Useful properties of the catdog for a personIs catnip useful and what is it for? The plant differs in numerous varieties of peduncle, size and decorative. The constant sign of the plant belonging to this species will be the love of all felines, regardless of their habitat. At the same time, it is noted that the effect of catnip on the cat is less than that of valerian. Description and photo of catnip
A strong-smelling plant with a hint of lemon. In nature, the plant is low, with a tetrahedral stem. At the same time, the stem does not grow upwards, but spreads over the soil, when in contact with the ground in the nodes it releases roots and spreads, forming thickets. In culture, the stems grow upward, forming a beautiful carpet. The leaves on the shoots are opposite, the flowers are funnel-shaped, the lower petals resemble an elongated lip. Flowers are located in false whorls. There are dark points on the lower petals. When perelamyvanii stem has a sharp smell from a high concentration of essential oils.
The plant is cultivated in gardens, used as a pot crop for home gardening. Unpretentious catnip develops in the shade and at temperatures up to 25 heat. Loves moderate watering. Of the pests for catnip, only the spider mite is terrible.
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Why do cats like budtru?
It has long been known that cats love valerian. But not everyone knows about their indifference to the grass budra or catnip. At the same time, not only pets, but also the king of animals, and a graceful lynx are not averse to inhaling the aroma and chewing on a leaf of catnip. Zoologists have determined that in the period of puberty of this species of plant, the smell of the plant for them is comparable to the secretions of the female individual ready to mate. Nepetalactone is present in the essential oil of catnip. It is this substance that acts excitably on a third of sexually mature males. The rest calmly carry his scent.
Catnip for cats is pheromones. The effect of nepeetalacton is directed to the cerebellum and hypothalamus. The cerebellum forms the behavior of cats in response to received stimuli. However, for kittens up to six months and most of the adult individuals, the plant does not give a behavioral response, as on the female. The animals calmly relate to the thickets of catnipers in a country bed.
Useful properties of catnip for man
The numerous names of catnip speak of its distribution throughout the world. Why do people need catnip? It is known for its decorative and healing properties. It is used:
- creating garden compositions;
- in cooking;
- for therapeutic purposes.
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In the landscape design used cultural forms of catnip. Ornamental plants are used to collect medicinal raw materials. They bring beauty when creating rockeries and rocky gardens. However, a special decoration is obtained by creating beds of perennials on well-fertilized soil. Catnip responds with gratitude to organic fertilizing and watering. Flower brushes of plants at the same time become longer. It is not always possible to recognize an inconspicuous forest dweller in a decorative luxury flower.
During the first year after planting, the catnip is not cut to obtain medicinal raw materials. The harvesting begins in the second year, while the whole above-ground part of the plant is used. Only 10 cm tall stalks are left. Dried plants are bunched, leaves, flowers and stalks of the plant are used. They are used as spices in cooking. There are few contraindications to the use of seasoning. Do not recommend it to use for pregnant and lactating women.
However, traditionally this herb is used in cooking less often than other aromatic plants. For treatment, it is used much more frequently. Applied infusions and decoctions:
- is used as a cold medicine;
- hemostatic;
- fortifying;
- improves the functioning of the digestive system;
- eliminating cramps;
- treats skin rashes, suppurations, inflammations.
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Catnip decoction removes a feverish condition from a cold. It helps to relieve phlegm from the lungs with a dry cough. A decoction of catnip enhances the immune system of an emaciated person, causes appetite. The analgesic effect of the infusion is used for pain in the abdomen. It relieves pain and helps relieve spasm. The ivy-shaped catnip has a particularly healing properties, popularly known as forty-forty, meaning forty diseases.
Used and essential oil of cat grass. It is used as an antiseptic and is used in the preparation of meat, fish and sweet dishes. People who suffer from insomnia drink a cup of tea with a catnip for the night. In addition, this drug relieves sufferers from night cramps.
It is possible to have fresh leaves of catnip year-round. The plant at home becomes a medicine on the windowsill. For planting you need to use a wide bowl, because the roots of the plant are superficial. Of course, this is possible if there is no cat in the apartment, a lover of budra.
Video about catnip
