A hardy perennial, 30-90 cm (1-3 ft.) tall, it has coarse-textured, ovate, grey-green leaves, with serrated edges. Pale-mauve flowers in terminal or axillary whorls are borne from midsummer to autumn. The whole plant has a strong, antiseptic, mint like odor, similar to pennyroyal.
History and traditions
This herb often proves irresistible to cats. It is mildly hallucinogenic, which could be the attraction, but another theory is that the plant has overtones of tomcats’ urine and is associated with courtship behavior. It is also said to be hated by rats. Chewing the root is reputed to make humans aggressive, and one old British story recalls that a reluctant hangman used it to give him courage to carry out his duties. There are references to its medicinal properties in old herbals, it was occasionally used for flavoring, and found its way into herbal tobaccos, but it does not seem to be widely used today, except perhaps to make toys for cats.
Growth
Catmint prefers moist soil and a sunny position. Propagated by root division in spring or autumn by cuttings in summer.
Parts used
Leaves and flowering stems dried or fresh.
Uses
Medicinal
Catmint lowers fever, increases perspiration and is mildly sedative. It is sometimes taken as an infusion for feverish colds, influenza, nervous tension, anxiety and gastric upsets, or applied externally to cuts and bruises.
Culinary
It makes a stimulating, minty tea.
Household
The dried herb is used to stuff toys for cats.
