Botanical Name: Nepeta Cataria

Common Names and Synonyms: Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Wort, Field Balm, Nepeta, Nip

Background: Catnip is a gray-green aromatic perennial herb and member of the mint family.  It is native to North America and was first used by the Colonists.  It now grows wild all across the country.  Fresh leaves of the catnip plant have a mint-like scent, while dried leaves smell like alfalfa.  Medicinally, catnip has been used for insomnia, hyperactivity, intestinal disorders, and fever. As the name implies, catnip has a reputation for exciting felines.

Catnip in the Cayce Readings

• Edgar Cayce gave one reading recommending catnip in a weak sage tea for a 3 month old boy suffering from inguinal hernia.  The tea was said to be an "alkaline stimulant to the intestinal system" with the intended action "to enliven the eliminating centers" and produce a "full action from the bowels."

318-4
    Yes, we have the body here.  This we have had before.  The general physical condition of body is on the improve.  There are those conditions of congestion that are existent, or dregs of same are existent, in the vibratory forces of the blood and cell building centers in the system.  These need attention, in the way of an alkaline stimulant to the intestinal system, to enliven the eliminating centers and thereby rid the system of these conditions.  Such as will be found in very weak sage tea, with catnip in same, see?  That is, steep a pinch of the sage in 4 to 6 ounces of distilled water, for half to three-quarters of an hour.  Strain off. Then add 2 to 3 leaves of dried or of green catnip, and let THIS steep for ten to fifteen minutes; that is, after the water is heated, see?  Then strain.  Sweeten just a little - very little - just so that it will be taken.  A few drops at the time may be given, see, until there is full action from the bowels.