Common Name: Catnip
Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
Nepeta cataria, widely known as Catnip, is famous for its effects on cats, who are attracted to the plant due to its nepetalactone content. Native to Europe and Asia, Catnip is now found worldwide.
Medicinally, Catnip is used by humans for its sedative effects, helping to relieve stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It’s also used to treat minor digestive issues.
In beauty, Catnip is not typically used, but its repellent properties against insects make it a potential ingredient in natural repellent formulations.
An interesting fact about Catnip is that while it’s well-known for its effects on domestic cats, it’s also effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects, making it useful in gardens and homes for pest control.
