By Sarah Fiorello

catnip leaves and flower

Nepeta cataria

Introduced from Europe.

Catnip tea has a mild calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Enslaved mothers used catnip tea to relieve cholic in infants. Healers also prescribed catnip tea to enslaved adults and children for treating colds and fevers.

Photo: Pam Shade


Explore More

Fish Pepper

Capsicum annuum ‘Fish Pepper’

African Bird’s-eye pepper

Capsicum frutescens ‘African Bird’s Eye’

Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus