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Medieval herb garden blog 49: Catmint
Wednesday, December 10, 2025Week 49 volunteer update
Although it wasn’t too cold, it was another dull and dreary Monday. After all the recent rain, the ground was completely saturated. No work could be done.
According to the Sunday edition of Radio 4’s 'Gardeners’ Question Time', having weeds in the garden over the winter is good. It protects the soil from erosion and nutrient 'wash-out'. In that case, that the MHG is being well protected this year!
Carole carried out the weekly flower count. She thought about which plants would need moving in the spring.
She noticed that the snapdragons were holding on through the miserable weather.
The snapdragons hanging on in the Medieval Herb Garden
Plant of the week: Catmint (Nepeta racemosa or Nepeta mussinii)
The Latin name for catmint is 'Nepeta'. This refers to the ancient Etruscan city of Nepete (or Nepet), now the modern town of Nepi. There are 295 accepted species of nepeta.
Throughout history, and still today, there is confusion over which plant has the common name 'catmint' and which is 'catnip'. These terms were, and still are, often used interchangeably. Because of this, catmint is often simply referred to as 'Nepeta'.
In this week’s blog we shall take 'catmint' (with grey-green leaves and blue flowers) as Nepeta racemosa or Nepeta mussinii. We will take 'catnip' (with green leaves and whiter flowers) as Nepeta cataria.
Catmint’s other names are catwort, field balm and wild lavender.
Catmint is native to the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It is a bushy, sprawling, deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant. It can grow to a height and spread of 3 ft. It will happily thrive in any soil type apart from clay. It grows in any aspect but north-facing.
Catmint requires well-drained soil and full-sun to partial shade. It does not like getting its roots too wet (like most actual cats!)
The leaves of catmint are simple, opposite, and ovate in shape. They measure around 1 to 3 inches in length and width. The leaves are a soft grey-green colour. The leaf edges have rounded teeth. The leaves are covered with fine hairs, giving them a soft, fuzzy texture.
Catmint in flower in the Medieval Herb Garden
Catmint typically flowers from June to October. Here in the Medieval Herb Garden it's still flowering in December! It has clusters of small, tubular, lavender-blue flowers. These have a two-lipped structure, typical of the mint family.
The blue catmint has a lavender-minty smell, which cats like. The whiter catnip has a stronger smell which makes cats 'high' and giddy. This may cause them to destroy the plant in their 'rapture'!
Catnip may also attract more cats than you would necessarily like to your garden. So, it is important that you recognise their differences.
Catmint has sterile flowers. This means it does not produce seeds.
Culinary uses of catmint
Catmint's flowers are edible. They can be used to garnish salads or desserts.
The leaves can be added to sauces, soups and stews. They can also be used in omelettes and stir-fries.
Catmint can be used to make infused vinegar and herbal honey. It is sometimes added to jams and jellies.
In the past, catmint was sometimes added to brewing beer.
Catmint as a dye plant
The leaves of catmint can be used to produce a light yellow dye.
Folklore and other facts about catmint
In ancient Egyptian mythology, catmint was considered sacred to Bastet. Bastet was the goddess of fertility and protection. Bastet typically took the form of a cat-headed woman. Catmint was believed to have the power to bring good luck and prosperity to those who used it.
In Roman mythology the plant was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits. The Shinto religion shares this belief. It was often used as a charm or amulet to be carried around for protection. Alternatively, a sprig of it was hung above a door.
Catmint was also traditionally associated with love, beauty and happiness. It was often used in spells.
Nepetalactone is found in catmint. Studies suggest that concentrated nepetalactone is very effective in repelling mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites. It was shown to be more effective than some synthetic sprays. Rats also dislike the smell.
Medieval medicinal uses of catmint*
In the past catmint has been consumed in tea form, juice, tincture, infusion or poultice. It has also been smoked to benefit from its effects.
Catmint has been used to treat respiratory issues such as coughs and colds. It has diaphoretic properties, meaning it encourages gentle perspiration and sweating. Because of this, it has also been used to treat mild fevers or chills.
Catmint was also used to help expel gas or soothe mild cramping and reduce queasiness.
Catmint has antispasmodic properties. This made it useful for easing muscle spasms and cramps. It was particularly used for relieving period cramps. It was also used as a mild sedative and relaxant.
Catmint has anti-inflammatory properties. These can be used for treating redness and irritation of the skin, minor cuts, insect bites and arthritis. It was also used to treat scalp irritations and dandruff.
*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.
Medieval herb garden blogs
Browse all blogs by our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle. Discover each 'Plant of the Week' as chosen throughout 2025.