Catnip is a calming herb, taken for insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems and headaches. It eases digestion, encourages sweating, calms pain and brings down fever. It reduces flatulence and is recommended for indigestion and colic.
Catnip is specifically indicated for nervous conditions associated with excess mental activity. While other calming herbs are more antospasmodic or heart sedative, catnip acts specifically on mental hyperactivity, providing much needed rest and sleep. More calming than sedatives, it can be taken during the day without significantly affecting alertness.
The scientific botanical name for catnip is Nepeta cataria. Common names also include catswort and catmint. Other names include Cataire, Catnep, Chataire, Field Balm, Herbe à Chat, Herbe aux Chats, Hierba Gatera, Menta de Gato, Menthe des Chats.
Key Points
- native from Europe to Asia, introduced to Americas
- exciting effect on cats, calming effect on humans
- avoid high doses
- can get you high if smoked
History
The name catnip comes from the intense attraction that 2/3 of cats have towards the plant. Catnip has a volatile oil called neptalactone which acts as an artificial cat pheromone to create a "sexual response". The scientific part of the name nepeta means artificial or fake.
If catnip doesn't work on a cat, other plants like Valerian root and leaves, Silver Vine, and Tatarian honeysuckle wood usually do the trick.
Where is it found?
Catnip is native to souther and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of China. It has been naturalized into northern Europe, New Zealand and North America. It can be found along roadsides, near streams, hedgegrows, field borders, dry banks and waste grounds.
What's it used for?
Having a mint like flavor, the young leaves can be eaten raw and provide an aromatic flavor in salads. Older leaves can be used to flavor cooked food. Fresh or dried leaves can make a herbal tea. Boiling is said to spoil the essential oils.
Catnip is an insect deterrent for species such as aphids, squash bugs, ants and flea beetles.
The main use for catnip is for medicinal purposes.
Uses of catnip include to treat insomnia, migraines, colds, respiratory infections, flus, fever, hives, upset stomach, gas, anxiety, stress, arthritis, increasing urination, starting menstruation, treating worms and hemorrhoids.
Smoking it can get you high, experiencing euphoria, sedation and visual hallucinations.
Are there any risks?
Small amounts are known to be safe. High doses of smoking or ingestion might be of concerns for safety. Side effects include headaches, vomiting and feeling ill.
Since it stimulates the uterus, pregnant women should avoid. Breast-feeding while using may be safe, but it's not known for sure. Women with menstrual conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease or heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia) should avoid as it will likely make he conditions worse. Avoid use for surgery as it affects the central nervous system.
Catnip interacts with lithium and decrease the body's ability to eliminate lithium, increasing how much lithium is in your body. Sedative medications will be affected and cause too much sleepiness.
References:
Previous posts on Getting to Know Herbs:
Lavender | Yarrow | Marshmallow | Skullcap | Codonopsis (Poor Man's Ginseng) | Schisandra | Rhodiola | Canadian Goldenrod | German Chamomile | Blue Vervain | Blessed or Holy Thistle | Common Horehound | Cayenne | Ashwagandha | Gotu Kola | Common Verbana/Vervain | Holy Basil | Sweet Annie | Globe Artichoke | Butterfly Weed / Pleurisy Root | Joe-Pye Weed / Gravel Root | Valerian | Malva/Mallow | Boneset | Elecampane | Lungwort | Cramp Bark | Motherwort | Common Plantain | Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) | Black Cohosh | Common Bearberry | Mahonia Mountain Grape (Oregon Grape) | Blue Cohosh | Goldenseal
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