Catnip Harvest and Drying

How to harvest and dry catnip flowers and leaves. All of the aerial parts can be harvested at any time during the growing season. Use scissors or snips to cut the plant back to 3 to 4 inches above the ground. The plant will grow back within only a couple of weeks. Plants provide several harvests throughout the season. Also known as catswort and catmint (all through catmint is a different plant). Aromatic perennial mint, zones 3-7, EDIT: I have been growing it in zone 8b since 2017. Leaves make a pleasant tea with calming and antispasmodic effects. Acts as a stimulant on cats but as a sedative on people. Culinary use: Substitute traditional or lemon catnip for one-quarter of the sweet basil when making pesto to give an old-time favorite a new twist. Medicinal benefits: Has many medicinal uses, including nervous system support, pain relief and stress relief. It is also recommended for the digestive tract, cold and flu symptoms and children's health concerns. Home pharmacy uses: Infusion, traditional tincture, cider vinegar tincture, syrup, elixir, ointment, salve, cream, foot soak, bath herb, infused oil, honey, liniment, sleep pillow   / zaneymay   http://www.etsy.com/shop/zaneymay