Catnip - It's Not Just for Cats - ID, Edible and Medicinal Uses, How to Use It and More!

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Catnip - Nepeta cataria
Catnip is an edible and medicinal plant with a long history of cultivation dating as far back as Roman times. It can very found growing in gardens and is often considered a weed. I like to have it around for a number of different reasons. I get visited by my old meathead friend in this one to discuss some reasons why I like catnip.
Catnip is know for its effect on cats, and it has been used by humans medicinally since Roman times.
Identification of Catnip
Catnip is a perennial herb which grows from a taproot. It has a square stem, is covered with fine white hairs, and has leaves that are heart shaped, coarsely toothed, green on the top and greyish green underneath, and catnip smells minty and a little musty. The flowers of catnip are whitish pink with purple spots and form clusters near the tips.
Catnip Has Medicinal Uses
Catnip has been used to relieve flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomachs, and other digestive problems, relieve anxiety, and catnip is considered soothing to the nervous system and said to help with insomnia. It is gentle and has been given to young children. Catnip has also been used to relieve headaches and catnip can affect cats but there are no cats on catnip in this video.
Please consume wild plants at your own risk! Consult multiple reliable sources before consuming any wild plants! This video is for information and entertainment only!
References
MacKinnon, A. Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada. Lone Pine Media Productions (BC) Ltd. 2014.
Wiles, Briana. Mountain States Medicinal Plants. Timber Press Inc. 2018.
Millard, Elizabeth. Backyard Pharmacy: Growing Medicinal Plants in Your Own Yard. Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc. 2015.

[@BrightFuture2022]

I let the catnip here flower because the pollinators love it. I had too much growing and recently pulled out and tossed a whole bunch of it. My cat is not interested in it. I gave some small plants to a neighbour that wanted it as a pollinator but her cats demolished it. I had no idea it had several uses. Thank you for this video. Very informative, entertaining and to the point.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

That sounds very similar to my situation with the catnip! I like it, so I kind of let it get out of control, and then I have to bring it back under control. Thank you so much! I appreciate the comment!

[@dallen4482]

I didn’t realize how pretty catnip flowers were!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I think they are, too! Thank you!

[@PreppingWithSarge]

Great video. Everytime I try to grow this one the cats in the neighborhood tear it up… pretty funny actually. I’ve considered caging in with chicken wire and then putting a camera on it 😂

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you! Haha! That is funny!

[@ryleighfields7033]

That was a lot of info in a little time..... well executed..... thank you!!!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome, and thank you, too!

[@eabird4358]

Catnip was the first weed I tried. Still my favorite. Wish I had more plants.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I think it's a great plant! Fortunately we've got quite a few in our yard. Thank you!

[@thanku7x77]

Thank you. Love your Vlogs, Personality and info ❤

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome, and thank you, too!

[@LH-zw7dg]

Love catnip! I have so much in my garden this year!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Nice! I love it, too!

[@MarcInCanada]

Great info! Thanks!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You're welcome, and thank you, too!

[@MINX7EM]

Wow I have loved these pleaeses put on calming for Dogs xx

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

They're great I think!

[@andimom2010]

He’s goofy but great!!!!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Thank you!

[@silenteyes-rp6ij]

I found 2 separate patches growing on 100+yr old farm houses properties while exploring . I waited till it flowered to harvest sum of each and spread the seeds around my property now its everywhere so i can pluck the hole plant & hang by roots to dry. Its 10x more potent than store bought! I enjoy it as part of my smoking blend & as a tea. Been thinking about selling it in whole bud form online & and calling it "cat rip".. one clump was nearly 6' tall x 5' wide before flowers! Just that one plant is literally a lifetime supply for me & 2 cats.. i also grow any and every kind of lemon herbs to make bug repellant, i didn't realize nip was good for that as well. Awesome channel bro! great info, sure to come in handy the way the world is heading..

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Great comment! Thank you so much! I agree with you about the way the world is headed! I think learning about edible and medicinal plants will be increasingly valuable!

[@silenteyes-rp6ij]

Thanks, I haven't had the chance to look through all your videos yet. but if you haven't made one covering stinging nettle and all the similar lookalikes that would be a good one. Seeing the actual leaves side by side is so helpful.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I've done one covering stinging nettle in depth, but it doesn't include a side-by-side comparison. That would be helpful though. Maybe I will try to do that in the future! Thanks!

[@LifeIsBeautiful226]

Do you do foraging walks/ hikes in the Okanagan?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I don't at this time, but I know two people in the area who do. Scott Moran is the Kelowna Forager on Instagram, and this is his page. instagram.com/kelownaforager?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Here's his website if you aren't on Instagram. linktr.ee/kelownaforager?fbclid=PAAaZ7cRWw-Ag0cDMeJdmLWem0jVZt4OOAKRN_UAgY37_UJFPOmA8PbrOMPQk There's the West Kelowna Forager as well. This is her Instagram page. instagram.com/westkelownaforager?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== And here's her email if you aren't on Instagram [e-mail]

[@justinsward9195]

How is it used as a repellent, like yarrow, or boil it to a liquid form as a spray? Definitely got to send this vid to my sis!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I agree you should send it to her, haha! You could try just rubbing the leaves on your skin to get some mosquito repelling effect, or you could try to chop and cook in olive oil at 200°F, then apply that oil topically. Those are very short instructions, but I think that's the idea. Hopefully that helps!

[@BBitIT]

I know this video is from a few months ago but just a quick question. Do you have to dry it to make tea with it or can you do it with fresh leaves?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

You can definitely use fresh leaves! I dry some just to have it around throughout the year, but when it's growing, that's what I use. Thank you!

[@justinsward9195]

My sis has this growing everywhere at her place on the westside

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Nice! I like to have it around.

[@westcoast8562]

VERY INFORMATIVE, HOW CAN I HARVEST THE ESSENTIAL OIL FROM THIS PLANT

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Basically, if you take the leaves and flowers, cover them in oil, heat them, and then strain them, is a quick summary of one process. If you do a search for "How to make catnip essential oil," you should be able to find much more detailed results. I hope that helps!

[@BrightFuture2022]

Id like to know that too.

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I haven't tried extracting the essential oil myself. I usually just save the leaves and flowers and make teas as needed.

[@emmalee478]

Oh catnip! It's really happening!

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

I'm still trying to make it happen, haha!

[@kezzaobee1462]

My cat goes to sleep after eating it, tell me how to smoke it. What are the benefits of smoking it please.

[@Pixics]

Nice, meat tenderizer

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

Yes! Thanks!

[@thesword-sapdog322]

But are there cats ODing all over the place in your garden?

[@OkanaganGardenerandForager]

No, they aren't ODing. I actually haven't noticed any cats hanging around the catnip at all. Maybe they're having late night parties!