Catnip
Yes, the cat herb. But long before it was a pet store staple, catnip was a common kitchen and cottage herb with a mild, minty flavor that holds up well in tea.
What It Is
Catnip is a perennial in the mint family, native to Europe and Asia and naturalized across North America. The leaves and flowers have a grassy, faintly minty scent that is unmistakable. It grows like a weed, looks like lemon balm's cousin, and has been used in folk tradition for centuries, mostly steeped as a gentle evening tea.
The same compound that makes cats go sideways, nepetalactone, is present in the oils of the leaf. For humans, the flavor is mild and herbal, closer to a light mint than anything sharp or medicinal.
What To Do
Steep a heaping teaspoon of dried catnip in eight ounces of hot but not boiling water for five to seven minutes, then strain. It is often blended with chamomile or lemon balm for a simple herbal tea. The flavor is subtle, so do not be shy with the amount.
Catnip can also be added to fresh herb blends or used as a garnish where you want something minty but gentler than peppermint. Store in a cool, dark place in a sealed container. It keeps well for about a year before the oils start to fade.
