Free technical library

Catnip catnip (lemon catnip, catnip). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Directory / Cultivated and wild plants

 Comments on the article

Content

1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
2. Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Catnip catnip (lemon catnip, catnip), Nepeta cataria. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: nepeta

Family: Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)

Origin: Eurasia, North Africa

Area: Catnip grows in the middle and southern parts of Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America.

Chemical composition: Catnip contains essential oil, which contains the dominant monoterpenes - nepetalactone, carvacrol, citronellol, geraniol, menthone and thymol.

Economic value: Catnip is used medicinally to treat nervous disorders and insomnia. In cooking, it serves as a flavoring agent and for the manufacture of tinctures and liqueurs. Its essential oil is used in the cosmetic and perfume industries. In agriculture, catnip is used to repel plant pests such as ants and moths.

Legends, myths, symbolism: In symbolism, catnip is associated with purity, youth and health. It is also considered a symbol of happiness, love and good luck in some cultures. In folk beliefs, catnip is sometimes associated with magic and witchcraft, as well as with attracting love and wealth.

Catnip catnip (lemon catnip, catnip), Nepeta cataria. Description, illustrations of the plant

Kotovnik. Legends, myths, history

Kotovnik - "catnip" - a plant dedicated in ancient Egypt to the goddess Bast (Bastet). Bast is a catwoman, the goddess of the moon, childbirth and fertility, the hearth, dancing, fun and joy. She was portrayed in two guises - a woman with a cat's head (good essence) and a lion's head (aggressive).

According to legend, it was cats who brought catnip sprigs to the goddess’s dwelling in order to be able to pacify her evil hypostasis, which awakens from time to time. Once, in anger, she almost destroyed all the inhabitants of the earth, and the plans of domestic animals adored in Egypt did not at all include losing their owners - after all, no free will can replace a saucer of milk and affection.

Kotovnik blooms almost all summer, it is always full of butterflies around it, it is an excellent "rim" for rose gardens, does not get sick with anything, grows well, is not afraid of frost and rain.

Catnip (catnip). Description of the plant, area, cultivation, application

It grows on the edges of forests, among shrubs, on loamy, sandy loamy soils, along roads, near houses. Cultivated as an essential oil plant.

Perennial herbaceous plant up to 100 cm high. Stems erect, branched, covered with soft hairs. The leaves are opposite, on long petioles, green above, densely covered with hairs below.

Blooms from June to September. The flowers are whitish, small, form dense paniculate-spike inflorescences on the tops of the stems and branches.

The plant emits a pleasant lemon smell, spicy-bitter taste.

The fruits consist of 4 oblique heart-shaped brown nuts, ripening in July - October.

The plant contains phytoncides, essential oil, tannins, saponins, glycosides, bitter substances.

For economic purposes, catnip essential oil is used in the perfume industry for fragrance of colognes, toothpastes, toilet soap and other products.

Essential oils are used in nutrition. It is put into the dough to give a special smell and taste to confectionery.

The herb is used in folk medicine. It has a tonic, analgesic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, sedative effect, increases appetite, improves the functions of the stomach and intestines.

Infusion of catnip. Infuse 20 g of dried herb in 200 ml of boiling water for 2 hours in a thermos, then strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day 20 minutes before meals with anemia, general weakness, paroxysmal cough, shortness of breath, gastritis, colitis, spastic abdominal pain, cholecystitis, heart neurosis, neurasthenia, hysteria.

Use externally for scabies, weeping eczema, acne, furunculosis, pustular skin lesions.

Contraindications have not been established.

Catnip grass is harvested during flowering.

The entire above-ground part of the plant is cut off, dried in the air, under a canopy, in attics, verandas, in a well-ventilated area.

Shelf life up to 2 years.

In addition to this species, wild-growing N. Mussini Henck is used as a seasoning for dishes in the Caucasus. and N. transcaucasica Grossh.

Authors: Alekseychik N.I., Vasanko V.A.

Catnip (catnip), Nepeta cataria L. Botanical description, distribution, chemical composition, features of use.

Lamiaceae family - Lamiaceae.

Perennial. Root woody, branched. Stem 40-100 cm high, strong, erect, downy. The leaves are triangular-ovate with a heart-shaped base, sharp, large-toothed, pubescent.

Flowers in dense complex semi-umbels, collected at the ends of the stem and branches in the form of a brush; the corolla is off-white with purple or violet flecks on the lower lip. The fruit is a brown elliptical smooth nut.

Blooms in June - July. The fruits ripen in July - August.

Grows in wastelands, forest clearings, slopes, weedy places, along roads.

European-Central Asian species, found in Central and Southern Europe, Western and Central Asia, enters the subtropical regions of Pakistan, India and Nepal.

The aerial part contains essential oil (0,4-0,6%), ascorbic acid, tannins and bitter substances, glycosides, saponins. The composition of the essential oil includes carvacrol, pulegone.

A variety of this species, N. cataria var. citriodora Beck yields a valuable essential oil containing citral, limonene, dipentene, geraniol, citranellol and inerol. The seeds contain up to 27% fatty oil.

In Europe and Eastern countries, the plant is used as a spice. Essential oil with a strong lemon smell is used in the manufacture of confectionery, in the perfume industry, soap making.

Catnip was used in folk medicine inside for bronchitis, as an appetite enhancer, for anemia, migraine, as an antitussive, for hysteria, melancholy, cholera, as an antihelminthic; externally - for some skin diseases.

Clinical trials have shown the possibility of using the plant as a bitter with reduced appetite, as an expectorant for bronchitis, as well as for heart neuroses.

When studying the effect of the plant on the heart of a frog, it was found that an aqueous infusion of its flowers and leaves increases the amplitude of heart contractions up to 40%, often with an increase in rhythm. Valuable honey plant, gives a lot of nectar. It is often cultivated in pasture areas.

Authors: Dudchenko L.G., Kozyakov A.S., Krivenko V.V.

Lemon catnip, Nepeta cataria var. Citriodora Beck. Botanical description, distribution, chemical composition, features of use

Perennial herbaceous plant of the mint family.

Stems are erect, strongly branched, up to 100 cm high. Leaves are triangular-ovate, pubescent, coarsely toothed with a heart-shaped base.

The flowers are white or light yellow, five-membered, two-lipped, collected in many-flowered dense false whorls located at the ends of the stems in the form of brushes. The fruit is in the form of a nutlet, rounded ovoid. Blooms in June-July, starting from the second year of life.

Seeds ripen in August. After winter, the plant grows back in March.

Lemon catnip is cultivated in Europe, the East, and the USA.

Kotovnik is winter-hardy, grows well in open places. Prefers loose, but not waterlogged soils. Responsive to organic and mineral fertilizers. Propagated by seeds.

The entire aerial part of this plant has a pleasant lemon aroma and a burning taste. The content of essential oil during the flowering period of catnip ranges from 0,47 to 0,75% of the mass of fresh raw materials.

The oil is mobile, colorless, the smell is grassy-citrus with citral and geraniol tones, harmonious.

Its main components are geraniol, citral, etc. More essential oil is found in inflorescences and leaves. Less - in the stems.

Herb and essential oil of catnip lemon are of considerable interest as a spice for the food industry and cooking: in the production of vermouth, for flavoring tea, tonic drinks, various sauces and sweet dishes.

Cultivation. Lemon catnip is propagated by seeds sown directly into the ground or with preliminary seedling cultivation. Soil cultivation begins in the fall. After harvesting the predecessor, the earth is loosened and then dug deep.

Before sowing seeds, the soil is harrowed and, if necessary, lightly rolled, spring pre-sowing treatment begins at the first opportunity to start sowing.

Catnip seeds are very small. Germinate usually from 6-7 to 25 days Seed germination in the first year after 6 months of storage 35-40%. With stratification, it increases. Therefore, spring sowing is best done with stratified seeds.

When sowing, the seeds are planted to a depth of 2-3 cm, the distance between rows is 60 cm.

At the beginning of the growing season, seedlings develop very slowly, and only when 2-3 pairs of leaves are formed, the plant grows rapidly. Therefore, it is preferable to propagate catnip by seedlings. In this case, the seeds are planted to a depth of 0,5-1 cm.

If the seedlings are thick, carry out a breakthrough and a pick. When the plants reach a height of 10-12 cm and 2-3 pairs of true leaves appear on them, the seedlings are planted in the ground according to the scheme 60 x 30 cm.

Planted plants are watered immediately. Aisles during the period of growth, especially at the beginning of development, should be loosened and cleared of weeds. Subsequently, the strengthened plants already drown out the weeds well.

Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers in the first year of life is carried out with the formation of 2-3 pairs of leaves, and with a seedling culture - 2-3 weeks after planting, when the planted plants begin to grow, and at the beginning of budding. For the second and subsequent years of life, top dressing is carried out during the period of growth of the first pair of leaves, then at the beginning of budding and after mowing.

During the growing season, it is necessary to carry out 3-5 plentiful waterings, combining them with the application of mineral fertilizers. Harvesting is carried out in the second year of the growing season at the budding stage and until the end of flowering, i.e. when the plant contains the largest amount of essential oil and it is the best in terms of quality.

Use a well leafy mass, cutting it off at a height of 15-20 cm from the ground. Cut grass is dried in the shade under a canopy or in a well-ventilated area, spreading it out in a thin layer. Dry herbs are stored in canvas or paper bags in a cool and ventilated place.

Authors: Yurchenko L.A., Vasilkevich S.I.

Catnip catnip (lemon catnip, catnip), Nepeta cataria. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

Ethnoscience:

• For the treatment of abdominal pain: Steep 1 teaspoon of dry catnip leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain and take 1/4 cup 3 times a day.
• To reduce pain during menstruation: Steep 1 teaspoon of dry catnip leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain and take 1/4 cup 2 times a day.
• For the treatment of a runny nose: Steep 1 teaspoon of dry catnip leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain and use the resulting infusion for inhalation.
• To treat insomnia: Steep 1 teaspoon of dry catnip leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and take 1/4 cup before bed.
• For headache treatment: Steep 1 teaspoon of dry catnip leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain and take 1/4 cup 3 times a day.

Cosmetology:

• To improve skin condition: Mix 1 teaspoon of crushed catnip leaves with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply to the skin and leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask will help improve skin condition and reduce inflammation.
• To reduce puffiness under the eyes: Mix 1 teaspoon of crushed catnip leaves with 1 tablespoon of fat-free yogurt. Apply to the skin around the eyes and leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask will help reduce swelling and refresh the skin.
• To reduce the appearance of acne: Mix 1 teaspoon crushed catnip leaves with 1 tablespoon green clay and some water to make a thick paste. Apply to the skin and leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask will help reduce the appearance of acne and improve the condition of the skin in general.
• To reduce skin irritation: Mix 1 teaspoon of crushed catnip leaves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply to the skin. This remedy will help reduce irritation and moisturize the skin.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Catnip catnip (lemon catnip, catnip), Nepeta cataria. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Catnip, also known as catnip or lemon catnip, is a perennial plant native to Eurasia and North America. Its leaves and flowers are used in medicine, cooking and cosmetics.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing catnip:

Cultivation:

• The catnip prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. It can be grown both outdoors and in containers.
• Planting should be done in spring or autumn. The distance between plants should be approximately 30-40 cm.
• Plants need to be watered and fertilized regularly, especially during the flowering period. Make sure the soil always remains moist, but not oversaturated with water.
• Catnip can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.

Workpiece:

• Leaves and flowers of catnip can be used to prepare tinctures, decoctions, and also for cooking, for example, as an ingredient for salads, meat dishes, etc.
• To prepare the infusion, you need to insist 2 tablespoons of crushed leaves in 2 cups of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1 glass a day.
• Leaves and flowers should be used fresh and picked early in the morning if possible.
• Rinse and dry before use.

Storage:

• Catnip leaves and flowers can be stored in the refrigerator in a bag with a ventilation hole for up to 1 week.
• To prolong shelf life, leaves and flowers can be dried by placing them on paper towels and leaving them in the sun to dry completely. Store dry leaves and flowers in a glass or plastic container in a cool and dry place.

We recommend interesting articles Section Cultivated and wild plants:

▪ Iris (iris)

▪ Medlar (Germanic medlar, cup tree)

▪ Agathosma birch (buchu mountain, barosma)

▪ Play the game "Guess the plant from the picture"

See other articles Section Cultivated and wild plants.

Read and write useful comments on this article.

<< Back

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Energy from space for Starship 08.05.2024

Producing solar energy in space is becoming more feasible with the advent of new technologies and the development of space programs. The head of the startup Virtus Solis shared his vision of using SpaceX's Starship to create orbital power plants capable of powering the Earth. Startup Virtus Solis has unveiled an ambitious project to create orbital power plants using SpaceX's Starship. This idea could significantly change the field of solar energy production, making it more accessible and cheaper. The core of the startup's plan is to reduce the cost of launching satellites into space using Starship. This technological breakthrough is expected to make solar energy production in space more competitive with traditional energy sources. Virtual Solis plans to build large photovoltaic panels in orbit, using Starship to deliver the necessary equipment. However, one of the key challenges ... >>

New method for creating powerful batteries 08.05.2024

With the development of technology and the expanding use of electronics, the issue of creating efficient and safe energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Researchers at the University of Queensland have unveiled a new approach to creating high-power zinc-based batteries that could change the landscape of the energy industry. One of the main problems with traditional water-based rechargeable batteries was their low voltage, which limited their use in modern devices. But thanks to a new method developed by scientists, this drawback has been successfully overcome. As part of their research, scientists turned to a special organic compound - catechol. It turned out to be an important component that can improve battery stability and increase its efficiency. This approach has led to a significant increase in the voltage of zinc-ion batteries, making them more competitive. According to scientists, such batteries have several advantages. They have b ... >>

Alcohol content of warm beer 07.05.2024

Beer, as one of the most common alcoholic drinks, has its own unique taste, which can change depending on the temperature of consumption. A new study by an international team of scientists has found that beer temperature has a significant impact on the perception of alcoholic taste. The study, led by materials scientist Lei Jiang, found that at different temperatures, ethanol and water molecules form different types of clusters, which affects the perception of alcoholic taste. At low temperatures, more pyramid-like clusters form, which reduces the pungency of the "ethanol" taste and makes the drink taste less alcoholic. On the contrary, as the temperature increases, the clusters become more chain-like, resulting in a more pronounced alcoholic taste. This explains why the taste of some alcoholic drinks, such as baijiu, can change depending on temperature. The data obtained opens up new prospects for beverage manufacturers, ... >>

Random news from the Archive Sports that extend life 04.12.2016 An international team of researchers led by Emmanuel Stamatakis, Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, has analyzed a large body of medical data to find out which sports do and do not extend life. Scientists used data from 80,3 thousand people over 30 from England and Scotland. The analysis showed that the risk of death for people who regularly played various types of tennis was lower by as much as 47%. For swimmers, this figure was 28%, for aerobics it was 27%, and for cyclists it was 15%. At the same time, the chances of dying specifically from cardiovascular disease in tennis players were lower by 56%, in swimmers - by 41%, and in people involved in aerobics - by 36%. There was no association between football/rugby and running/walking activities and time of death.

Other interesting news:

▪ TLP-T71U projector from Toshiba

▪ Smartphone Gionee Elife S5.5 thickness 5,6 mm

▪ Flies are more dangerous than thought

▪ Philips Android TVs

▪ Auxiliary chip Toshiba TC358791XBG

News feed of science and technology, new electronics

Interesting materials of the Free Technical Library:

▪ section of the site Grounding and grounding. Selection of articles

▪ article Not by washing, so by rolling. Popular expression

▪ article How did the Norwegian national anthem save one Jew from being captured by the Nazis? Detailed answer

▪ Article Poisoning by pesticides. Health care

▪ article Mercerization of paper fabric and yarn. Simple recipes and tips

▪ article Three schemes of frequency generators for improvised designs. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

Leave your comment on this article:

All languages ​​of this page

Arabic	Hebrew	Polish
Bengali	Hindi	Portuguese
Chinese	Italian	Spanish
English	Japanese	Turkish
French	Korean	Ukrainian
German	Malay	Vietnamese

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews

www.diagram.com.ua
2000-2024