These dried catnip flowers are the most potent form of catnip, period. Nepetalactone is the natural chemical in catnip that make cats goofy and help them relax. The Nepetalactone is contained in the essential oil of the catnip plant. The flower portion of the plant holds the highest concentration of essential oil. There is less nepetalactone in the leaves. Buds are not easy to come by. They must be hand-harvested and delicately trimmed and packaged to remain intact. They must be harvested at the peak of freshness and are a seasonal product. Get them while you can!