Catnip

Individuals interested in cultivating Catnip are advised to sow the seeds directly and be especially careful not to damage seedlings (releasing the volatile oil) or neighborhood cats will destroy the crop. What the cats are actually fond of is a component of the oil called nepetalactone, (5,6,7,7a-Tetrahydro-4, 7-dimethylcyclopenta[C] pyran-1-(4aH)-one), a relatively simple organic compound (C₁₀H₁₄O₂).
 
Besides being grown for the enjoyment of pet cats, Catnip has a history of use as a beverage and a medicine. Before European trade with China began bringing large quantities of fine Eastern Tea to Europe, Catnip tea was a domestic favorite especially among tea loving residents of the British Isles.