Catnip is a medicinal plant, also known as Catnip, native to Europe and the Mediterranean, which is currently cultivated in several parts of the world to treat digestive problems, fever, or to calm the nervous system.
The scientific name of Cat's Grass is Nepeta cataria, which is a plant that produces tubular flowers with white and purple spots that appear from summer to mid-autumn. The part of the plant that has more therapeutic effects are the aerial parts, being able to be taken in tea or used in ointment or tincture.
What is it for
Cattle has in its constitution components such as citronellol, geraniol, nepetalactone and glycosides that have many properties and can therefore be used in the following cases:
- Cough;
- The flu;
- Digestive problems;
- Cramps;
- Hemorrhoids;
- Stress;
- Swollen gas;
- Fever;
- Diarrhea;
- Insomnia;
- Arthritis and rheumatism;
- Headache.
In addition, this plant can also be used to disinfect wounds.
How to use
Cat's herb can be used in various ways, and can be prepared at home or obtained already prepared in a pharmacy or herbal shop:
1. Tea
Cat's Tea can be used to treat colds, stomach problems and poor digestion, relieve cramps or reduce stress.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of overhead parts of dried Cattle;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Method of preparation
Put the herbs in a cup of tea and pour the boiling water over. Let stand for 10 minutes, capping to prevent volatile oils from escaping and then straining and letting cool. Have a cup of tea 3 times a day.
2. Tincture
Dyes are stronger alcohol solutions than teas and have longer durability, allowing herbs to be stored year round.
Ingredients
- 200 g of aerial parts of Dry Cattle;
- 1 liter of vodka with an alcohol content of 37.5%.
Method of preparation
Chop the Catgut and put in a sterilized dark glass with lid, pour the vodka, immerse the herbs completely and store in a dark and airy place, shaking from time to time for 2 weeks. After this time, strain the mixture and filter with a paper filter and finally put on the dark glass again.
Take 5 ml, 3 times a day, mixed in a little tea or water to treat digestive problems and headache or use pure to massage painful regions due to problems such as arthritis or rheumatism.
3. Ointment
Cat's Wort can also be used as an ointment and can be obtained from a pharmacy or herbal shop. This ointment is very useful for treating hemorrhoids and should be applied 2 to 3 times a day.
Contraindications
Catgut should not be used during pregnancy.
Side effects
Cat's herb is generally a safe plant, however, if over-drinking can lead to headache, vomiting and discomfort. In addition, it can also increase bleeding during the menstrual period.
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