Added: 09/20/2005 |
Catnip Plants ? a member of the Mint FamilyThere are many ways of use catnip plants, also known as "catnep" or "nepeta cataria". Different parts of catnip plants, leaves and flowers, and also catnip seeds are used in medicine. The tea made from the herb is very high in vitamin C and very calming. It helps with restlessness, nervousness and beneficial for colds, flues and fevers. And it causes no addiction at all. People may take a cup of tea freely, having the herb infused beforehand, but not boiled. You may find many culinary recipes with the use of catnip plants. The flowers look nice as a garnish and you may add some catnip in salads.
Also catnip plants are famous for its' fascinating effect on cats. It is similar to aphrodisiac or valerian which has the same effect. Your cat will be eager to eat the catnip plants or to lick it, bite it, chew it, to roll over and even leap about. That is why it got its name "Cat-Nip". It is due to the leaves that contain the volatile oil. According to scientists' opinions, that very oil makes cats go crazy and only cats are influenced by the catnip plants that way. However, only 2/3 of cats are affected by the plant, very young kittens and older cats seem less sensitive to it. The reaction to catnip lasts only a few minutes.
In this connection many manufacturers offer various toys and stuff with "catnip inside" for our fluffy friends. They know for sure that no many cat lovers will refuse to indulge their pet. Unfortunately, some unfair manufacturers in their production may use catnip plants of bad quality or replace it at all, and it is hard to prevent. Buying that fake means only waste of money. So, before purchase, think of it and of your pet twice and only then make the right choice - a toy filled with high-quality catnip. Or you can make it yourself! Just rub some leaves of catnip plants between your hands to release the oils and then give it to the cat. You may put it in the sock or favorite toy. Use the fantasy and your cat will never forget the present and will be grateful to you!
Where can I get it? You can buy dried catnip in packages in your local shop or to make an order from the internet. It is easy to get, easy to use, no recipe requested. But you must be sure that you've purchased a real good thing. The quality of catnip depends on the content of the package. For the highest quality only leaves and flowers are used, no stems. The other way - to grow it outdoors or indoors, it is you to decide, to transplant the catnip plants or to sow the catnip seed. The result will be perfect in both cases. Catnip is easily grown; it's a perennial herb which is growing for many years.
Planting the herb around the garden will work as a protective screen against mice. Rats dislike that herb and won't dare put their tiny noses in the garden. Like the vampires frightened to death from the garlic odour, rats will act the same manner. But you should know that transplanted plants attract cats more than the plant raised from seed, in other words, without protection your transplanted herb will be destroyed by feline visitors. The only remedy is the wire netting around or a dog, guarding the territory from the unwanted guests. Finally, when it is time for harvest - prepare the catnip plants for drying, divide the leaves from the stem, make it carefully, don't crush the leaves, damaging will waste all the work. You'll like it! You'll enjoy the catnip with its pleasant odor. You'll experience many funny moments with your cat playing catnip filled toys, and you with a cup of catnip tea with its unforgettable taste will live in quiet and peace.
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