Catnip
Useful properties and use of catnip
Useful properties of catnip
Due to the presence of various biologically active substances in the catnip composition, it fully has healing properties. Leaves and young shoots of this medicinal herb contain useful minerals, essential oil, vitamins of various groups, tannins, flavonoids, sugar. It is worth noting the presence of glycosides, tannins, bitterness and ursolic acid in this herb. The plant stabilizes and strengthens the immune system, increases the tone of the body, significantly reduces the impact of adverse environmental factors on human health.
Catnip application
Experiments on animals have shown that catnip speeds up the heart rate by about 40%. Thus, with tachycardia, this natural drug is contraindicated, but patients with a diagnosis of "bradycardia" can provide effective assistance. The herb is used only in traditional medicine. For a long time, the choleretic and antibacterial effect of infusions from this plant has been noted. Traditional healers actively use them to improve appetite and overcome cardiac neuroses.
In addition, herbal infusions have proven themselves well in the treatment of gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice. This medicinal plant is often used to combat constipation, intestinal atony and to overcome congestion in the biliary tract and gallbladder. Among other things, this healing natural drug helps to more effectively cope with bronchitis, cough and a number of colds. It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system during depression and hysteria.
The blood-purifying properties of the herb will be helpful in treating furunculosis. Due to its bactericidal properties, it is widely used to destroy parasitic insects and eliminate purulent skin diseases. In combination with other herbs, catnip is used in alternative medicine for a number of intestinal and gastric diseases. It has a calming effect, so it is better to take drugs from it before bedtime.
Infusion: catnip, chamomile flowers, valerian root and hops must be mixed in equal proportions, pour 3 tablespoons of the mixture with two glasses of water, boil for 5 minutes, then strain. For effective treatment, you should drink half a glass of infusion before meals. The duration of the course is 3 weeks. This infusion helps to cope with insomnia.
Growing catnip
The plant can be grown in various ways: by seedling, by sowing seeds in open ground or by vegetative method. Since the seedlings of the plant develop very slowly at first, it is best to use the seedling method for seed propagation. The plant is sown in a greenhouse in rows, the gap between which is 6–8 cm, while the soil should be light. During sowing, seeds should be embedded in the soil no deeper than 0.5–1 cm.
The first shoots appear in about two weeks and develop very slowly at an early stage. After the appearance of a couple of true leaves, the seedlings are usually transferred to special pots with peat-humus soil. Such a pick is necessary for better development of the root system of the seedlings. The seedlings will be fully ready for planting in 45-50 days. The cattle-breeder tolerates winter quite well, but at high subzero temperatures it can die, especially if the plant has been weakened by drought. In addition, this herb needs adequate access to sunlight.
Catnip
This perennial herb reaches a height of 1 meter. Due to its anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, antipyretic, analgesic and expectorant properties, it is widely used in folk medicine. The herb is able to induce and regulate the female menstrual cycle. Also, this medicinal plant is often recommended as an antibiotic for the treatment of tumors and skin diseases. In such cases, it is applied externally.
A decoction of the herb of the plant has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. Traditional medicine uses it for headaches, coughs, anemia, jaundice, liver diseases and to fight worms. Herbal infusions help relieve tension in the nervous system and help with severe shortness of breath, spasms, shortness of breath.
Fassen's Catman
This type of plant is prized for its aromatic properties. This variety was obtained by crossing the catnip Neptella and the catnip Musin. During flowering, which lasts from May to mid-autumn, the leaves and flowers of the plant form a bizarre variety of forms. Since hybrid plants are not capable of bearing fruit, this species reproduces exclusively vegetatively. No mention was found of the use of Fassen's catnip in medicine.
Lemon catnip
This species is often referred to as "cat grass". The plant received this name for the excessive addiction to it of our smaller brothers. Lemon Catnip has been known in folk medicine since the times of ancient Egypt. Among the Celts, it was one of the sixteen herbs that formed the basis of Druidic medicine. This herb contains lemon-scented essential oil, flavonoids, tannins and a number of other beneficial elements.
Lemon catnip decoction normalizes the functioning of the intestines, kidneys, liver and bladder. The plant is also used in the treatment of some gynecological diseases and for the prevention of lead poisoning. It has a general strengthening effect on the body, helping to strengthen the immune system.
Contraindications to the use of catnip
The contraindications for preparations from this plant have not yet been fully established by science. Catnip medicines should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Possible individual intolerance to the herb or allergy to its individual components. Before using it, a mandatory consultation with a doctor is required.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
