Catnip Herb – Nepeta cataria L – Herba Organica

Description

Catnip Herb (Nepeta cataria L) – Pure Dried and Cut Herb

Catnip Herb from Herba Organica offers 100% naturally dried Nepeta cataria L., carefully harvested and processed to maintain its fresh aroma, gentle green colour, and soft texture. Sourced from responsibly managed regions and hand-packed, this premium herb is ideal for herbal infusions, teas, culinary use, and a variety of creative applications. Its mild, slightly sweet aroma and delicate flavour make it versatile for both traditional and contemporary herbal practices.

Herba Organica Catnip is presented in consistent, clean leaves and stems, ready to use in infusions, blends, or culinary creations. The herb’s natural freshness and subtle character make it suitable for everyday enjoyment, creative recipes, and botanical projects.

Ingredients

100% dried Catnip Herb (Nepeta cataria L.) – carefully harvested, gently dried to preserve aroma, texture, and colour. No additives, preservatives, artificial colours, or flavourings are used. Each batch is hand-packed to ensure purity, consistency, and quality.

Why Choose Herba Organica Catnip Herb

Carefully Selected and Processed

Herba Organica selects Nepeta cataria leaves at peak freshness and dries them using low-heat methods to retain natural colour, aroma, and texture. Hand selection and packing ensure a clean, uniform product.

Versatile and Adaptable

Catnip Herb can be used in single-herb infusions or blended with other dried herbs such as hibiscus, rose petals, or lemon verbena. Its mild, slightly sweet flavour makes it suitable for teas, herbal mixes, and craft preparations.

Practical Packaging and Storage

Each batch is hand-packed into resealable pouches, allowing for convenient storage while preserving freshness and aroma. The dried herb is easy to measure and incorporate into a variety of uses, from infusions to culinary blends and creative herbal projects.

Traditional Uses and Cultural Context

Historical Presence in European and North American Households

Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) has been used historically in Europe and North America as a versatile herb. The leaves were traditionally harvested in summer when plants were in full bloom and dried for year-round use. Families commonly brewed Catnip teas as a soothing, aromatic beverage and incorporated the herb into household blends.

Culinary and Domestic Traditions

Traditionally, Catnip leaves were used to flavour simple teas, infusions, and even light culinary recipes such as herb-flavoured breads or vegetable dishes. Its mild aroma and gentle taste allowed it to be combined with other herbs or brewed on its own as a calming, aromatic drink.

Catnip for Pets: Safe and Natural Playtime Herb

Catnip Herb (Nepeta cataria L.) is well-known for its appeal to cats. Dried catnip leaves can be sprinkled on scratching posts, toys, or bedding to encourage playful interaction and exploration. It can also be used in small, controlled amounts inside homemade cat toys or pouches.

While cats are the most common users, some pet owners incorporate Catnip in small amounts for enrichment in rabbits or other small animals, always observing their reactions. Catnip Herb provides a natural way to stimulate curiosity and activity in pets, adding variety to their environment.

How to Prepare Catnip Infusions and Uses

Basic Infusion Method

• Serving: 1–2 teaspoons of dried Catnip per 250 ml of boiling water

• Water Temperature: freshly boiled

• Steeping Time: 5–10 minutes

Place the dried herb in a cup or teapot, pour boiling water over them, and allow to steep. Strain before serving. This method releases the herb’s mild, sweet aroma and delicate taste, producing a naturally fragrant herbal infusion suitable for daily enjoyment.

Cold Brew Method

For a softer flavour, steep 1–2 teaspoons of Catnip in cold water for 8–12 hours in the refrigerator. Strain and serve chilled for a light, refreshing beverage. This method preserves the natural aroma while producing a gentle infusion ideal for warm days or layered herbal drinks.

Recipes and Practical Applications

1. Classic Catnip Tea

Ingredients: 1 tsp dried Catnip Herb, 250 ml boiling water

Instructions: Place the dried Catnip in a cup or teapot and pour over 250 ml of freshly boiled water. Allow the herb to steep for 5–10 minutes so its mild, sweet aroma and gentle flavour are fully released. Stir gently if desired, then strain before serving. Enjoy warm as a simple, calming herbal infusion, or combine with a touch of honey or a slice of lemon to subtly enhance the natural herbal notes. This preparation highlights the delicate taste and fragrance of catnip while offering a versatile base for layering with other mild herbs.

2. Gentle Nighttime Blend

Ingredients: 1 tsp Catnip Herb, 1 tsp dried Lemon Verbena, ½ tsp dried Lavender Flowers

Instructions: Combine all herbs in a teapot, pour 300 ml of freshly boiled water over them, and steep for 8–10 minutes. Strain before serving. Enjoy as a soothing, aromatic evening infusion. The mild sweetness of Catnip Herb pairs beautifully with the floral lavender and citrusy notes of lemon verbena, creating a gentle, relaxing beverage suitable for unwinding at the end of the day.

3. Refreshing Herbal Cooler

Ingredients: 1 tsp Catnip Herb, 1 tsp dried Hibiscus, 1 tsp dried Lemon Balm, 400 ml hot water, ice cubes, optional orange or lemon slice

Instructions: Steep all herbs in hot water for 8–10 minutes, then strain and allow to cool. Serve over ice and add a slice of citrus if desired. This naturally aromatic infusion offers a refreshing, lightly floral and citrusy flavour, perfect for warm days or as a gentle, chilled herbal beverage. The combination of catnip, hibiscus, and lemon balm creates a visually appealing and flavorful iced tea with soft, layered aromas.

Additional Culinary, Craft, and Botanical Uses

• Herbal blends: Combine with Sage, Thyme, or Nettle for visually and aromatically appealing teas.

• Baking: Mix finely crushed leaves into breads, biscuits, or herbal pastries for subtle plant-based flavour

• Cold brews: Steep overnight for mild, aromatic iced beverages

• Sachets and potpourri: Use Catnip in decorative sachets or potpourri for aroma and texture

• Herbal crafts: Suitable for botanical crafts, resin art, or DIY cosmetic projects where natural texture and colour are desired

Storage and Handling

Store Catnip Herb in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odours. Keep the pouch tightly sealed or transfer to an airtight container. Proper storage ensures the herb retains its aroma, colour, and texture, remaining suitable for infusions, culinary uses, and craft projects.

Important Information

The description and any information provided about this product are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor to replace professional medical advice. For official UK guidance on the safe use of herbal products, see the NHS page. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.