Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family, native to Europe and Asia, and now widely naturalized across North America. While most people associate this plant with its psychoactive effects on felines, humans can safely consume it, most commonly as an herbal tea. Unlike the excitement seen in cats, the tea is traditionally used as a mild relaxant.
The Catnip Plant and Its Primary Compound
The distinctive effects of catnip stem from a volatile oil found in its leaves and stems called nepetalactone. This compound acts as a chemical attractant for many members of the cat family. When cats inhale nepetalactone, it binds to nasal receptors, stimulating sensory neurons linked to areas of the brain that govern emotion and behavior, leading to the well-known rolling and playing response.
The reaction in humans is not the same because the human brain lacks the specific receptors that trigger the feline psychoactive response. When consumed, nepetalactone appears to act as a mild sedative. This calming effect is sometimes compared to valerian root, another herb used for relaxation, due to a structural similarity between nepetalactone and the valepotriates found in valerian.
Traditional Uses and Reported Benefits
For centuries, herbalists have utilized catnip tea for its soothing properties on the nervous and digestive systems. The primary reason people drink the tea today is for its gentle, mild sedative effect, which promotes relaxation and calmness. This calming action makes it a popular traditional remedy for occasional anxiety, nervousness, or restlessness.
The herb is frequently consumed before bedtime to aid with sleep, serving as a folk remedy for mild insomnia. Catnip’s calming properties also extend to the digestive tract, where it may help relieve minor gastrointestinal issues. Historically, the tea was used to address symptoms like indigestion, gas, bloating, and stomach cramps by acting as an antispasmodic, which reduces involuntary muscle contractions in the gut.
Making and Consuming Catnip Tea
Preparing catnip tea is a straightforward process using either fresh or dried material from the plant. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried catnip leaves and flowers, or 2 to 3 fresh leaves, per cup of water. Place the herbs in a mug, and pour hot water, ideally just below boiling, over them.
To extract the beneficial compounds, steep the tea for 10 to 15 minutes; steeping up to 30 minutes results in a stronger brew. Strain the plant material before consumption. Most adults find it suitable to drink two to three cups per day, but it is best to start with a single cup in the evening to gauge its relaxing effects.
Potential Side Effects and Who Should Avoid It
While catnip tea is generally regarded as safe for most adults when consumed in moderate amounts, it is not without potential side effects. The most common minor effect is drowsiness, a direct result of its mild sedative properties. Consuming larger amounts may lead to mild digestive upset, headaches, or vomiting in some individuals.
Certain individuals must avoid catnip tea due to specific contraindications. It is considered unsafe for those who are pregnant because the herb may stimulate uterine contractions. Women who are breastfeeding should also refrain from consuming it due to a lack of reliable safety data. Furthermore, anyone with pelvic inflammatory disease or excessive menstrual bleeding should avoid the tea, as it may aggravate these conditions. Since catnip can intensify the effects of central nervous system depressants, it should not be consumed by individuals taking sedative medications or within two weeks of scheduled surgery requiring anesthesia.