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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.
Catnip's use as a kitchen herb 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.
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