CATNIP (Nepeta cataria)
We included Catnip in Serenity Garden because it:
- Nourishes & strengthens
nerves
- Relaxes muscle spasms
- Relieves menstrual cramps
- Soothes
digestive upsets & alleviates gas
- Calms anxiety
- Induces restful
sleep without hangover
We usually make tinctures with all-natural brandy or 80 proof vodka, but
last summer we discovered a whole new take on a Catnip tincture. We
found a thriving stand of Catnip growing wild at the beach, and wanted
to put it up fresh as it loses potency when dried. All we had on hand
was tequila, so that's what we used. Result: an effective medicinal
tincture with a pleasant minty aftertaste. Here's how you do it:
Te-keety -- Ole'!
Pack a pint (or larger) clean glass jar with fresh Catnip. Harvest just before it blooms for greatest strength. Pour in tequila (we used gold) to cover all of the herb, cap, label, and date. Put away in a cupboard for 10 days to two weeks, then strain into another clean jar. Pour into glass dropper bottles
for use. Dose: 1-2 droppersful 3-4 times per day as necessary for
cramps. And don't drive after dosing -- take a Cat nap!
