                                       CATNIP
                                       ======

                                    CULTIVATION:
     Catnip  is  a  strong smelling,  gray-green  perennial  with heart shaped,
     gently  toothed  leaves.  Grows to 3  feet  in  height. Flowers are white,
     dotted with purple.

     Catnip  needs  a  sunny or light shady  location.  The soil should be well
     drained.  Sow or divide whole plant in spring. Germination time is about 8
     days,  and  plant  matures  in  50 days.  Grows  in  zone  3-10.  Thin and
     transplant  to 12 inches apart, and cut back in autumn. The scent released
     by any bruised leafs or root will attract cats, who then molest the plant.

     Harvest  the  leaves  and flower tops in  late  summer  when plants are in
     bloom.  Dry  leaves  and  store in  opaque,  tightly  sealed  container to
     preserve  the volatile oil.


                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Catnip  possesses  a disagreeable mint like  aroma.  Rub leaves on meat to
     flavor. Moderate amounts of fresh catnip leaves can be added to salads, to
     give it a minty like flavor.

     GRAPEFRUIT AND CATMINT DESSERT : Skin off 2 medium grapefruit rind thinly,
     taking  care  to avoid the white pith.  Put  into blender. Remove pith and
     discard.  Coarsely  chop  the grapefruit flesh  and  add to blender with 4
     ounces  of  caster sugar, 1 teaspoon of  chopped  fresh catmint, and 1 1/2
     pint  of  cold water. Blend until the  mixture is light green. Strain into
     stemmed  glasses  and refrigerate until well  chilled.  Garnish with a red
     currant leaf or a sprig of catmint.


                                   MEDICAL USES:
     Catnip  has a considerable reputation as a sedative drink, especially when
     the  dried, minty-flavored leaves and flowering tops are brewed into a hot
     tea and taken at bedtime. It also soothes the digestive tract or suppresses
     menstrual  cramps.  Infusion  can  also  relieve  colds  and fever. Catnip
     induces sleep and perspiration, but does not increase body temperature. Do
     not boil catnip.  Boiling dissipates its healing oil.

     CATNIP  TEA : Stir about 2 teaspoons into a pot of hot water, you can also
     add some lemon balm for flavor. Let it steep for 10-20 in minutes. Because
     of  the  volatile nature of catnip, a  simple and quick infusion should be
     made. The parts used are the flowering tops gathered in August.

     Externally it may be applied to cuts, abrasions and bruises. Some research
     shows that catnip has antibiotic properties.


                                      WARNING:
     Generally regarded as safe, for healthy nonpregnant, nonnursing adults.


                                    OTHER USES:
     Plant  catnip  near  vegetables  to deter  flea  beetles.  Use  catnip tea
     compression  on  the  forehead to release  pressure  from  the eye, and to
     overcome  the pain of bee stings. Catnip will attract bees to your garden.
     Cat lovers can use this herb to make a toy for their pet.
     
