Catnip is a member of the mint family, also known as Labiatea. It’s native to Asia and Europe but is naturalized in the United States. The flowers that are found on the white and gray catnip plant have white and purple spots, arranged in whorls on spikes. These clusters are of flowers are in bloom from July to September.

Catnip has volatile oil that cats normally find stimulating, while the leaves and the flowering tops on the plant are commonly used in herbal medicines. Other names of the plant include catmint, cat’s-play, catnep, catwort, nip, and field balm.

Catnip has been used as an herbal remedy. It’s been used as a carminative, antispasmodic, nervine, stomachic, stimulant, diaphoretic, and mild sedative. It’s used to help counter symptoms of stress, insomnia, gut cramps, and menstrual cramps.

Catnip is also effective when used in herbal remedies to help treat the flu, upset stomach, insomnia, fevers, and plain colds. Catnip also is great for children that have upset stomachs, as well as for fighting insomnia and preventing nightmares. Catnip acting as a carminative and as an anti-spasmodic property is antiflatulent, able to help ale an unsettled stomach.

Other benefits of taking catnip include receiving the sedative properties that are able to help combat nervous disorders as well as migraine headaches. Poultices derived from catnip have also been used commonly for toothaches.