Herbal Flow with Catnip: Vibes, Benefits, and Apps

Sourcing

Incorporate catnip into your daily practices through various forms, each offering unique benefits and applications. When sourcing these products, seek brands that resonate with your values and prioritize quality ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and transparent extraction methods.

Forms Available

• Fresh:

  The most direct way to access catnip's benefits is by using fresh leaves from a live plant. If you have access to a mature plant, you can harvest the leaves as needed. This form is ideal for those who enjoy a direct connection to the plant and are comfortable with basic preparation methods. For making teas, use a ratio of 1-2 teaspoons of chopped fresh leaves per cup of water, and steep for 5-10 minutes.

  Pros:

  • Pure, unadulterated form of the herb
  • Direct connection to the plant
  • Potentially more potent if used immediately after harvesting

  Cons:

  • Requires owning or having access to a live plant
  • Proper harvesting knowledge needed
  • Limited shelf-life
  • May require more preparation time
• Dried:

  Dried catnip is a convenient option for making teas, and other preparations. Look for "cut and sift" quality, which indicates that the herb has been properly processed to maintain its potency and flavor. For teas, use a ratio of 1 teaspoon of dried herb per cup of water. Aerial parts can be steeped for 5-10 minutes, while bark and roots may benefit from gentle simmering for 15-20 minutes. Longer steeping or simmering times generally result in a more potent and concentrated herbal extraction.

  Pros:

  • Longer shelf-life than fresh
  • Readily available
  • Versatile for various preparations
  • Can be more potent than fresh when properly dried and stored

  Cons:

  • Quality can vary depending on drying and storage methods
  • May lose some potency over time
• Tinctures:

  Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of catnip, made by macerating the herb in a solvent. While alcohol is traditionally used in combination with water because of its effectiveness in extracting a wide range of constituents, including both water-soluble and fat-soluble, creating a true full-spectrum extraction. Glycerin or vinegar can be used for alcohol-free versions, but these are often less potent for general extraction. Tinctures offer a convenient, potent, and easily absorbed way to incorporate the herb into your routine. Look for tinctures that specify the extraction method, the ratio (e.g., 1:5, herb to liquid), and the percentage of alcohol used, if applicable. Hydroalcoholic extracts are generally considered the most effective for 99% of herbs. Alcohol makes the strongest form of herbal supplement available, but over 50% alcohol is excessive and difficult to take. 25% to 35% alcohol is easy to take and not very noticeable. Glycerin is only for specific applications when making tinctures, and should not be used for general extractions.

  Pros:

  • Concentrated form, often requiring smaller serving sizes
  • Hydroalcoholic (alcohol and water) tinctures are generally the most potent and broad-spectrum extraction method for most herbs
  • Long shelf-life when properly stored
  • Readily absorbed by the body
  • Convenient for daily use

  Cons:

  • May contain alcohol (though non-alcoholic versions exist using glycerin or vinegar, but with lower potency for most herbs)
  • Can be more expensive than other forms
  • Cheap single step, low potency, often only a dilution of powder extracts, knock-offs litter the market
• Capsules/Tablets:

  Capsules and tablets offer a convenient way to consume catnip in a standardized dose. They typically contain either powdered whole herb or concentrated extract of the herb. It is important to note that there is a difference between these two. Look for products from reputable brands that use high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients, and clearly state whether they contain whole herb or an extract, along with details on standardization if applicable.

  Pros:

  • Easy to take
  • Precise dosage
  • Convenient for travel
  • No strong taste

  Cons:

  • May contain fillers or additives
  • Potency and quality can vary between brands
  • May be less readily absorbed than liquid forms
  • Difficult to know if it is a whole herb or extract form without careful label reading
• Powder:

  Powdered catnip can refer to two types: powdered whole herb or powdered extract. The whole herb is simply the dried plant part ground into a fine powder, while a powdered extract has undergone an extraction process (often using water, alcohol, or other solvents) to concentrate specific compounds before being dried into a powder. Powdered extracts are typically more potent and require a smaller serving size than powdered whole herb. It's crucial to know which type you're getting, as the effects and appropriate serving size can differ significantly. Look for products that specify "whole herb" or "extract" and provide details on the extraction process and any standardization. Powdered catnip can be added to smoothies, juices, or other foods, or used in DIY skincare preparations.

  Pros:

  • Versatile for internal and external use
  • Can be easily added to foods and beverages
  • Long shelf-life
  • Concentrated extract forms can offer higher potency

  Cons:

  • Can have a strong taste
  • Potency and quality can vary greatly between whole herb and extract forms
  • Difficult to know if it is a whole herb or extract form without careful label reading
  • Whole herb form may be less potent than other concentrated options

Quality Considerations

• Source: Look for brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical harvesting practices. Inquire about the origin of their catnip and their relationship with growers.
• Ingredients: Read labels carefully. Choose products with minimal additives, preservatives, or artificial colors.
• Processing Methods: Some processing methods can degrade the active constituents in catnip. Look for brands that use gentle, low-heat extraction methods to preserve the plant's potency.
• Certifications: Organic certifications can be a good indicator of quality.
• Powder Distinction:
  • Title: Understanding the Difference Between Powdered Whole Herb and Powdered Extracts
  • Description: When considering powdered forms of catnip, it's crucial to understand the distinction between "powdered whole herb" and "powdered extract." The powdered whole herb is simply the dried plant material ground into a fine powder. This form retains the full spectrum of the plant's constituents in their natural ratios. A powdered extract, on the other hand, undergoes an extraction process where specific compounds are concentrated using solvents like water or alcohol. The resulting extract is then dried and turned into a powder. Powdered extracts are generally more potent than powdered whole herbs and require a smaller serving size. Always check the product label to determine whether it contains powdered whole herb or a powdered extract. Look for information about standardization, extraction methods, and any added fillers or excipients.
• Dosage Variation:
  • Statement: It is important to note that the optimal serving size may vary significantly depending on whether you are using a powdered whole herb or a powdered extract. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and start with a low serving, gradually increasing it as needed while paying close attention to your body's responses.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose high-quality catnip products that align with your values and support your health optimization journey. Remember that incorporating catnip is just one piece of the puzzle. It works best as part of a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, restful sleep, and practices that help you navigate daily activities with greater ease.