Nepeta cataria (Catnip)

Catnip is native to Eastern Europe and Asia, but has recently spread through much of North America.

It is a member of the mint family, but is best known, of course, for the euphoric effects it has on cats: seemingly transporting them to realms of psychedelic ecstasy. Even lions and tigers succumb to the fragrance. But as any gynocologist will tell you, though, ?what?s good for the 'kitty' is good for the man.? It was regularly consumed as a tea in England before, Chinese tea was readily available and is still commonly used around the world for its calming, tranquilizing effect.

Catnip's use as a kitchen herb also spread through Europe during the middle ages. The leaves were used as a natural meat tenderizer and it was sprinkled in salads.

When prepared in a tea, catnip provides a calming, tranquilizing effect to the central nervous system, relieving nervousness, restlessness and sleeplessness.