Catnip Tea

Catnip is an herb well known for its enchantment effects upon the feline species. The power of this plant to turn our kitty friends into drooling puddles of purring bliss is unmatched and overshadowing of the physical and psychological benefits this plant has for humans.

Catnip is a member of the Mint family. Physically, Catnip will quell an upset stomach, taming acid and flatulence. It will also help chronic diarrhea. For respiratory health, Catnip is great for bronchitis. Psychologically, Catnip is a relaxant which may boost mood, relieve anxiety, reduce nervousness, and sleep.

Here is my own personal "recipe" for Catnip Tea: I begin with approximately one Liter of spring water in a pot, then add a handful of either fresh or dried Catnip directly to the water. I usually add an equal amount of Peppermint leaves (either fresh or dried) for taste, and for complimentary health benefits. You may also elect to add other herbs to the water, as well depending upon your preferences and needs. If I am making this in the afternoon, I also slice and add about one handful of fresh ginger root to the water, as I consume fresh ginger in some capacity every afternoon for migraine prevention. Cover and bring the water to a boil; immediately remove from heat and allow to further steep for 15 minutes. Strain and consume, hot or cold. You may sweeten with raw, organic honey.

At the time of writing this, our lunar phase has just moved into a waning phase, which means as a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Braucher, I try for ailments and entities that need to be removed from a person or their property. If a child were to have a fever, this moon phase is optimal for removing the fever; I would create a tea by combining catnip with spearmint for the child to consume, given parental permission and physician approval, of course. There are also other charms that can be used in combination with the herbal tea for the removal of a fever, which I will save for a future post.

by Gretchen Swank, written Wednesday, November 9th, 2022

Sources: Ruczhak-Eckman, J. (2022) Therapeutic Thymes Magazine. Spring 2022, Issue 22. Meteria Medica: Catnip. Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman Publisher. Page 47

Butler, R.D., N. Catnip Tea. Healtline (Updated on September 18, 2018). https://www.healthline.com/health/catnip-tea