Herbs & Supplements:
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Principal Proposed Uses
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· There are no well-documented uses for catnip
Other Proposed Uses
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Insomnia, Nervous Stomach, Indigestion, Irregular Menstruation, Colds
Although catnip has a stimulating effect on virtually all felines, in humans it is traditionally used as a sleep aid. It has also been used for digestive and menstrual problems, as a uterine stimulant in childbirth, and as a symptomatic treatment for colds. Publications from the late 1960s suggested that the plant, when smoked, produced a psychedelic high not unlike marijuana, but it was later discovered that the researchers had, in fact, mixed up the two plants.1,2
What Is Catnip Used for Today?
One ingredient of catnip, trans-cis-nepetalactone, is the active ingredient so far as cats are concerned. Most (but not all) cats respond to this substance with a complex reaction called the "catnip response" that can go on for about an hour.
Nepetalactone is similar to a class of substances called valepotriates, found in the sedative herb valerian.3 This has attracted some attention, as valerian also is used for insomnia and stomach discomfort (especially when caused by stress). However, as valepotriates are no longer considered to be the active ingredients in valerian, it is not clear that this relationship has any significance.
As yet, there is no real evidence that catnip produces any effect at all in humans. Tests conducted on chicks and rats have produced conflicting results, although high doses of catnip oil have increased sleeping times in the latter.4,5
Dosage
Catnip tea is most commonly made by mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons (1 to 2 g) of the dried herb, or half that amount of the liquid extract, per cup of water (240 ml),6 and can be consumed up to 3 times a day.
Safety Issues
Although comprehensive safety studies have not been performed, catnip tea is generally regarded as safe. However, due to its traditional use as a uterine stimulant, pregnant women should not consume catnip except on the advice of a physician. Safety for young children or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
View References
Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board
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