Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has a captivating history that spans continents and centuries.
Native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it has naturalized widely around the globe. Its first documented use in North America was in the 1800s, where European settlers used it as a culinary herb. Catnip also has a long history of medicinal use, particularly in children experiencing colic, stress, fevers, and stomach aches.
The plant’s dark-green, oval-shaped leaves and white flowers make it easily recognizable. Interestingly, catnip’s official name, Nepeta cataria, is inspired by the ancient city of Neptic in Etruria, Italy, where it was prominently grown and used to make tea.
