Nepeta cataria

Nepeta cataria is a plant in the Lamiaceae family.

Uses

Nepeta cataria ("catnip" or "catmint") is mostly used as a recreational substance for feline enjoyment. Around 2 out of every 3 cats will be affected by the plant, and approximately 2 hours after an exposure, the feline will be sensitive to another dose. Whether it is growing in the wild or harvested and dried, felines will be affected by the plant. The common behaviors that are observed are: rubbing on the plant, rolling on the ground, drooling, or consuming much of the plant. It is said that felines are affected by the smell of the plant more than anything. Felines have such a strong sense of smell that they can detect the chemical nepetalactone, which is the main active ingredient in Nepeta cataria. This chemical enters the feline's nose, and produces semi-hallucinogenic effects on the cat. Catnip has a history of human medicinal use for its soothing effects. The plant has been consumed as a tea, juice, tincture, infusion, or poultice and has been smoked . Also, when the active oils in the plant are isolated and refined, they supposedly work as a great mosquito repellant. Catnip can also be smoked recreationally, and when combined with tobacco and other herbs, provides a "minty" taste and mild intoxicating effects .

Translation

The phrase "Nepeta cataria" occurs as such in the following languages: English, Spanish.

Translation(s) in other languages: Catalan: Herba gatera, Czech: Šanta kočičí, Danish: Almindelig Katteurt, German: Echte Katzenminze, French: Cataire, Dutch: Wild kattenkruid, Japanese: イヌハッカ, Norwegian (Bokmål): Kattemynte, Polish: Kocimiętka właściwa, Russian: Котовник кошачий, Slovak: Kocúrnik obyčajný, Finnish: Aitokissanminttu, Swedish: Kattmynta.