A Haitian Treasure Profile: Fey Lang Chat (Catnip)

Catnip or catmint, Nepata cataria, is a mint plant native to Asia and Europe, but is found all over the world. It is probably one of the only plants that can be instantly associated with cats (it is a "recreational substance" containing a feline attractant that affects 2/3 of all cats), can treat a wide variety of ailments, and is a mild hallucinogen. Humans typically consume catnip as a tea, juice, tincture, or infusion. In Haiti, catnip is called fey lang chat, and is considered to be a powerful herb with many uses, like for treating colds and coughs.

Catnip is most commonly consumed as a tea, made from crushing the leaves, to treat colds and the flu, to calm colic in babies, to eliminate gas and upset stomach, to stop convulsions and most importantly, to "cleanse the blood". Haitians believe that giving babies catnip tea can remove the impurities from their blood.

Constituents:

• nepetalactone (mild haluciinagen)

• acetic acid

• citronella

Some benefits and uses:

• natural sedative, antiseptic, antispasmodic

• cures indigestion and nausea

• natural astringent

• reduces fever

• natural insect repellant

• can treat insomnia, anxiety, and nervousness