Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. This plant is famous for inducing a state of euphoria and frenzy in domestic felines. A common question is whether humans can achieve a similar psychoactive experience. The definitive answer is that humans do not get “high” in the typical sense, meaning they do not experience a euphoric, mind-altering, or hallucinogenic state. This difference in reaction is rooted in a fundamental biological distinction between human and feline neurochemistry.
The Active Chemical Ingredient: Nepetalactone
The unique effects of catnip stem from a single, volatile chemical compound called nepetalactone. This substance is an iridoid monoterpene, which is a class of organic compounds found in the essential oils of the plant. Nepetalactone is concentrated within the leaves, stems, and flower heads of the Nepeta cataria plant. It is a potent oil released into the air when the plant material is bruised, crushed, or chewed. The chemical structure of nepetalactone is responsible for its biological activity, though it interacts differently with biological systems in cats and humans.
Why Cats React: The Feline Neurological Pathway
The intense, euphoric reaction in cats is triggered exclusively by inhaling the volatile nepetalactone compound. When a cat sniffs catnip, the chemical binds to specialized receptors in the nasal tissue connected to the vomeronasal organ. This organ is a secondary olfactory system that often detects pheromones. The sensory signals travel directly to two specific regions in the feline brain: the amygdala, which regulates emotional responses, and the hypothalamus, which controls behavior and is linked to the pleasure and reward system. This pathway causes a short-lived, drug-like effect that mimics the response to feline sex pheromones. The resulting behavior, including rolling, rubbing, and drooling, is a temporary psychosexual response that typically lasts for five to fifteen minutes.
Human Effects: Beyond the Psychoactive High
Unlike cats, humans lack the specific vomeronasal receptors that allow nepetalactone to directly access and stimulate the brain’s pleasure centers. Therefore, the chemical does not produce a psychoactive or euphoric “high” when inhaled or consumed. When catnip is ingested, the active compounds are processed through the digestive system, leading to systemic effects rather than neurological stimulation. This mechanism results in milder effects, which are primarily sedative in nature. Catnip is often used to soothe anxiety or promote sleep due to its gentle sedative properties. It also has a history in herbal medicine for treating digestive upset, including gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort.
Safety Profile and Consumption Methods
For human consumption, Nepeta cataria is considered safe when used in moderation and often holds a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status. The most common method of consumption is brewing the dried leaves into an herbal tea or infusion. A typical preparation involves steeping one to two teaspoons of dried catnip in hot water for ten to fifteen minutes to access the herb’s mild calming and digestive benefits. While some individuals attempt to smoke dried catnip, this method does not produce a psychoactive high. Smoking also introduces risks associated with inhaling burnt plant material, including respiratory irritation. Consuming excessively large amounts of catnip may lead to mild side effects like drowsiness, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea or vomiting.