Other Common Names: Catmint, catnep, catswort, fieldbalm.
Habitat: Catnip is native to the milder climates of Europe and has been naturalized to North America and Asia as well. This herb does well in garden soil and does not have the moisture requirements of other plants.
Plant Description: This member of the mint family has erect, square, branched stems, growing to a height of 2 to 3 feet. The catnip plant sports heart-shaped, toothed leaves in an opposite pattern, which are covered with fine downy hairs, especially on the under sides, giving the plant a grayish appearance. The small, tubular, two-lipped flowers grow in whorls that become denser as they approach the summit. The flowers are white to lavender with reddish-purple spots. This herb blooms from June to September and has a strong minty fragrance.
Plant Parts Used: The entire above the ground plant can be gathered just after full bloom and dried. The flowering tops are most commonly used in medicinal applications. (Folklore states that chewing the root may increase aggressiveness and irritability.)
Therapeutic Benefits and Uses of Catnip and Claims
* This herb is often used for seasoning and meat tenderizing * Catnip has a diaphoretic effect (increasing perspiration without raising body temperature) and antipyretic (anti-fever) effects. This leads to its use to treat colds and influenza. * A mild tea made of catnip may be effective in treating colic, restlessness, and nervousness in children. * The tonic and antispasmodic qualities of this herb help to relieve many gastrointestinal disorders and cramping. * A poultice of the leaves and flowers of catmint can be applied to reduce swelling from rheumatism, soft-tissue injuries and other inflammatory conditions. * A mixture of catnip tea and saffron has shown promise in treating scarlet-fever and small-pox. * Catnip is also used as a muscle relaxant and mild sedative, which is why it is often used to relieve the pain of headaches (especially tension headaches.) This also explains its use to combat insomnia and other sleep disorders. * This plant has also been used to bring about the menses in delayed menstruation and increase tone in the uterus. * The essential oil, nepetalactone, found in catnip, has been shown to be at least as effective as DEET as an insect repellant. This also works as a flea treatment in animals or on carpets.
Preparation and Usage
Catnip can be used as an herb or seasoning on salads. It can also be steeped as a tea. The oils may be extracted and taken in capsule form or used externally. The oils or a potpourri concoction may be used for aroma therapy. The tea may be prepared by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons to 1 cup of hot (not boiling) water. Steep for 10 minutes then strain. It is common to take the capsules or tea three times daily.
Potential Side Effects of Catnip
Catnip has not been associated with any common side effects. The possibility of this herb causing uterine contractions means pregnant women should avoid using it. This herb has also shown no contraindications with other medicines. It is always a good idea to discuss any new herbal treatments with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking prescription medications.
The purpose of an aerosol inhaler is to help an asthmatic person inhale medication into his lungs. It is metal canister, containing the medication, wrapped in a plastic mouthpiece.
Aerosol inhalers are the most commonly used type of inhaler device. They are small, conveniently fit into the pocket, and are used in case of a wide variety of drugs. Aerosol inhalers deliver the medication as a spray and need practised co-ordination to be used properly. They are generally not suitable for young children or adults with poor co-ordination.
How to use an inhaler?
Inhalers are easier to use and more effective if used with a spacer. A spacer is a large plastic container - at one end there is a mouthpiece and at the other a hole for the aerosol inhaler to fit in.
An aerosol inhaler used with a spacer is likely to get more medicine into your lungs than using just an inhaler on its own. The spacer traps the medicine inside until you breathe in so you do not have to worry about pressing the inhaler and breathing in at the same time.
Steps to be followed when using an inhaler?
1. Hold the inhaler upright - make sure nothing is inside the mouthpiece of the inhaler. 2. Shake the inhaler to mix the medication with the propellant. 3. Sit upright, tilt head back slightly and breathe out completely as possible, but gently. 4. Hold the device upright, insert the mouthpiece into your mouth ensuring that your lips firmly seal the mouthpiece. To allow the medication to enter your lungs, keep your teeth apart and your tongue flat on the floor of your mouth. 5. At the beginning of a slow deep breath, breathe in through the inhaler and activate the aerosol once. 6. Breathe in fully and deeply, and hold your breath for ten seconds or as long as comfortable. 7. Breathe out gently through your nose. 8. If you are using more than one puff, wait for 1-2 minutes and repeat steps 3-7.
Rinse your mouth with water and clean your teeth after using a corticosteroid inhaler to reduce side effects.
How to take care of aerosol inhaler?
* Wash the mouthpiece with warm water regularly at least twice a week. Remove the plastic mouthpiece from the metal canister and wash the plastic mouthpiece in luke warm water for at least 30 seconds. Shake off any excess water and allow the mouthpiece to air dry overnight, and then reinsert the canister into the plastic mouthpiece. * Regularly check for white mist escaping into the air as you use the inhaler. This means that some medication is being lost into the air. * Check to make sure that you are closing your lips fully around the mouthpiece, and are inhaling as you press down the canister.
Disadvantages of using aerosol inhalers:
* May cause cough, a dry irritated throat, unpleasant taste, nasal congestion, pain or headache. * Some people find it difficult to press the inhaler, or even breathe in at the right time. * It is difficult to say when the inhaler gets empty. * Needs weekly cleaning to prevent blockage. * Specific inhalation techniques are necessary for the proper use of different types of inhaler device. A non-coordinated technique can result in decreased drug delivery and reduced efficacy.
Side-effects of aerosol inhalers:
Contact the doctor if you experience white-coloured tongue, prolonged throat irritation, vision changes. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects, seek medical aid immediately.
Precautions while using aerosol inhaler:
* Before using an aerosol inhaler, inform the doctor about your medical history - all illnesses and infections, recent exposure to diseases such as chicken pox, cataract, allergies. * If your cough shows mucus that has thickened or changed colour from clear white to yellow, green, contact the doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection. Caution is advised when administering this drug to children. * During pregnancy, be careful about using this medication. It should be used only when clearly indicated by the doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
If you need to use your inhaler before it is dry:
* Shake off any excess water from the plastic casing and put the metal canister back inside * Test the inhaler by spraying two puffs into the air.
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