Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is globally recognized for its profound, yet harmless, psychoactive effect on domestic cats, which earned it its common name. This herb has a long history of traditional use by humans. Its potent feline association often leads to curiosity about its effects when consumed, particularly through smoking, prompting inquiries about its noticeable effects in humans.
The Active Compound and Human Physiology
The herb’s unique properties are due to nepetalactone, a volatile oil concentrated in the leaves and stems. When a cat encounters crushed leaves, nepetalactone binds to specific nasal receptors, triggering a signal cascade in the brain. This process leads to characteristic feline behaviors like rolling, rubbing, and temporary euphoria.
In humans, the physiological response to nepetalactone is distinctly different because human neurochemistry does not process the compound like felines. When consumed or inhaled, the compound is absorbed but does not bind significantly to neurological receptors to produce a comparable psychoactive effect. The potent, euphoric response seen in cats is virtually absent in people, though traditional uses suggest a mild calming effect.
Reported Effects and Safety Profile
The effects of smoking catnip are extremely mild, often limited to a subtle sense of relaxation or slight drowsiness. Some users report a fleeting sense of calm, sometimes likened to drinking chamomile tea, while others note only throat irritation. Strong psychoactive effects, euphoria, or altered states of consciousness comparable to recreational drugs are not associated with smoking catnip.
The primary health concerns stem from the act of inhalation rather than the plant material itself. Smoking any dried plant matter introduces hot gases and fine particulate matter into the lungs, which can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and a scratchy throat. Mild side effects like headaches, nausea, or general discomfort have also been reported, especially when large quantities are consumed. Although catnip is considered non-toxic in small doses, high doses have been linked to symptoms like vomiting.
Alternative Uses and Preparation
Catnip has a long history of use in traditional and safer preparations, moving away from inhalation. The herb is most commonly prepared as an herbal tea by infusing dried leaves in hot water. This infusion is traditionally consumed for its mild sedative and relaxant properties, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and mild insomnia.
Beyond internal consumption, the essential oil containing nepetalactone is useful as an insect repellent. Studies suggest this oil can be highly effective against mosquitoes, often comparable to synthetic repellents like DEET. For practical topical application, fresh catnip leaves can be crushed and rubbed directly onto the skin to release the oil, providing a temporary shield against biting insects.