Catnip - It Makes Cats Crazy, But May Help You!

You may not be aware that in humans it has numerous healthy qualities. For example, it can affect conditions ranging from indigestion, colds, and insomnia.

It is an aromatic herb that can assist with many digestive problems.

At one time, American Indians utilized this herb to quiet upset stomachs, particularly in children.

It has antispasmodic qualities, and has a calming effect on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract.

In fact, diluted infusions may be given to colicky infants. Use caution when doing this, however.

Also, it can aid individuals experiencing intestinal gas. It has shown to be a valuable treatment for constipation and diarrhea.

It has also demonstrated effectiveness for a number of respiratory problems, including colds and the flu.

It helps to alleviate chest congestion and phlegm and should be taken at the onset of a cold or flu.

It may also prove therapeutic for conditions such as bronchitis.

When mixed with boiling water, inhaling the steam may offer relief from congestion and sore throats. Individuals with Asthma may benefit from inhaling it also.

It has an agreeable taste, and is even more effective when mixed with honey and elderflower.

Taking Catnip prior to bedtime may help you to relax and fall asleep easier.

German researchers have discovered that the component in it that makes cats excited, nepetalactone isomers, is similar to the main ingredient in the sedative herb Valerian.

Furthermore, a tea made from 2 teaspoons of dried herb mixed with 1 cup of boiling water, taken before bedtime, may help you to fall asleep easier.

When used in combination with the herbs Valerian, Hops, and Passion Flower, you will notice a greater sedative effect.

Moreover, as it has a calming tendency it is oftentimes used to treat nervousness and anxiety.

As Catnip is considered to be an emmenagogic herb, it can help modulate a woman's menstrual cycle. It has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of a woman's uterus.

It can also help alleviate menstrual cramps. and can relieve the pain a woman experiences just prior to starting her monthly period.

Here is a list of other conditions that traditional herbalists use it for:

• Toothaches
• Cancer
• Hives
• Corns

Here is a list that describes the different herbal actions of Catnip:

• Analgesic - an analgesic herb is one that relieves pain
• Aromatic - an aromatic herb is one that has a strong, pleasant odor and helps to stimulate digestion
• Bitter - a herb that is bitter has a strong taste and also stimulates the digestive system
• Carminative - this category of herb helps to expel gas from the digestive system
• Diaphoretic - this type of herb helps you to eliminate toxins by causing you to perspire more
• Emmenagogic - this type of herbal action refers the herbs that help to regulate a woman's menstrual cycles
• Nervine - this action refers to herbs that relieve anxiety
• Sedative - this category refers to herbs that calm the nervous system
• Stimulant - herbs of this type stimulate normal physiological functioning of the body
• Stomachic - this action refers to herbs that stimulate the digestive system

In conclusion, I'm sure that most of you enjoy watching a cat's reaction when exposed to Catnip.

Strange as it may seem, the very ingredient that causes this hyper feeling in cats, can be a healthy ingredient for numerous ailments in humans.

Now you know the complete story, or to put it another way, let's just say that the, uh, 'cat's' out of the bag.

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