Catmint describes many perennial herbs within the Nepeta genus, which belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. These aromatic plants are known for their fragrant foliage and spikes of small, often purple or blue, flowers. Catmint species are cultivated for purposes ranging from ornamental landscaping and natural pest control to traditional herbal remedies for humans.
Distinguishing Catmint from Catnip
The terms “catmint” and “catnip” are frequently used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct species within the Nepeta genus. Catnip is specifically Nepeta cataria, known for its weedy, upright growth habit and strong effects on cats. Catmint generally refers to other cultivated Nepeta species and hybrids, such as Nepeta x faassenii or Nepeta racemosa. These ornamental varieties are prized in gardens for their tidy, mounding growth habit, attractive lavender-blue flowers, and long blooming season. While all Nepeta species contain the active compound nepetalactone, catnip (N. cataria) has it in a much higher concentration than ornamental catmints.
The Attraction: How Catmint Affects Felines
The effect of catmint on felines is caused by the volatile oil nepetalactone, concentrated in the stems and leaves. When the plant material is crushed, chewed, or sniffed, this oil is released into the air. Nepetalactone molecules bind to specific protein receptors in a cat’s nasal tissues. This binding stimulates sensory neurons and sends a signal to the cat’s brain, targeting the olfactory bulb. The signal then travels to regions like the amygdala and the hypothalamus, triggering a euphoric, opioid-like response in the cat’s brain.
A cat’s reaction is characterized by behaviors such as sniffing, licking, chewing, head rubbing, and rolling on the ground. This temporary euphoria usually lasts for 10 to 15 minutes before the cat becomes temporarily immune to the effects for an hour or more. This sensitivity is a genetic trait, inherited as an autosomal dominant gene. Scientific estimates suggest that 70% to 80% of domestic cats possess the necessary gene to respond to nepetalactone. Kittens younger than a few months old and a percentage of adult cats are completely unaffected. For cats that do respond, the herb can be a useful tool for enrichment, encouraging play, or reducing stress in new environments.
Traditional Uses in Human Health
Catmint, particularly Nepeta cataria, has a long history of use in traditional folk medicine for human ailments. The plant contains compounds like nepetalactone that possess mild sedative and antispasmodic properties. It has been historically prepared as a warm herbal infusion, commonly known as catnip tea.
The tea is often used to promote calm and relaxation, helping to soothe nervousness and reduce anxiety. Its mild sedative qualities also made it a traditional remedy for promoting sleep and easing insomnia. Herbalists valued catmint for its carminative properties, which help relieve digestive discomfort. The tea was also traditionally used as a diaphoretic, meaning it could help induce sweating during fevers or colds. These uses are rooted in centuries of traditional practice and are not approved medical treatments.
Safe Harvesting and Consumption Guidelines
Proper harvesting is necessary to maximize the potency and flavor of catmint prepared for human consumption, primarily as a tea. The optimal time to harvest the leaves and flowering tops is just before the plant fully blooms, when the concentration of essential oils is highest. Cut the herb on a dry day, after the morning dew has evaporated, to minimize the risk of mold during drying. Once harvested, the stems should be hung upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area until the leaves are completely crisp. The dried material can then be stored in an airtight container away from light and heat.
To prepare the tea, one teaspoon of dried, crushed leaves per cup of boiling water is typically steeped for five to ten minutes. Certain precautions are advised when consuming catmint tea. Due to its traditional use in promoting menstruation, pregnant individuals should avoid the tea as it may stimulate uterine contractions. As with any herbal product, use only pesticide-free plants and consult a healthcare professional before regular use, particularly if taking other medications.