WHOLE LEAF

DRIED

CATNIP

Nepata Catarina

ALL SIZES LEAF

 CATNIP

MEDIUM GRADE**, Organic Catnip, fresh,  Whole Leaf, no stems or flowers included, just the leaf and petiole.

These are mixed sized leaves, ranging from 1/4” to 2” in size (fresh size). These are from colder weather and have some fun colors in their leaves. Some leaves have spots or brown parts but are just as desirable to your cats. Due to the marks on some of the leaves this group of catnip has been reduced in price from the hig grade listings.

These bags are stuffed full. I put more in them to make up for the lesser quality. They have more than 2 oz in each bag. MORE FOR LESS!!

 All has been hand picked and hand cleaned, no stems or flowers!! I take great care to personally clean the stems and grade the leaves, so in this high grade only the best leaves are used!

 This auction is for approx. 2 oz* of dried catnip, uncrushed, in a ziplock sealed bag.  The bags used are 1 gallon bags.

*apprx. 2 oz dry weight

Volume cannot be accurately compared between whole leaves and crushed leaves. This offer is valued on a weight basis.

Size Packages and Leaf Sizes Offered

Options available for Whole Leaf Catnip:

Medium Leaf 1 oz

Medium Leaf 2 oz

Large Leaf 1 oz

Larger Leaf 2 oz

Extra Large Leaf 1 oz

#High Grade#

These are leaves hand picked off the plant. I have not intentionally crushed any leaves, but in shipping or handling, some crushing may have occurred.

**The difference between the Premium Grade and Standard Grade is primarily the leaf quality and appearance. Both grades are of premium quality (organic, clean, whole leaf, little to no stems, limited leaf petioles, leaves hand picked off stems!)

The MEDIUM Grade Catnip goes through my same high quality standard separation as the Premium Grade, but has different colors on some leaves or sport or marks on leaves. Cats do not know the difference, only appearance is different.

This is grown organically in our properties. We are not certified, but do not use pesticides on any of our products.

What is Catnip?

Catnip is an aromatic herb that when used in moderation, induces a harmless physiological reaction in some cats. It can be applied to scratching posts or used in stuffed toys. Watch as your cat paws at it, chews or licks it, purrs, or even growls in joy over the treat. Your cat will love it! Everyone knows about cats and catnip but did you know that there are many medicinal catnip uses for humans? In fact, catnip has the opposite effect on people that it does for cats. It has been used for thousands of years as a mild sedative, a digestive aid and much more.

Catnip (Nepata cataria also known as Catmint or Field Balm) is a member of the mint family (Labiatae). It is a perennial herb that is said to grow up to 3 feet though my plants are closer to 4. The root sends up square, erect, and branched stems which are very leafy and are covered with a downy gray hair. The leaves are heart-shaped and toothed and covered with a soft, close down (especially on the undersides). It has white or pale purple flowers that bloom in late summer. The strong minty aroma is the nepetalactone contained in catnip. This is the substance that binds to the olfactory receptors of cats, typically resulting in temporary euphoria. But enough about cats, let's look at some catnip uses for us!

Catnip for Cats:

For:
Cats (3 months of age or older)

Benefits:

Can give cats an intense, euphoric high

Can be an exercise stimulator for overweight cats

Temporary remedy for stressed cats

Owners enjoy seeing their cat’s reaction

How it works:
Catnip is a plant in the mint family (it’s also referred to as catmint). It contains nepetalactone, which causes the playful reaction that most cats experience. Cats detect nepetalactone through the outer layer of skin in their noses where the nepetalactone binds to one or more receptors where it’s thought to mimic a cat pheromone.

Cautions:
Do not give more than one teaspoonful of catnip more often than once a week. Some cats can react aggressively. If your cat becomes aggressive, stop using catnip and consider an alternative.

Other Catnip Benefits, for us Humans

Catnip tea has been used medicinally for centuries though it is preferable to make a tincture with your catnip. Here are some of the medicinal benefits it is known for:

• Mild Sedative - This is probably the most popular uses for catnip. It's soothing, calming properties make it an excellent remedy for insomnia or just nervous tension. It has been said that it can even soothe an upset baby by making a cup of strong catnip tea and add it to your babies bathwater. The vapors would help relax the child and promote rest. Try this in your own bath!
• Digestion - Catnip is antispasmodic and can help calm upset stomachs, reduce gas, flatulence, bloating, heartburn and diarrhea.
• Muscle Spasms - Again it's antispamodic properties help prevent and relieve muscle spasms.

• Stimulates Menstrual Flow - For this reason pregnant women should avoid using catnip!

• Chest Congestion - Sip a cup of hot catnip tea and breathe in the vapors to help relieve congestion from a cold or flu.
• Reduce Fevers - Catnip tea will help promote sweating so keep sipping your tea until the fever breaks.
• Catnip Insect Repellent - The oils in catnip are a natural insect repellent. You can use the fresh plant by rubbing directly on your skin or use a tincture or catnip essential oil to make your own deet-free repellent.
• Smoking Catnip - It's funny that catnip uses include smoking the dried herb. It's said that smoking it has an effect (similar but milder) much like smoking marijuana. I haven't tried this myself but let us know if you have!

MORE ABOUT CATNIP

When to Harvest Catnip - Catnip is most potent right before flowering but you can use it any time you like. All above ground parts of the plant can be used including leaves, stems and flowers.

Catnip for Dogs - Catnip can be used as a mild sedative for dogs too! Make some tea and mix it in their food or give them a few drops of catnip tincture.

How to Make Catnip Tea - Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried catnip or a small handful of fresh. Depending on your taste buds you can adjust the amount. Cover the cup and steep the tea for 5-10 minutes. You can sweeten it with a little honey if you like. Honey has it's own medicinal properties. Relax, sip and enjoy!

Oh yeah, don't forget to save some for your favorite feline!

I ship within 2 days of receiving payment.

If combining with other items, please inquire for shipping total.

Returns accepted due to damage in shipping and must be initiated within 7 days.

Thank you for looking!