How to brew medicinal catnip tea

Catnip is good for people, too

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial mint that is beneficial to humans as well as cats. Herbalists recommend catnip for sleeplessness, menstrual cramps, and upset stomach. This herb, found in gardens and growing wild, can reach a height of 2 or 3 feet. Its downy leaves and pinkish purple blossoms can be dried and prepared as a medicinal tea.

A medicinal tea is stronger and brews longer than a regular herbal tea. More time is needed for the hot water to absorb the herb's vitamins, minerals, and medicinal properties. If the brewing tea is covered, these components will not evaporate with the steam. The result is a nourishing, healing drink that can be served hot or iced. Whether you grow catnip in your garden or purchase it at your local health food store, you can prepare this tea in just a few simple steps.

Instructions

Step 1

Fill teapot with hot water. Preheating the teapot will provide a warm environment for the tea while it is brewing, and prevent it from cooling too quickly.

Step 2

Fill tea kettle with enough water for desired amount of tea; heat water to boil.

Step 3

While waiting for water to boil, measure 1 teaspoon of catnip per cup of tea. Place catnip in tea ball, and set aside.

Step 4

As soon as water in kettle begins to boil, remove kettle from heat.

Step 5

Empty the preheating teapot. Place the tea ball in the teapot; if you do not have a tea ball, place the measured catnip in the bottom of the teapot.

Step 6

Fill teapot with enough water for your tea. Cover the teapot and allow tea to brew for 20 minutes.

Step 7

After 20 minutes, remove tea ball from teapot and pour tea into cup. If you are using a strainer instead of a tea ball, strain catnip through strainer as you pour tea into cup. Sweeten tea with honey if desired, and relax with your medicinal tea. You may also chill the tea and serve it over ice.

Learn About Growing Catnip

Catnip can be grown in your herb garden and used to make fragrant teas. Learn how to grow catnip in your herb garden in this freevideo. Expert: Stan defreitas Contact: www.mrgt.net Bio: Stan defreitas, also known as "Mr. Green Thumb", has experience as an urban horticulturist working for the Pinellas County Extension Service and has taught horticulture at the St. Petersburg College. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz

Things Needed

Dried catnip leaves and flowers: 1 teaspoon per cup of tea

Ceramic or glass tea pot

Tea kettle

Tea ball or fine mesh tea strainer

Tea cup

Honey (optional)

Tips & Warnings

Discuss the use of medicinal herbs with your doctor or a trained herbalist.

For optimal potency, a medicinal herb must be harvested at the proper time. If you wish to use catnip from your garden, harvest it while its flowers are in bloom.

Use only a glass or ceramic teapot; metal will change the flavor of the tea.

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Judith C Evans
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