"A Curious Herbal", Plate 455. Catmint or catnip is best known for its effect on cats. Blackwell does not mention this, but describes its application for female reproductive problems. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. Most of the species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are annuals. Catmint induces sleep and perspiration but does not increase body temperature. It has been used for restlessness, hyperactivity, convulsions, headaches, insomnia, middle ear infection, sinuses, colds, influenza, congestion of the respiratory organs, colic, and indigestion. Elizabeth Blackwell (1707-1758) was a famed Scottish illustrator and author who was best known as both the artist and engraver for the plates of "A Curious Herbal" (1737). A herbal is a book of plants, describing their appearance, their properties and how they may be used for preparing ointments and medicines.