Catnip Herb, 1 lb. Medicinal uses: Due to the fact that catnip promotes sweating when used as an herbal tea, it was used for the treatment of nervousness, colds, influenza, and fevers during the Middle Ages. Catnip has also been alleged to aid with flatulence, diarrhea, colic, and other childhood diseases, as well as preventing miscarriages, premature births, and morning sickness. It is also said to promote and speed up hair growth, but this is not proven. It is also sometimes used as an enema (Plants). As herbal remedies, catnips are used as relaxants, nervines, sedatives, and as antispasmodics. They are used to alleviate symptoms such as insomnia, stress, menstrual cramps, and intestinal discomfort. The effect is a very mild one. A study conducted at Iowa State University suggests that pure nepetalactone, a constituent of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria, may be 10 times as effective at repelling mosquitos as the common repellant, DEET.