Catnip

Catnip Herb Benefits For Health

The catnip plant (Nepeta cataria) is a versatile and aromatic herb with a long history of benefits for humans. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. The plant was later brought to North America by settlers. Catnip herb is characterized by its distinctive heart-shaped leaves, which are fuzzy and grey-green, producing small, tubular white, purple-dotted flowers. 

Catnip gets its name from its irresistible allure to cats, who go wild for the herb. Indeed, all it takes is a few sniffs, and cats go into a delirious state – meowing, purring, rolling around, and zoning out. This effect is caused by a compound called nepetalactone, an essential oil unique to the catnip plant. Neptalectones also have sedative properties, so when cats decide to eat catnip, they tend to fall asleep (which, yes, is perfectly fine). 

Beyond the feline world, catnip has a long history of traditional uses, particularly in herbal medicine. In fact, it was employed in a wide range of medicinal applications in various cultures across the globe. Its most well-established therapeutic effects include relaxant and soothing properties, digestive support, pain relief, mucolytic, and anti-inflammatory. Catnip continues to play a role in modern herbalism, although its applications have evolved and expanded. Below are some of catnip’s most common uses.

Medicinal Benefits Of Catnip

• Improved Digestive Health – Catnip herb is frequently used to benefit digestive health and address issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and digestive discomfort (gas, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, etc.)
• Insect Repellent – The catnip herb is an excellent, eco-friendly insect repellent. It has been shown to keep insects away by triggering a chemical receptor in insects that spurs sensations such as pain and itching.
• Natural Anti-Inflammatory – Catnip's anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
• Pain Management – Catnip's analgesic properties are well-documented and may be used to manage various forms of pain, both when applied topically and consumed orally.
• Sleep Aid – Catnip is a natural remedy for insomnia and can significantly improve sleep quality, which is why it is often found in herbal sleep blends. The herb is also quite effective as a standalone, in tincture form.
• Stress and Anxiety Relief – Catnip herb is a popular choice for alleviating stress and anxiety and inducing feelings of calm and relaxation. It also has benefits for crankiness and for relaxing the central nervous system. 

Who Should Consider Taking Catnip Herbs?

Even though its popular among cats, catnip's wide range of applications and benefits makes it a popular choice in modern herbal medicine. Those looking for a natural sleep aid and stress reliever may especially benefit from catnip herb supplementation, as may anyone looking for an effective, safe, natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Additionally, gardeners may appreciate catnip for its ability to keep mosquitoes at bay while attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. 

Shopping For Quality Catnip Herbal Products

One of the most common forms of the herb is dried catnip, which consists of the plant's dried leaves, stems, and flowers. This form is often used to stuff cat toys or sprinkle on scratching posts to entice feline friends. Catnip can also be found in liquid or spray form, allowing pet owners to apply it to surfaces or toys to stimulate their cat's interest. For humans, catnip is available as dried loose-leaf catnip and teabags, which can be brewed into herbal teas, providing a mild and soothing herbal infusion. Catnip is also widely available in convenient liquid tincture form. 

Final Considerations For Catnip

Catnip is a safe and effective plant and is well tolerated by most. Excessive consumption/extremely high doses may cause mild side effects such as dizziness, headaches, or gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Individuals with allergies to plants in the mint family, to which catnip belongs, should exercise caution when handling or using catnip products. 

Additionally, catnip may interact with certain medications, particularly sedatives and anticoagulants, so individuals taking these drugs should consult their healthcare practitioner before using catnip to avoid any potential interactions.

Back to Top ↑