Bulk Catnip Leaf & Flower Cut & Sifted

Nepeta cataria
Catnip leaf & flower, c/s image
[ 1484 ]Nepeta cataria

Catnip Leaf & Flower Cut & Sifted

1/4 Pound:  $7.11 Pound:  $15.80 buy now  

Also known as catmint, catnip is a botanical cousin to peppermint and spearmint. It's slightly sweet, minty profile is a nice indulgence in teas, fruit salads and Mediterranean dishes.

Because mice and many other pests strongly dislike the plant, dried catnip is a natural deterrent.

SQF Certified Logo
kosher certificate informationsqf certificate information
We offer discounted pricing on orders over 100 pounds. Contact Us

a.
quick look

information at a glance

approximate cups to one pound20
originunited states
active compoundsvolatile oils, Sterols, Acids, and Tannins. Nepetalactone, Nepetalic acid, Nepetalic anhydride, Citral, Limonene, Dispentine, Geraniol, Citronella, Nerol, Caryophyllene, and Valeric acid nepetalactone.
plant part usedcatnip leaf and flower
processingcut & sifted

b.
buying & keeping

general guidelines and tips

storage tipsStore in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
appearance & aromaLight green and grassy.

c.
uses

try something new

cosmeticCatnip infusions are used in various cosmetics, including soaps, shampoos, salves and lotions.
industrialCatnip is used as a preserving agent in the food industry. It is also sold as a cat attractant, usually as stuffed toys.

d.
flavor profile

cut & sifted
catnip
leaf and flower

Mild and grass-like in flavor. Pair with most other herbs in teas and in cooking.

e.
formulas & recipes

cut & sifted
catnip
leaf and flower

coming soon

f.
what else you should know

cut & sifted
catnip
leaf and flower

Catnip is an herb indigenous to Europe and Asia. As a member of the mint family, and a prolific spreader, the herb has escaped cultivation and easily naturalized itself in most of the world. It is also grown in many kitchen gardens as an ornamental, a culinary herb as an attractant for butterflies.

A terpene compound in the plant called nepetalactone is also highly attractive to most house cats. Molecules of this chemical bind the receptors in the lining of the vomeronasal organ when the cat sniffs the plant, triggering the typical “crazy cat” behavior most feline enthusiasts are familiar with.

Nepetalactone is also responsible for the antipyretic and mild sedative actions of catnip, as well as serving as an effective repellent to mosquitoes, termites and cockroaches.


Background: The genus name Nepeta is possibly related to the Italian town of Nepi. It was cultivated in classical Greek and Roman times for human use, and for charming their cats. By 1265 it was common in herb gardens throughout England where it was dried and also used fresh as a nutritional seasoning herb. Prior to the importation of camilla sinensis, true teas, from China, catnip was the familiar and popular beverage of the daily, twice, thrice or, even, hourly tea-time ritual of pre-Elizabethan England.

In Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter's charming children’s tale, Peter’s mother gives him a tea of fennel, catnip and chamomile, to soothe his stomachache.

Catnip is combined with rose petals in love sachets.

Introduced to the Americas, catnip became an important commercial crop in the United States by 1796.

Catnip was combined with damiana leaf and the smoke inhaled to produce euphoria with visual hallucinations (partially due to the nepetalactone content of Nepeta cataria.) 

Catnip leaf can be used to make a natural, light yellow dye.

Description: Often reaching a height of more than 3 feet catnip is an herbaceous perennial, although some are annuals with sturdy stems and opposing heart-shape green to gray-green leaves. Flowers are white, blue, pink or lilac, occurring in several clusters toward the tip of the stem. Flowers are tubular shaped, spotted with tiny purple dots. This genus, native to Europe, Africa and Asia, contains nearly 250 species of flowering plants. Widely naturalized in North America catnip is well known to contain a behavior modifying constituent that affects domestic and wild members of the cat family.

The dried herb can be added to soups and stews. 

Frequently bought together


for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.