#catmint

Ruled by - Venus
Element - Water
Sacred to - Bast
Form - Dried, Whole Plant, Leaves

Also called Cat Mint! Surprise, surprise, it’s in the mint family! As it’s ruled by Venus, catnip is popular is love and lust spells. The poptent herb is actually an aphrodisiac! When added to love spells, it energizes and speeds up the results. sprinkly under the bed for an energized and lusty evening. It’s also useful in spells to bring about happiness, friendship, and beauty! Catnip also attracts good luck and friendly spirits. Hang or grow near the front door to enourage these results.
On the more mundane side of things, catnip in the garden is great to repel mosquitoes, flies, and fleas (much like spearmint.) It’s also been said that rats and mice are repelled by catnip!

Instructions for growth are the same as Mint.

Planting and Growing – Mint plants are perennial, vigorous spreaders, and easily identified by their square stems.
Best grown from purchased plants or cuttings from a existing plant, place either of thee 2 feet apart in moist, well drained soil. They grow 1 to 2 feet tall.
If planted above ground in a pot, this plant requires winter protection. Either bring it inside or cover the soil with mulch to protect the roots.
Minimal care for this plant, just keep the soil lightly moistened. To prevent the invasive nature of this plant, prune it regularly and cut the runners. You may also keep it in a medium/large pot.
Requires 3-6 hours of shade each day.
Good companion plants to have nearby would be cabbage and tomatoes.
Problems you may have when growing this plant include a powdery mildew, plant rust, leaf spots, anthracnose, and stem cankers.

Harvesting and Storage–
Mint can be harvested as soon as it comes up in the Spring. It may be dried or frozen if harvested in larger quantities. For smaller harvests, leaves may be picked as needed.
For drying, it is recommended to harvest the plant by cutting stems 1 inch above the ground before the plant flowers. One plant may be harvested 2 or 3 times in the season.

Uses–
Dry or dehydrate the leaves and use in tea to promote relaxation and sleep. It mixes well with lemon, chamomile, and any other mint.
Can be used for pain relief, to prevent spasms, and to calm the nerves.
Reduces inflamation, congestion, and gas.
Some may attest that rubbing bunches of this plant on the exposed parts of the body can keep bugs at bay.

Caution–
Any kind of mint oil should be properly diluted before applying topically. Menthol is present (in varying degrees) in the mint plant family and causes a freezing-burning sensation that is harmful, especially to those who are sensitive to it.

Those who are taking iron supplements, immunosuppressants or drugs to reduce stomach acid production or to control heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult with their physician before using mint internally.

References - Lexa Rosean, Jack Ritchason N.D., Farmer’s Almanac Disclaimer - Nothing in this is intended to be medical advice, or used in lieu of seeing a medical professional.

image credit - riverviewveterinary.com