Caraway (Carum carvi) vs Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Caraway (Carum carvi)

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

About

Caraway is an aromatic annual herb growing to 2 feet with a ridged stem, feathery leaves, and umbels of white flowers in midsummer. Exploding capsules release two small narrow seeds. It grows wild in Europe, North Africa, and Asia, preferring sunny sites up to 6,600 feet above sea level. Cultivated in Europe, Russia, North Africa, and the United States, the seeds are harvested ripe in late summer. The seeds are commonly used in cooking.

Catnip is a downy, aromatic perennial growing to 3 feet with heart-shaped, gray-green leaves and whorls of white flowers marked with purple spots. Native to Europe and naturalized in North America, it grows in dry wayside places and mountainous regions up to altitudes of 5,000 feet. The plant is gathered when in flower during summer and autumn. Catnip has an excitatory effect on cats.

Safety & precautions

Do not use the essential oil internally except under professional supervision.

Large doses can cause vomiting. Ask a qualified professional before giving it to children or babies. Avoid during pregnancy.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.