Catnip Tea
Catnip is a valuable remedy for many different ailments, including respiratory infections, congestion, fevers, general colds or flu symptoms, asthma, bronchitis, measles, and chicken pox, among many others. It brings down fevers, induces sleep, and relieves restlessness. Some parents choose to use natural combinations of herbs including catnip to treat mild cases of ADD or ADHD.
Catnip is a plant of the mint family which grows in a perennial manner. It is characterized by its hairy, branching, square, erect stems which grow 3-5 feet tall. The cordate or oblong, pointed leaves are characterized by whitish or gray hairs on the lower side and scalloped edges. Flowers of the catnip plant are white with purple spots. Plants grow in spikes, generally from June thru September.
The number one derivative of catnip, nepelactone, is chemically similar to the sedative qualities found in the valerian root herb. It stands to reason, therefore, that catnip tea taken before bed will produce restful sleep, an increase in the total sleeping time.
Catnip tea is a soothing remedy used by adults and children, although it is favored for children to relieve nervous tension, fevers, and teething pain. It has a natural, mild nature, making it a perfect remedy for many of the common childhood complaints. It is a must for inclusion in any mother’s medicine cabinet or pantry. Hyperactive children can also be calmed with a small cup of catnip tea, slightly warm, sweetened with a teaspoon of dissolved honey.
Catnip tea can be combined with other ingredients, such as Chamomile, for a milder aroma and flavor. Using pure, organic herbs will provide the maximum potency and quality.
In order to make catnip tea, pour one cup of boiling water over three teaspoons of fresh catnip leaves or one teaspoon of dried catnip. You may also choose to add dried catnip to your favorite black teas along with dried lemon balm or mint.
Catnip tea can be sipped slowly or it can be frozen into ice pops to aid in teething. The remedy has worked remarkably well for many infants and young children with excellent results. Many parents choose to use this catnip tea blend for themselves as well since it has a relaxing and calming effect.
Strong brews of catnip tea is an effective eyewash as well. The remedy relieves swelling and inflammation when caused by certain airborne allergies, excessive alcoholic intake such as in bloodshot eye syndrome, and swelling related to the cold or flu. It can be flushed directly into the infected eye or soaked into a terry-cloth towel, warmed, and applied over the eye for thirty minutes. Some relief can also be realized when using warm, wrung out catnip tea bags.
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Catnip for Babies
Catnip leaves have been used for centuries to heal our woes, of the physical variety. It is a natural occurring remedy that comes in close, in a race with over the counter medicines. It soothes, calms, numbs pain, and provides an entertaining past time for your feline. The question of the day: Is Catnip Tea for Babies?
The medical properties of the herb were first cultivated in Asia, specifically China before quickly spreading to Europe and the rest of the world. Its abilities even reached as far West as North America where the Native Americans would use it to cure headaches, sore throats and colicky infants. Our ancestors were aware of the benefits of catnip tea for babies long before we were. It is grown in dry places and along mountain sides up to five-thousand feet in altitude. The plant grows to be approximately three feet high with heart shaped leaves. The leaves have a serrated or toothy appearance and are grey-green in color. These plants bloom and are harvested in the fall and summer. They sport small white and purple flours. They are a member of the mint family and thus give off a similar scent when crushed.
Tea is the most popular form when using catnip. This leafy herb is sold in stores, already in tea form. You can also find this herb in capsule form. It is also easily grown in your own home. You simply crush the leaves yourselves and boil them down to produce that healing tonic. These pleasant tasting herbs can be used for head aches (drink tea or chew the leaves), they are helpful aides in cases of tooth aches (apply to sore area), and are a soothing balm in case of mild skin irritations. This is a plus on the side of catnip tea for babies and adults.
When it comes to medicine for your children, especially infants and toddlers, simple is the best policy. If your infant is colicky, fussy, or having stomach problems (i.e. diarrhea, cramping, bloating) a small bit of the catnip tea will sooth his airs right away. Apply a small amount to your baby’s gums when she is fussy with teething; the poultice will not only calm her but numb the pain as well. Simple is best and so is proportion. When consuming the tea or mixture, small doses are best. In this case you can have too much of a good thing, at least in regards to one dose. Catnip tea for babies is not harmful but if too much could upset their stomachs if given all at once. Try putting a little bit of it in a bottle for them to drink or in the case of tooth aches and teething apply it to the gum instead of having them drink it. Not only will it work faster but you can apply it as needed.
In the history of catnip, many things have been written about it. Most of these texts were praising accounts of its substantial medicinal value. It was also warned however, that this herb should not be taken while pregnant. It is also said that if taken through ingestion for a long period of time, it can interfere with the iron in your body. As any medication, whether natural or laboratory produced, it should not be abused or overused. It is safe to say though that catnip tea for babies is a safe bet and even one that should be tried, for it’s true.
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The Benefits Of Catnip Tea
Catnip tea is one unique and incredible herb that mother nature has given us. It is used for natural remedies and obtains natural healing capabilities. Catnip tea is a relaxing herb that dates back to England when it was popular prior to the importation of Asia and their teas. Catnip is recognized as an herb that cats find irresistible, a relative of the mint family with it’s hairy branching stem growing from three to five feet in height. The leaves are pointed and have scalloped edges with grayish hairs on the under side. When in bloom, flowers are white and have purple spots on them.
Catnip is well know for it’s support in a number of human ailments. Catnip has similar chemical structures to valepotriates, which are sedative principles of the valerian root.
Consuming catnip tea can effectively bring down fevers when you are sick with the flu. Catnip tea also acts as a decongestant and should be taken at the first sign of any cold or flu like symptoms. Catnip tea is also helpful with bronchitis and asthma patients and a wonderful remedy for babies with colic, also useful for hyperactive children, bringing calming and relaxing effects by relieving restlessness and tension, helping to induce sleep.
Catnip is also known for it properties of mild diaphoretic, which are very helpful in the elimination process of riding toxins from our body, as well as producing carminative for the support of our digestion system.
Historically, common internal uses for catnip tea were to chew fresh leaves for relief of toothaches and stomach aches, also this herb was given to babies when teething was painful.
Making a strong catnip tea infusion will help to relieve severe migraines and can also be beneficial for digestive disorders, relieving severe diarrhea, especially in children and used as a hair rinse for scalp irritations. This catnip tea can ease the pain of arthritis and rheumatism also used as a eyewash for inflammation or allergies that cause bloodshot eyes.
Catnip tea has also been prescribed and used as an enema for inflammatory bowel conditions, infections and constipation. Catnip tea and it’s relaxant effects are also great for menstrual pains and cramps. Catnip can also regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. This herb is also a wonderful antiseptic for sore throats, coughs, sinusitis and croup. Catnip tea has disinfectant properties and can be used for infected skin problems, bleeding, insect bites and irritations, abrasions and cuts, by helping to speed up the tissues natural healing process.
The catnip herb is extremely safe to use and consume with no known contraindications or interactions.
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