Latin name: Nepeta cataria .

Description :
The root is perennial and sends up square, erect and branched stems, 2 to 3 feet high, which are very leafy and covered with a mealy down. The heartshaped, toothed leaves are also covered with a soft, close down, especially on the under sides, which are quite white with it, so that the whole plant has a hoary, greyish appearance, as though it had had dust blown over it.
The flowers grow on short footstalks in dense whorls, which towards the summit of the stem are so close as almost to form a spike. They are in bloom from July to September.

Sow the seed in the spring or late summer in either the place where you want it to grow, pots, or seed trays. Thin to 12 inches.

Cats adore this plant, and have been known to tear it to pieces in the herb bed.

This herb can be used for a border or edging. Though mine has always been to tall for a border, but do plant it in the back of the bed, or on the sides. When the main flowering is over, catnip needs to be cut way back hard to encourage a second crop and to keep it neat and compact.
Harvest leaves and flowering tops when young.

Catnip is not often used for medicinal purposes. It is said to be excellent for colds and flu, and children's infectious diseases, such as measles. It soothes the nervous system and helps get a restless child off to sleep. It also helps to calm upset stomachs and counters colic, flatulence, and diarrhea.Catnip is one of the traditional cold and flu remedies. It is a useful diaphoretic helpful in any feverish condition, especially acute bronchitis. As a carminative with anti-spasmodic properties, Catmint eases any stomach upsets, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic. It is a perfect remedy for the treatment of diarrhoea in children. Its sedative action on the nerves adds to its generally relaxing properties.

Also, an infusion can be applied externally to soothe scalp irritations, and the leaves and flowering tops can be mashed for a poultice to be applied to external bruises.

Actions: antidiarrheal, antipyretic, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emetic (large doses), emmenagogue, mild sedative, nervine, spasmolytic, stimulant

Traditional uses: anorexia, anxiety, common cold, convulsion, cough, diarrhea, fever (enema), flatulence, flatulent colic in children, gallbladder disorders, headache, hemorrhoids (ointment), inappetence, indigestion, inflammation, influenza, insomnia, irregular menstruation, lung congestion, measles, morning sickness, nausea, nervous dyspepsia, pain, stress.