfunction). It has also been used to relieve intestinal cramps and gas discomfort. The main chemical that causes psychoactive effects when a person uses Nepeta cataria is nepetalactone. It has antibacterial (kills bacteria) properties and is a mild sedative that can reduce fever, nervous and muscular spasms, or convulsions. Nepetalactone is also produced by a type of ant found in California. Some indigenous peoples used to swallow these live ants to induce altered states of consciousness. The ants bite into the stomach lining and nepetalactone is introduced into the blood supply. Catnip is used to stuff cloth pouches and make cat toys. These toys have been found to encourage cats to play and are harmless and not addictive. Some cats may become very excited when exposed to catnip, so aging or obese cats with health troubles should not be exposed. How To Use Catnip (Nepeta cataria)You can buy fresh Nepeta cataria (catnip) suitable for human consumption here. They ship from the USA to most countries. You can also use catnip sold at pet stores for cats, but it may be older and less potent. Nepeta cataria is slightly psychoactive and most people who don't consume drugs often feel a calm sense of well being after ingesting it. The plant also has properties which might bring relief to people suffering from mild insomnia. But if taken in excess, it can cause nausea and vomiting. Dry catnip can be smoked alone or added to tobacco, marijuana, or other herbs. Smoke a joint or two and see what you think. If you like the results, you can smoke a joint of catnip when you want to. If you would like a stronger experience, try drinking it as tea. Use 2-3 grams (per person) of dry catnip to make tea. After drinking it, when you feel it start to hit (calm mind, relaxation), smoke a joint of marijuana and catnip mixed together. See this for more information about making herbal tea and other methods of consuming herbs. copyright © www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/ Drug Related Books About Drugs Legal Highs Index Various Drug Articles |
