1

2

Letter from the Publisher Catnip is an herb that I love to use with kids and people who are

highly sensitive to calming nervines. It is a main ingredient in my

Calm Kid tea recipe, which is quite popular with my clients and

customers at farmers markets. Every time someone unfamiliar with

medicinal herbs looks at the ingredients, I get the same reaction:

“Catnip! That makes cats crazy! How is it calming?” Well, as it turns

out the nervous systems of cats and humans are different, and

while the terpenoid nepetalactone makes 70–80% of cats wacky, it

is a relaxant and mild sedative to humans.

Not only is it a calming nervine that is wonderfully gentle for kids,

it is also a well-known digestif and helps to reduce flatulence,

cramps, and colic. It is quite gentle, and therefore perfect to use

with young children; it’s a must-have for teething, screaming, and

spasms related to crying fits. You know the ones, where the child’s

body bows backward, their thighs and arms tighten, and they won’t

let you soothe or cuddle them into feeling better?

Being a part of the mint family, it is quite easy to grow and is often

found growing rogue in waste areas, near water runoff, and around

the ruins of long-gone homesteads. Many herbalists believe that the

plants most common around us are meant to be our most-used

medicine. Perhaps that is why catnip is so simple to grow and so

widely distributed and used. We all need a little bit of calm in our

lives.

Green blessings,

Amanda

3

Table of Contents

Catnip Monograph 5

Catnip Coloring Page 12

The Most Refreshing Nervine 13

Catnip Recipes 21

References 28

Glossary of Herbalism 30

Disclaimer 40

4

Catnip Monograph Amanda Klenner

We can all use some calm in our lives—a little extra chill that helps

us to relax, recuperate, and find peace in an otherwise hectic world.

Catnip is fun, because we know it as a plant that stimulates cats

and makes them go wild. Some cats act stoned, while others zoom

around endlessly attacking things. Despite its cat-stimulant action,

catnip is quite calming for people, and it’s a great herb to have in

our arsenal for when we’re feeling out of sorts, bent out of shape,

anxious, or afraid.

Generally speaking, catnip helps to relax both mind and body,

though some say it can be stimulating. I have not noticed it being

energetically stimulating to the mind, but it certainly helps to

stimulate healthy digestion due to its bitter and minty components.

5

As a member of the mint family, catnip spreads prolifically and

unapologetically throughout gardens, open spaces, and wherever

else wildlife carry the seeds. It is a short-lived perennial and a

wonderful addition to any garden. It’s an herb to have on hand at

all times if you have children, suffer from anxiety, experience

difficulty sleeping, struggle with digestive issues, or just need a little

zen.

Although it is quite useful and generally safe for everyone who isn’t

currently experiencing a delicate pregnancy, there is little research

done on catnip, and very little written about it other than that it

helps to calm and soothe children. Occasionally, herbalists mention

its uses for nervous stomach or constipation. Thankfully, this

common and abundant plant does more than we might think.

Although it is gentle, it is quite effective at easing muscle tension

and pain and reducing fevers. It has been used traditionally for

thousands of years and is still a go-to in communities where medical

access is lacking3 and those who still use traditional remedies.

Latin name: Nepeta cataria

Other common names: catnip, catswort, catmint, catamint

Family: Lamiaceae

Geographical distribution: Native to southern and Eastern

Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of China. Naturalized in

North America, New Zealand, and Northern Europe/Britain

6

Botanical description: Catnip

is a short-lived perennial that can

be cultivated in USDA zones 3a–

9b. It shares many similar

characteristics with its

Lamiaceae relatives. It has a

square stem that can reach 2–3

feet in height. The stem and

leaves have fine hairs, and that

downy appearance gives a grey

tinge to its otherwise green

leaves and stem. Leaves are

opposite, oval/triangular/heart-

shaped with scalloped edges.

Leaves can be up to 3 inches

long. Flowers occur on offshoot

spike-like terminal clusters, and

occur all along these with small

two-lipped purple/pink flowers,

which are approximately ¼ inch

long. It spreads willingly, so if

you don’t want the plant to go to

seed, pinch off the terminal

clusters when the flowers finish

blooming. Butterflies and honey

bees enjoy catnip flowers for its

nectar, be sure not to pinch the

tops off too soon!

Cultivation: Catnip is easy to grow, and it spreads prolifically like

other mint family plants. Sew the seeds outside when the threat of

frost has passed, or in pots indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.

7

It sprouts on average in 5-12 days, depending on soil quality and

temperature. It survives in a wide range of soil acidity (mildly

alkaline to mildly acidic), does well in all consistencies of soil, and

likes full-part sun. It does well when watered but does tolerate short

droughts. To grow indoors, use a standard florescent light, or place

the plant in an east-facing window. Outdoor plants will probably

attract neighborhood cats. Indoor plants will attract house cats, so

if you have cats and want to have some catnip for yourself too, be

sure and plant a few that are dedicated for cat purposes.

Parts used: leaf

Herbal actions: antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic,

emenogogue, relaxing nervine, sedative

Energetics: cool, dry, mildly bitter

Constituents: acetic acid, a-terpene, alpha- & beta-citral, butyric

acid, carvacrol, citronella, dipentene, geraniol, limonene, nepetol,

thymol, nepetalactone, nepetalic acid, nerol, tannins, and valeric

acid

Catnip’s Health Benefits and Uses

Antispasmodic

Catnip is a wonderful remedy for those who suffer from cramps or

muscle spasms, especially in smooth muscle, perhaps due to its

high potassium content. Catnip tea is quite helpful when a person

has gas, indigestion, nausea, hiccups, or menstrual cramps.5 It is

frequently used for infant colic, where the body is bowed in pain,

working to relax the spasm, improve the child’s digestion, and calm

them. For muscle cramps and sore muscles, it’s especially helpful

8

when a person is bowed or bent in

pain from a pressing upward

sensation, like something is trying

to escape from the abdomen.2

For painful menstrual cramps that

leave a person aggressive or

irritable, I like to combine catnip in

a tincture or tea with motherwort (Leonoris cardiaca) and another

mint (for flavor). As a bonus, catnip tea can also soothe menstrual

headaches, nausea, and listlessness. Susun Weed recommends

smoking catnip in herbal cigarettes to reduce menstrual cramps,

“fast fast fast.”10

Carminative

Catnip is used commonly to aid digestion. Its bitter constituents

help to stimulate digestion, soothe gas pain, and relieve

constipation.2,6 This bitter flavor stimulates the release of bile,

which improves digestion, and its action of stimulating peristalsis

helps the body to rid itself of waste. It’s a great addition to herbal

bitters, especially calming bitters for people who are under so much

stress that their digestion is off. These people usually get

constipated when they’re under a lot of stress. Digestion is

controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system and can often

be slowed or stopped when a person is in a constant state of stress,

where their body is in a sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous-system

state. In this state, normal body functions like digestion are

abandoned in favor of survival functions. Catnip, since it’s both

calming and stimulating to involuntary digestive musculature, can

address this multi-layered problem, and it’s quite helpful for those

9

who have a nervous or anxious temperament that causes them gut

problems.

Catnip, due to its carminative action is also excellent for relieving

gassy babies and children, who bow their bodies out in pain because

of the pressure buildup.2 Moore says a tincture of equal parts fennel

seed and catnip helps to, “sweeten the milk,” referring to breast

milk, of course. That combination taken by a mother 20 minutes

before nursing would certainly increase milk flow and gently help

her baby with colic or gas.

Diaphoretic / Febrifuge

Catnip is a fabulous remedy for fevers. I like it particularly for

children with high fevers,11 as it doesn’t increase the body

temperature before it brings the fever down, like some other

febrifuge herbs do (elder flower, for instance). It instead cools the

body by opening the pores to stimulating sweating. Catnip’s

antimicrobial effects might also benefit the body during illness.

(These benefits are hardly studied, but catnip has been shown to

be effective against Staphylococcus aureus in a laboratory setting.4)

Herbalist David Hoffman uses catnip during acute bronchitis to help

relax the body, reduce muscle spasms, and decrease fever and

coughing.9 You can enjoy the tea or tincture to reduce fevers, or

you can dip socks into catnip-infused vinegar diluted with water

(10% catnip vinegar) and put the socks on. This is perfect for babies

who aren’t taking anything other than breast milk or children who

can’t be coaxed into drinking anything when they’re sick. Aviva

Romm recommends catnip additionally for hot flashes and night

sweats during menopause.7

10

Relaxing Nervine / Sedative

This is the best-known use of catnip.

I find that it is most sedative and

effective for young children, who

don’t have the weight of the world on

their shoulders quite yet. Children

often get overwhelmed, overexcited,

and upset when they’re tired, hungry, or frustrated. Catnip can help

lull them to sleep if they’re tired, and calm and center them when

they’re frustrated. If they’re grumpy because they have to poop, it’s

helpful as a bitter and digestive stimulant. Since kids are so sensitive

to subtle plants, catnip is a perfect gentle adjunct for calming and

soothing upset and overwrought kids.

When I teach, I describe it this way: You know when the kids are so

exhausted that they start running around in circles because they know

if they stop, they’ll drop, so they just keep running, fighting, and

pushing against their exhaustion? That is when catnip is most helpful.

We also use it frequently for calming down after an argument or fight,

after the kids have nightmares, and on long trips. It’s an important

ingredient in my Calm Kid tea, which is equal parts catnip, chamomile,

and lemon balm, with a touch of stevia for sweetness. Kids love it and

are immediately relaxed when they enjoy it.

I use catnip quite frequently to calm adults as well. It isn’t as sedative

for us, but it is a calming nervine, helping us to slow down, center,

and see things as they are. I often combine it in tea with oat straw,

skullcap, lemon balm, and other herbs as the individual requires to

quiet an overactive mind and body and bring emotions into balance.

Sometimes, I infuse dried catnip and lemon balm, and perhaps some

strawberries into white wine, and enjoy it as a relaxing after-work

tonic.

11

Flower Essence

Energetically, catnip seems to have a way of giving us the space to

discern fact from fiction, hear what messages the world is telling us,

and determine what would be right for us. One client told me after

using catnip flower essence, she suddenly felt better about herself,

more competent, and more beautiful than she had in a long time,

which helped ease social anxiety for her. This was interesting to me,

because the stated use of catnip flower essence is: “Stimulates visions

and dreamlike states for those seeking deeper inner journeys. Brings

peaceful state of bliss while observing life from within oneself. Helpful

for those who seem ditzy or spaced out. Brings soul understanding

into form in the physical world.”8

Side Effects

Catnip is considered safe for most people, but should be avoided in

the first trimester of pregnancy. Since it’s traditionally known as an

emenogogue, which means it can stimulate or increase menstrual

flow, it isn’t recommended during pregnancy, but it seems to only

affect women who are experiencing a “delicate pregnancy.”5,6 In

smaller doses, however, it isn’t an issue for a normal pregnancy. This

is to be decided an individual basis, but I will generally tell my healthy

pregnant mothers in the second or third trimester that they can have

it in a mixture of tea in low doses, but I explain the risks as well. It is

safe to use during breastfeeding.

Dosage

Dried herb infusion: 5g, 3x a day

Tincture: 2–4 ml, 3x a day

12

13

The Most Refreshing Nervine Nina Judith Katz

Catnip is one of my favorite nervines, both because it’s delicious

and because of the responses I’ve seen to it. A gentle remedy, it

helps with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, as well as with

mild pain. I personally find it most effective as a fresh infusion

versus using dried plant material; but I would encourage you to try

both and see how it works for you.

Catnip Tea Catnip is so easy to harvest and use! I make a simple tea with the

fresh plant material when it’s in season.

14

Ingredients and Supplies

• quart jar

• as many sprigs as you can fit into the jar

• water just off the boil

Directions

1. Steep for 20 minutes to 2 hours

2. Strain, and add honey to taste.

3. If it’s too strong, simply dilute it with more hot water.

Every summer, I teach a 4-day, intergenerational program called

Wild Herb Week. Catnip grows on the site where we meet, and the

participants love to drink it daily, sometimes twice a day, as a kind

of ritual. Sometimes they call our program “Camp Catnip.”

As we sip the infusion, the participants notice themselves and each

other becoming calmer. I notice everyone focusing better. Our first

year, we had one participant who was allergic to some of the farm

animals in our midst, and extremely anxious because of that. By

the third day, her peers were offering her catnip, and she took it

willingly. The parents asked whether they’d be safe driving home

after drinking it; I reassured them, and we’ve never had a problem,

but they certainly appreciated their kids’ mellowness on the ride

home! One year, we had a rambunctious toddler, and one

afternoon, he became so agitated that he started kicking his

brother. His mother carried him, still screaming and kicking, into

the kitchen where the catnip was steeping…and almost mid-scream,

he mellowed out and melted into her shoulder.

A 2008 study explored catnip’s anxiolytic effect on mice compared

to the effects of Diazepam (a standard anxiety medication) and

saline. The researchers placed mice in an elevated, open maze to

15

induce anxiety. Three different doses of Diazepam increased the

amount of time the mice were willing to spend in the open parts of

the maze, as did a 50mg/kg dose of the catnip extract. Higher and

lower doses of catnip had no effect, but a 100 mg/kg dose of catnip

increased locomotor activity, which the Diazepam lowered. In other

words, a higher dose of catnip, relative to weight, acted as a

stimulant rather than a relaxant. This study did not find that catnip

had any effect on sleep in the mice tested.1

In my experience with humans, however, catnip definitely does help

with sleep. Last year, one Wild Herb Camp participant needed to

sleep for a day and a half after drinking a 6-ounce glass of strong

catnip infusion. She felt that it was useful and healing; she had

really needed to catch up on sleep. At the same time, she chose not

to drink the catnip for the rest of the week so she could stay awake

and enjoy the program. Most people don’t fall asleep immediately

or sleep for an extraordinarily long time after drinking catnip, but

they do generally find it easier to fall asleep after having some.

People who respond very strongly to even mild doses should make

a weaker infusion, or use the strong infusion as a concentrate to

dilute. We had really filled our jar, stuffing all the sprigs in, and she

would have done better to take just a tablespoon of the infusion

and fill the rest of her jar with water.

Catnip Popsicles Catnip is cooling, even when it’s hot, but when the temperatures

soar, catnip popsicles provide the most refreshing relief.

Ingredients and Supplies

• fresh catnip

• water just off the boil

16

• twigs and branches (from non-toxic plants, of course), 2½–3

inches long, ¼-inch diameter

• ice cube trays

Directions

1. Prepare a moderate to strong infusion (see recipe above) and add

a bit more honey than you usually would.

2. If you’re going to freeze the popsicles in plastic ice cube trays,

wait until the infusion cools down to room temperature; if you’re

using stainless steel, you can fill the trays when the brew is still

a little warm.

3. Once you’ve distributed your infusion evenly through the tray,

put it into the freezer, and peek in on it in about half an hour.

4. Once the liquid begins to freeze, insert the twigs into the middle

of each popsicle. Prop the sticks up as best you can against each

other and the walls of the freezer, readjusting as needed when

the popsicles are further along; once they freeze completely, this

will no longer be possible.

17

Catnip Recipes Amanda Klenner

Catnip is so easy to find and abundant because it loves to be used!

It’s simple to grow, harvest, dry, and process yourself so that you

can have the dry herb on hand all year round. If you can’t grow it

yourself, it’s easy to find at your local apothecary, online through

Mountain Rose Herbs, or from other reputable herb suppliers. I

always have it on hand for anxious people who are highly sensitive,

especially those who pick up others’ emotions easily, to help them

calm down, re-center, and collect themselves to move on with the

day. It is also fun to pop in the cat’s bowl occasionally, to entertain

us all. (See the kitty treat recipe at the end of this article.)

18

Catnip Tea A simple infusion of catnip is both light and refreshing. Slightly

refreshing, with green and vanilla notes, catnip tea is easy to enjoy

on its own, or combined with your favorite calming herbs. Nina

shared a recipe earlier for catnip tea made with fresh plant

material—here is one for if you have dried catnip instead.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp dried catnip herb

• 2 C just-boiled water

• teapot or tea strainer

Directions

1. Pour the water over the herbs.

2. Allow to steep for 5–15 minutes.

3. Strain, sweeten as desired, and enjoy!

19

Catnip Glycerite I love using glycerites for children. A glycerite is an extract of the

medicinal components of the herb, without using alcohol. Vegetable

glycerin is a clear, odorless, very sweet liquid with a thick syrupy

consistency. It works to help preserve herbal extracts and extract

volatile oils and nutritive components of herbs. It doesn’t do a great

job extracting resins or alkaloids, which makes it a more gentle,

nourishing extract than an alcohol tincture. Glycerites are safe to

use for children, and anyone sensitive to consuming alcohol.

Ingredients

• catnip (dry or fresh)

• organic, GMO-free vegetable glycerin

• distilled water

Directions

1. Fill a glass jar halfway with dried catnip, or three quarters with

finely chopped, firmly packed, fresh catnip.

2. Fill the jar 20–25% of the way with water, and the rest with the

vegetable glycerin.

3. Shake vigorously until the water and glycerin are combined.

4. Allow to sit in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks.

5. Strain well, label with the herb name, if it was fresh or dry, the

ratio of herb to menstruum, and the ratio of water to glycerin

(75%).

6. Enjoy!

20

Teething Glycerite This teething glycerite is a lifesaver, not only for the person

teething, but for everyone around them as well. When my kids were

teething babies, they would have copious amounts of drool and

chew on their toys, hands, or me to relieve pressure. I made

chamomile tea, dipped it in a clean washcloth, and froze it, letting

the kids chew on the wet frozen cloth to relieve teething pain; but

this glycerite helped them sleep and lasted longer than the cold

washcloth.

These herbs can be made into a tea, but the sweetness of the

glycerine helps counterbalance the flavor of the cloves. Clove is an

important ingredient here, as it helps to numb the gums;

chamomile works as an anti-inflammatory and to calm the child;

and catnip also calms, centers, and relaxes them. It also helps them

get rid of any gas associated with swallowing their own drool while

teething. (This recipe works just as well for adults with tooth pain

as it does for children!)

21

Ingredients

• 1 part catnip

• 1 part chamomile

• ½ part clove bud powder

• vegetable glycerin

• distilled water

Directions

1. Follow directions above for catnip glycerite.

2. Rub the glycerite into the gums of the teething child to help

reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Colic-Ease It is so hard as a parent to watch babies groaning and moaning with

gut pain when there isn’t much we can do about it. This combination

of herbs is fantastic to reduce flatulence, gas pain, and that arched

back screaming pain children get. If you ate something you

shouldn’t have and get gassy, this could also help you. It can be

made as a tea or a glycerite.

Ingredients

• 1 part catnip

• 1 part fennel seed

• 1 part peppermint leaf

• 1 part chamomile

Directions

1. Combine the herbs and prepare as a tea or glycerite (see previous

recipes).

2. Give tea or glycerite to the person suffering from gas as needed.

22

Sweet Sleep I find many of my clients don’t get enough good sleep. They may

be physically in their beds for 8 hours, but the time they spend

sleeping is much less. This tea is a great way to calm down at the

end of the day, and to quiet the mind and body for a nice night of

deep sleep. This particular recipe is not recommended for

pregnancy, but the calm kid tea recipe below would be fine.

Ingredients

• 1 part catnip

• 1 part chamomile

• 1 part lemon balm

• 1 part lemon grass

• 1 part passion flower

• 1 part holy basil

• ½ part licorice root (optional)

• ½ part ashwagandha (optional)

23

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and store in a cool, dry place.

2. To brew, combine 1 Tbsp of the blend with 2 cups of just-boiled

water.

3. Steep for 10–20 minutes, sweeten as desired, and enjoy.

Calm Kid Tea This is a best seller at my farmers markets, and many herbalists

sell a similar brew. I believe the inspiration for this recipe came

from one of Rosemary Gladstar’s books years ago, but I can’t really

remember. It is used by families with children who are described as

being hyperactive, over the top, and nonstop. I find it works well

for children in that state of exhaustion, that decide instead of going

to take a nap, they will run around the house in circles, screaming,

fighting, and generally wreaking havoc on everyone and everything

in their path. This helps calm people, bring them down to a normal

level, and even out the crazy highs. This is also a great nighttime

tea to calm down and is gentler than the above tea recipe, which

24

was intended more for adults (but could also be used by children if

something stronger is needed).

Ingredients

• 1 part catnip

• 1 part chamomile

• 1 part lemon balm

• .05 (a pinch) part stevia leaf (optional)

Directions

1. Combine all herbs, bag, and store in a cool dry place.

2. To brew, steep in just-boiled water for 5–10 minutes.

3. Strain, sweeten as desired, and enjoy.

Nerve Tonic Tea Sometimes we need to find some calm in the storm. Many of us are

overworked, stressed, and living in a state of chaos. We are

constantly working, if we aren’t working at work, we are on our

phones, watching television, playing on Facebook, and inviting

stressors into our lives, even during our recreational time. This tea

is fantastic to calm the nervous system and support nervous-

system health.

Ingredients

• 2 parts oat straw

• 2 parts nettle leaf

• 1 part milky oat tops

• 1 part holy basil leaf

• 1 part catnip

• 1 part lemon balm

25

Directions

1. Combine all herbs, bag, and store in a cool dry place.

2. To brew, steep in just-boiled water for 30-60 minutes (up to 8

hours).

3. Strain, sweeten as desired, and enjoy.

Insect Repellant Catnip is also an effective insect repellant that has been shown to

repel mosquitos. It also makes cats insane, so I recommend not

using this spray around your house cats, just in case. I have used

this spray for years during hikes and while I sit outside on the porch

in the evenings. It works well, but it has to be applied about every

hour to be most effective.

Ingredients

• 2 oz catnip tincture

• 2 oz yarrow tincture

• 4 oz witch hazel extract

• 20 drops cedar wood essential oil (EO)

26

• 20 drops lavender EO

• 20 drops rosemary EO

• 20 drops lemon grass EO

• 20 drops palo santo EO (or peppermint)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients, and store in a glass spray bottle. Apply

every hour while at risk of mosquito exposure.

2. Do not use during pregnancy. The yarrow and catnip tincture with

lavender would be fine, but the other EOs may cause unwanted

side effects during pregnancy.

Kitty Crispies I couldn’t forget about our feline friends! These kitty crispies are a

fun treat for a cat, made with real food ingredients instead of the

junk found in many pet treats at the store. Your cats will love these

treats.

27

Ingredients

• 1 egg

• 1 can tuna

• 1 Tbsp catnip

• 2–5 Tbsp coconut or olive oil

Directions

1. Combine the egg, tuna, and catnip in a bowl, until it makes a nice

mass of tuna.

2. Roll into 1-inch balls. (Honestly, you could serve them to kitty as-

is, but they don’t stay good for more than an hour or so without

being cooked.)

3. Place oil in the frying pan and heat.

4. Place balls into the frying pan and flatten with a spatula.

5. Cook until crispy, flip, and cook the other side until crispy.

6. Allow to cool and serve to kitty as a treat. This is not a

replacement for a proper meal, but a fun once-in-a-while treat

for the cats.

28

References

Letter from the Publisher

"How Does Catnip Work Its Magic on Cats?" Last modified May 29,

2007. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-how-does-

catnip-work-on-cats/.

Monograph

1 Southern University Ag Center | Linking Citizens of Louisiana with

Opportunities for Success. Accessed May 5, 2018.

http://www.suagcenter.com/Images/Interior/sustainableag/plants/cat

nip.pdf.

2 Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old

World Medicinal Plants. Berkeley, Calif: North Atlantic Books, 2008.

3 Smitherman, L. C. "The Use of Folk Remedies Among Children in an

Urban Black Community: Remedies for Fever, Colic, and

Teething." PEDIATRICS 115, no. 3 (2005), e297-e304.

doi:10.1542/peds.2004-1443.

4 Nostro, Antonia, Maria Angela Cannatelli, Giuseppe Crisafi, and

Vittorio Alonzo. "The effect of Nepeta cataria extract on adherence and

enzyme production of Staphylococcus aureus." International Journal of

Antimicrobial Agents 18, no. 6 (2001), 583-585. doi:10.1016/s0924-

8579(01)00452-6.

5 Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Santa Fe:

Museum of New Mexico Press, 2003.

6 Wiles, Briana. Mountain States Medicinal Plants: Identify, Harvest,

and Use 100 Wild Herbs for Health and Wellness. 2018.

29

7 Romm, Aviva. Botanical Medicine for Women's Health E-Book.

London: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2017.

8 "Catnip." Flower Essences of Fox Mountain. Accessed May 5, 2018.

http://www.foxmountain.net/catnip/.Hoffman, D. Medical Herbalism.

2003. Healing Arts Press. Rochester, VT

9 "Herbal Smoking Mixtures - Susun Weed, Herbal Medicine, Women's

Health, Articles." Susun Weed - Herbal Medicine: Advice, Articles,

Books, Workshops, Intensives, Apprenticeship, Correspondence

Courses. Accessed May 5, 2018.

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Herbal_Smoking_Mixes.html.

10 "Natural Fever Treatments for Kids From a Mommy-MD." Aviva Romm

MD. Last modified January 30, 2018. https://avivaromm.com/natural-

fever-treatments/.

Nervine

1 M. Rabbani, S. E. Sajjadi, and A. Mohammadi. "Evaluation of the

Anxiolytic Effect of Nepeta persica Boiss. in Mice.” Evidence-Based

Complementary and Alternative Medicine 5, no. 2 (2008), 181-186.

30

A Glossary of Herbalism Nina Katz

Do you feel befuddled by all of those terms? Are you curious about

what a menstruum might be, or a nervine? Wondering what the

exact difference is between an infusion and a decoction? Or what it

means to macerate? Read on; the herbalist lexicographer will reveal

it all!

Adaptogen n. An herb that enhances one's ability to thrive

despite stress. Eleuthero, or Siberian

Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a

well-known adaptogen.

Aerial parts n. pl. The parts of a plant that grow above ground.

Stems, leaves, and flowers are all aerial

parts, in contrast to roots and rhizomes.

Alterative n. An herb that restores the body to health

gradually and sustainably by strengthening

one or more of the body's systems, such as

the digestive or lymphatic system, or one or

more of the vital organs, such as the liver or

kidneys. Burdock (Arctium lappa) is an

alternative.

adj. Restoring health gradually, as by

strengthening one or more of the body's

systems or vital organs.

Anthelmintic n. A substance that eliminates intestinal

worms.

Anthelmin adj. Being of or concerning a substance that eliminates intestinal worms.

31

Anti-catarrhal n. A substance that reduces or slows down the

production of phlegm.

adj. Being of or concerning a substance that

reduces or slows down the production of

phlegm.

Anti-emetic n. A substance that treats nausea. Ginger

(Zingiber officinale) is anti-emetic.

adj. Being of or concerning a substance that

treats nausea.

Anti-microbial n. An herb or a preparation that helps the body

fight off microbial infections, whether viral,

bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. Herbal anti-

microbials may do this by killing the

microbes directly, but more often achieve

this by enhancing immune function and

helping the body to fight off disease and

restore balance.

adj. Being of or concerning an herb or a

preparation that helps the body fight off

microbial infections.

Aperient n. A gentle laxative, such as seaweed, plantain

seeds (Plantago spp.), or ripe bananas.

adj. Being of or concerning a gentle laxative.

Aphrodisiac n. A substance that enhances sexual interest

or desire.

adj. Being of or relating to a substance that

enhances sexual interest or desire.

32

Astringent n. A food, herb, or preparation that causes

tissues to constrict, or draw in. Astringents

help stop bleeding, diarrhea, and other

conditions in which some bodily substance is

flowing excessively. Some astringents, such

as Wild Plantain (Plantago major), draw so

powerfully that they can remove splinters.

adj Causing tissues to constrict, and thereby

helping to stop excessive loss of body fluids.

Bitter n. A food, herb, or preparation that stimulates

the liver and digestive organs through its

bitter flavor. Dandelion (Taraxacum

officinale) and Gentian (Gentiana lutea) are

both bitters. Also called digestive bitter.

Carminative n. A food, herb, or preparation that reduces the

buildup or facilitates the release of intestinal

gases. Cardamom (Amomum spp. and

Elettaria spp) and Fennel (Foeniculum

vulgare) are carminatives.

adj. Characterized as reducing the buildup or

facilitating the release of intestinal gases.

Carrier Oil n. A non-medicinal oil, such as olive or sesame

oil, used to dilute an essential oil.

Catarrh n. An inflammation of the mucous membranes

resulting in an overproduction of phlegm.

Compound v. To create a medicinal formula using two or

more components.

n. An herbal preparation consisting of two or

more herbs.

33

Compress n. A topical preparation consisting of a cloth

soaked in a liquid herbal extract, such as an

infusion or decoction, and applied, usually

warm or hot, to the body. A washcloth

soaked in a hot ginger decoction and applied

to a sore muscle is a compress.

Decoct v. To prepare by simmering in water, usually

for at least 20 minutes. One usually decocts

barks, roots, rhizomes, hard seeds, twigs,

and nuts.

Decoction n. An herbal preparation made by simmering

the plant parts in water, usually for at least

20 minutes.

Demulcent n. An herb with a smooth, slippery texture

soothing to the mucous membranes, i.e. the

tissues lining the respiratory and digestive

tracts. Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra),

marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), and

sassafras (Sassafras albidum, Sassafras

officinale) are all demulcents.

adj. Having a smooth, slippery texture that

soothes the mucous membranes.

Diaphoretic n. An herb or preparation that opens the pores

of the skin, facilitates sweat, and thereby

lowers fevers. In Chinese medicine,

diaphoretics are said to “release the

exterior.”• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is

a diaphoretic.

adj. Opening the pores, facilitating sweat, and

thereby lowering fevers.

34

Digestive n. An herb, food, or preparation that promotes

the healthy breakdown, assimilation, and

elimination of food, as by gently stimulating

the digestive tract in preparation for a meal.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and bitter

salad greens are digestives.

adj. 1 Concerning or being part of the bodily

system responsible for the breakdown,

assimilation, and elimination of food.

adj. 2 Promoting the healthy breakdown,

assimilation, and/or elimination of food.

Diuretic n. A substance that facilitates or increases

urination. Diuretics can improve kidney

function and treat swelling. Excessive use of

diuretics can also tax the kidneys. Stinging

Nettles (Urtica dioica), cucumbers, and

coffee are all diuretics.

adj. Facilitating or increasing urination.

Emmenagogue n. An herb or preparation that facilitates or

increases menstrual flow. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is an emmenagogue.

Emmenagogues are generally

contraindicated in pregnancy.

adj. Facilitating or increasing menstrual flow.

Essential Oil n. An oil characterized by a strong aroma,

strong taste, the presence of terpines, and

by vaporizing in low temperatures. Essential

oils are components of many plants, and

when isolated, make fairly strong medicine

used primarily externally or for inhalation,

and usually not safe for internal use.

35

n. 1 A preparation made by chemically removing

the soluble parts of a substance into a

solvent or menstruum. Herbalists often

make extracts using water, alcohol,

glycerin, vinegar, oil, or combinations of

these. Infusions, medicinal vinegars,

tinctures, decoctions, and medicinal oils are

all extracts.

n. 2 A tincture.

Extract v. To remove the soluble parts of a substance

into a solvent or menstruum by chemical

means.

Febrifuge n. An herb or preparation that lowers fevers.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), ginger

(Zingiber officinale), and boneset

(Eupatorium perfoliatum) are all febrifuges.

Galactagogue n. A substance that increases the production or

flow of milk; a remedy that aids lactation.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) and hops (Humulus

lupulus) are galactagogues.

Glandular n. A substance that treats the adrenal, thyroid,

or other glands. Nettle seeds (Urtica dioica)

are a glandular for the adrenals.

adj. Relating to or treating the adrenal, thyroid,

or other glands.

Hepatic n. A substance that treats the liver. Dandelion

(Taraxacum officinale) is a hepatic.

Hypnotic n. An herb or preparation that induces sleep.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and

valerian (Valeriana officinale) are both

hypnotics.

adj. Inducing sleep.

36

Infuse v. To prepare by steeping in water, especially

hot water, straining, and squeezing the

marc.

Infusion n. A preparation made by first steeping one or

more plants or plant parts in water, most

often hot water, and then straining the plant

material, usually while squeezing the marc.

An infusion extracts the flavor, aroma, and

water-soluble nutritional and medicinal

constituents into the water.

Long Infusion n. An infusion that steeps for three or more

hours. Long infusions often steep overnight.

Lymphatic n. A substance that stimulates the circulation

of lymph or tonifies the vessels or organs

involved in the circulation or storage of

lymph.

Macerate v. To soak a plant or plant parts in a

menstruum so as to extract the medicinal

constituents chemically.

Marc n. The plant material left after straining a

preparation made by steeping, simmering,

or macerating.

Menstruum n. (Plural, menstrua or menstruums.) The

solvent used to extract the medicinal and/or

nutritional constituents from a plant. Water,

alcohol, vinegar, and glycerin are among the

more common menstrua.

Mucilage n. A thick, slippery, demulcent substance

produced by a plant or microorganism.

37

Mucilaginous n. Having or producing mucilage; demulcent.

Okra, marshmallow root (Althaea

officinalis), sassafras (Sassafras albidum,

Sassafras officinale), and slippery elm

(Ulmus rubra) are all mucilaginous.

Nervine n. An herb or preparation that helps with

problems traditionally associated with the

nerves, such as mental health issues,

insomnia, and pain.

adj. Helping with problems traditionally

associated with the nerves, such as mental

health issues, insomnia, and pain.

Pectoral n. A substance that treats the lungs or the

respiratory system.

Poultice n. A mass of plant material or other

substances, usually mashed, gnashed,

moistened, or heated, and placed directly on

the skin. Sometimes covered by a cloth or

adhesive. A plantain (Plantago spp.) poultice

can draw splinters out.

Rhizome n. A usually horizontal stem that grows

underground, is marked by nodes from

which roots grow down, and branches out to

produce a network of new plants growing up

from the nodes.

Salve [sæv]

n.

A soothing ointment prepared from beeswax

combined with oil, usually medicinal oil, and

used in topical applications.

Short Infusion n. An infusion that steeps for a relatively short

period of time, usually 5-30 minutes.

38

Sedative n. A substance that calms and facilitates sleep.

Valerian (Valeriana officinale) is a sedative.

Sedative adj. Calming and facilitating sleep.

Simple n. An herbal preparation, such as a tincture or

decoction, made from one herb alone.

Simpler n. An herbalist who prepares and recommends

primarily simples rather than compounds.

Spp. abbr.

n.pl.

Species. Used to indicate more than one

species in the same botanical family.

Echinacea spp. includes both Echinacea

purpurea and Echinacea angustifolium,

among other species. Plantago spp. includes

both Plantago major and Plantago

lanceolata.

Stimulant n. An herb or preparation that increases the

activity level in an organ or body system.

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) is an

immunostimulant; it stimulates the immune

system. Cayenne (Capsicum spp.) is a

circulatory stimulant. Rosemary is a

stimulant to the nervous, digestive, and

circulatory systems.

Sudorific adj. Increasing sweat or facilitating the release

of sweat; cf. diaphoretic.

Syrup n. A sweet liquid preparation, often made by

adding honey or sugar to a decoction.

Tea n. A drink made by steeping a plant or plant

parts, especially Camellia sinensis.

39

Tisane n. An herbal beverage made by decoction or

short infusion and not prepared from the tea

plant (Camellia sinensis).

Tincture n. A preparation made by macerating one or

more plants or plant parts in a menstruum,

usually alcohol or glycerin, straining, and

squeezing the marc in order to extract the

chemical constituents into the menstruum.

v. To prepare by macerating in a menstruum,

straining, and squeezing the marc in order

to extract the chemical constituents.

Tonic n. A substance that strengthens one or more

organs or systems, or the entire organism.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a general

tonic, as well as a specific kidney, liver, and

hair tonic. Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

is a reproductive tonic; Mullein (Verbascum

thapsus) is a respiratory tonic.

Tonify v. To strengthen. Nettle (Urtica dioica) tonifies

the entire body.

Volatile Oil n. An oil characterized by volatility, or rapid

vaporization at relatively low temperatures;

cf. essential oil.

Vulnerary n. A substance that soothes and heals wounds.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is an

excellent vulnerary.

adj. Being or concerning a substance that

soothes and heals wounds.

40

Disclaimer Nothing provided by Natural Living Mamma LLC, Natural Herbal

Living Magazine, or Herb Box should be considered medical advice.

Nothing included here is approved by the FDA and the information

provided herein is for informational purposes only. Always consult

a botanically knowledgeable medical practitioner before starting

any course of treatment, especially if you are pregnant,

breastfeeding, on any medications, or have any health problems.

Natural Living Mamma, LLC is not liable for any action or inaction

you take based on the information provided here.