Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae (flowering plant), native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East,Central Asia, and parts of China. Catnip contains nepetalactone, a chemical that attracts many cats.
The historical range of catnip utilizes include teas, juices, tinctures, extracts, salves, and even just as one herb to be smoked, along with its culinary applications.catnip consist of its ability to calm restless sleep, reduce anxiety and stress, soothe menstrual pain, help eliminate eating disorders, ease stomach discomfort, speed up the recovery from colds and fevers, detoxify the body, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and even speed wound healing.