Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Aromatic Herb for Feline Fun and Human Calm Catnip (Nepeta cataria), also known as catmint, catswort, or catwort, is a perennial herb from the mint family that enchants cats and soothes humans alike. Native to southern and eastern Europe and parts of Asia, catnip has naturalized across North America and beyond, proving its adaptability and resilience. This hardy herb grows easily in gardens, containers, or even windowsills, reaching up to 3–4 feet tall and wide with soft gray-green leaves and long spikes of delicate white to lavender flowers. Catnip’s signature minty aroma comes from nepetalactone, a compound that triggers playful behavior in cats. But humans benefit too—catnip has been used for centuries in teas and home remedies to ease anxiety, insomnia, digestive troubles, and cold symptoms. It can also add herbal notes to soups, stews, and sauces. Harvest once stems are fully grown by cutting them at the base, then hang to dry completely for long-term storage. Catnip prefers well-