I think it a pity, however, that this attractive plant, that will grow in most gardens in an open sunny spot, giving you aromatic grey leaves and pretty pale blue flowers throughout the summer, is now mostly overlooked in terms of its usefulness as a helpful medicinal herb.
Its effect on people (although not as dramatically ecstatic as that that cats clearly experience) can be calming, as it is a gentle nerve relaxant and is good for tension headaches and for calming any emotional disturbance. It is a traditional remedy for colds and flu, especially where there is simple fever (I have personally experienced it breaking a fever when I used it many years ago in during a very severe cold). Part of its action is that it is a diaphoretic, which means that it induces sweating, which helps the elimination of toxins from the body, through the skin during colds. It also has some application for non-complex sinusitis and some ear infections. It can also help with indigestion, colic and flatulance and like Sage (see below) is a carminative herb that contains a number of volatile and aromatic constituents
It can be taken as a tea (which is surprisingly pleasant tasting, if you like fragrant and aromatic tastes) using one heaped teaspoon of dried herb to a cup of boiling water - cover to preserve the volatile oils -infuse for 10 minutes, cool, strain and drink half of one cup three times daily. This can be a useful herb for children, as it is gentle in action (child dosages need adjustment, however), but not one to take whilst you are pregnant. As always - check first.
Why not plant some in your borders (make sure you have the correct species) and you and your cats (or maybe your neighbour's cats - perhaps not so good!!) can enjoy its beauty and its bounty.
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or any herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source.
Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine
Sources
Bartram, T.(1995) Encyclopeadia of Herbal Medicine, Grace Publishers, Dorset.