USA. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Leaves, Cut and Sifted, Certified Organic Common names: Catnep, Catrup, Catmint, Catswort, Field Balm, Nep, Herb Catta, Nepeta, Nip, Inu-Hakka, Nebeda, Nepeta, Yalanci Kediotu, Erba dei Gatti, Herbe aux Chats, Katzenminze, Menta de Gato, Wild Kattenkruid Family: Lamiaceae Catnip is a perennial herb related to the mints. Native to Europe, it grows wild in many areas of North America. Well-known as a stimulant for cats, Catnip is calming for humans. Like Chamomile, the warm tea has long been given to infants and children to soothe colic and help bring on sleep. It stimulates appetite, controls fever, promotes sweating, relieves painful menstruation and spasms.