Nepeta cataria

	Catnip is one of those herbs that is rarely used nowadays, but is still interesting. In Europe, catnip is occasionally used in a hot infusion to promote sweating, while not increasing the body temperature. It is said to be excellent for colds and flu and childhood diseases, such as measles (which thanks to modern shots are rarely seen ).
Catnip also soothes the nervous system and may help get restless children to sleep. It helps calm upset stomachs and counters colic (in babies), flatulence, and diarrhea. An infusion may also be used externally to sooth scalp irritations. The leaves and flowering tops of catnip can be mashed for a poultice to be applied to bruises. Catnip leaves and flowering tops also contain Vitamin C.
I chose to include catnip on my list of favorite medicinal herbs because it is an interesting herb that makes everyone think of their crazy cat when they were growing up. I also chose it because it is one of those rarely used and little thought of medicinal herbs, and I wanted to let people know about it.