Catnip

Nepeta cataria

herb

A mint-family perennial that is irresistible to cats but produces a mild, calming herbal tea for humans. Compact mounding plants with soft gray-green leaves and small white-to-lavender flowers beloved by bees and butterflies. Beyond the cat appeal, catnip is an excellent pollinator plant and a traditional herbal remedy for relaxation and sleep.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Most plants — Attracts an exceptionally diverse range of beneficial insects including bees, butterflies, and predatory wasps
• Eggplant — Said to repel flea beetles that attack eggplant
• Squash — Repels squash bugs according to some growers
• Tomato — Aromatic deterrence of aphids and some caterpillars

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Aphids →

  Water spray; insecticidal soap; catnip itself rarely has serious aphid infestations

• Spider mites →

  Overhead misting; neem oil spray in hot dry weather

• Root rot →

  Plant in well-draining soil; never in wet spots; raised beds work well

• Powdery mildew →

  Thin plants for airflow; divide overcrowded clumps; neem oil if severe

🌾 Harvest & storage

Harvest stems before the plant fully flowers for the highest nepetalactone content (the cat-attracting compound, also used medicinally). Cut stems 4 to 6 inches long from branch tips. Dry by hanging upside down in small bunches in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated space for 1 to 2 weeks. Store dried catnip in sealed containers away from cats. For herbal tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves per cup for 10 minutes.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Contains nepetalactone, thymol, and rosmarinic acid. Used traditionally as a mild sedative and digestive herb. Rosmarinic acid has documented anti-inflammatory properties. Catnip tea is caffeine-free and traditionally used for anxiety and insomnia. Safe for human consumption at culinary amounts.