Windigo
April 21st, 2005, 08:32 AM
Best known for its appeal to felines, Nepta cataria is a member of the mint family. Catnip which releases a soothing aroma, has been medicinally used by humans for thousands of years. Its white flowers have properties that can help relieve flatulence. The herb also eases indigestion related cramps. Because catnip tea has been known to stimulate menstrual flow it
should not be used by pregnant women. To lower a fever, a tea made with the herb is beneficial. In addition, the tea's sedative effect may treat insomnia. The herb's gentle action also makes it good for children with flu, but always consult your pediatrition first. To make the tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1teaspoon of dried, chopped catnip leaves. Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes covering the cup so that the volatile oil doesn't evaporate, the strain. You may want to sweeten the tea with a touch of honey. Of course, when using the tea to make a soothing herbal bath, no sweetener is needed. When giving the tea to children modify the strength of the tea depending on the child's age. For children less than 1 year old, use 5 percent of an adult dose; Children 1-3 years old use 10 percent; and children 4-6 years old use 20 percent. To ease colic make the tea and offer 5 teaspoons in a bottle for colicky babies. This dosage is safe for infants. To relieve stomach cramping apply a compress of catnip tea to the abdomen to ease the painful spasms caused by gas. This remedy also works well for children. To soothe an upset baby make a tea using 1 teaspoon each of catnip and hops to cup of boiling water and strain. Add this tea to the baby's warm bathwater. As you bathe the child, stir the water to release the vapors. This will help promote a restful sleep. To relieve induce sleep, make catnip tea and drink. Of course modify the recipe so that it's appropriate for a child.
Healing Tea Mixtures
To Reduce Fever
2 teaspoons dried catnip
1 teaspoon dried vervain
Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and allow them to steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture and to promote sweating, sip it until your fever breaks.
For Flu
1 teaspoon catnip
1/2 teaspoon yarrow
1/2 teaspoon angelica
Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and allow them to steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture. Sweeten this tea with honey and lemon, if desired. Drink a cup every few hours to help alleviate your flu symptoms.
For Indigestion
1 teaspoon catnip
1/2 teaspoon fennel
1/2 teaspoon lemon balm
Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture. Sweeten lightly with honey, if desired. Sip the tea slowly to reduce stomach pain. Catnip may be purchased or grown in a garden, but growing it can be a challenge if you have cats. The plant's scent causes feline brain chemistry changes, so many cats love rolling in it. For all of catnip's
benefits, however, it's worth the effort.:bouncybob
should not be used by pregnant women. To lower a fever, a tea made with the herb is beneficial. In addition, the tea's sedative effect may treat insomnia. The herb's gentle action also makes it good for children with flu, but always consult your pediatrition first. To make the tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1teaspoon of dried, chopped catnip leaves. Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes covering the cup so that the volatile oil doesn't evaporate, the strain. You may want to sweeten the tea with a touch of honey. Of course, when using the tea to make a soothing herbal bath, no sweetener is needed. When giving the tea to children modify the strength of the tea depending on the child's age. For children less than 1 year old, use 5 percent of an adult dose; Children 1-3 years old use 10 percent; and children 4-6 years old use 20 percent. To ease colic make the tea and offer 5 teaspoons in a bottle for colicky babies. This dosage is safe for infants. To relieve stomach cramping apply a compress of catnip tea to the abdomen to ease the painful spasms caused by gas. This remedy also works well for children. To soothe an upset baby make a tea using 1 teaspoon each of catnip and hops to cup of boiling water and strain. Add this tea to the baby's warm bathwater. As you bathe the child, stir the water to release the vapors. This will help promote a restful sleep. To relieve induce sleep, make catnip tea and drink. Of course modify the recipe so that it's appropriate for a child.
Healing Tea Mixtures
To Reduce Fever
2 teaspoons dried catnip
1 teaspoon dried vervain
Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and allow them to steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture and to promote sweating, sip it until your fever breaks.
For Flu
1 teaspoon catnip
1/2 teaspoon yarrow
1/2 teaspoon angelica
Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and allow them to steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture. Sweeten this tea with honey and lemon, if desired. Drink a cup every few hours to help alleviate your flu symptoms.
For Indigestion
1 teaspoon catnip
1/2 teaspoon fennel
1/2 teaspoon lemon balm
Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture. Sweeten lightly with honey, if desired. Sip the tea slowly to reduce stomach pain. Catnip may be purchased or grown in a garden, but growing it can be a challenge if you have cats. The plant's scent causes feline brain chemistry changes, so many cats love rolling in it. For all of catnip's
benefits, however, it's worth the effort.:bouncybob