**** Catnip Nepeta cataria Cats adore the strong aroma of this mint-like herb, hence the plant's common name. When bruised or cut, the scent of catmint has an aphrodisiac effect on cats who proceed to rub, twist, and roll themselves in the plant, eventually flattening it to the ground. Cat mint leaves were once brewed as a tea, while the leaves were used in the Middle Ages to season meat and the young shoots added to salads. The tea is a traditional home remedy for stomach upsets, especially in children. Catmint leaves were once smoked to relieve bonchitis, & the plant acquired a dubious reputaion as a narcotic, probably due to a confusion with marijuana. To download any image, right click and "save file as." ****