Common Name:

General Information

Nepeta menthoides is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a clump of stout stems around 10 - 40cm tall[].
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is sold for medicinal use in the markets of Iran[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

W. Asia - Iraq, Iran

Habitat

Found on metamorphic and serpentine rocks; at elevations from 2,600 - 3,800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Nepeta species generally grow best in a sunny position and a well-drained soil. Many are found in poor soils in the wild, and have a bushier growth habit in more fertile soils[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

In Iran, the plants of this species, plus those of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta bracteata, are used in phytotherapy under the name 'Ustukhuddus' as a febrifuge and sedative, antidepressant and anxiolytic[].
Under the name 'Gol-emoro', they are used as a carminative, disinfectant and stomachic[].

The aerial parts of the plant are expectorant and a nerve tonic. They are used in the treatment of colds[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in the autumn, in situ if possible. Germination of spring sown seed can be erratic[]. The seed is best sown in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.
Division of clumps in the autumn or spring, when the plant is dormant or just coming into growth[].
Stem tip or softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring or early summer[].