Nepeta cataria

Herb famous for its effect on cats but also useful in the kitchen.

• Hardy perennial
• Member of the mint family
• Has pretty lavender flowers
• Attracts pollinating insects
• Makes an excellent edging plant
• Cats love the leaves, fresh or dried
• Deters rats, aphids and ants

Also known as Catmint.

It makes a most refreshing tisane or tea which was drunk far more before tea arrived from China.

Cats love to roll around in this plant.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

A member of the mint family.

• Hardy perennial.
• Likes a sunny position or light shade.
• Prefers well drained but moist, light soil.
• Reaches 3 feet (1 meter) tall.
• Pretty lavender flowers.
• Cut the plants back in Autumn.
• Makes a good edging plant.
• Attracts cats!

• Top Tips
• Mulch lightly in Spring and Autumn.
• Cut back plants once they have flowered to get a second harvest.
• Cut the plants back in Autumn.

• Culinary Uses
• Rub onto meat to flavour.
• Can be drunk as tea.
• Flowers can be used in salads.
• Good for flavouring stews and sauces.

• Medicinal Uses
• Rich in Vitamin C.
• Can help relieve cold, flu and fever symptoms.
• Induces sleep.
• Can help colic in children.
• Can be used as a mild sedative.
• Good for upset stomach and diarrhoea.
• Good for use on bruises and irritated scalps.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties so can aid rheumatism and arthritis.
• Aids digestion.
• Works as a mild anti-depressant.
• Can be used to treat hemorrhoids.
• Avoid if pregnant or suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease.

• Other Uses.
• Attracts bees and butterflies.
• Can be dried and put into cats’ toys.
• Can deter rats, flea beetle, aphids and ants.
• Leaves can be used as an insect repellant.