Why Catnip is Not Just for Cats
I’ve long been curious about cats and their fascination for catnip especially when I knew I had drank catnip tea and it had a calming effect on me. My curiosity led me to research and what I found I had to share.
In the article Why are Cats Crazy about Catnip? the attraction to catnip by cats is discussed. It is thought to be an aphrodisiac or intoxicant for cats, though different cats react in different ways; humans differ even more. For more than 2000 years people have used catnip for calming nerves, relieving muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, aiding digestion, and more. In fact I enjoyed a calming cup of tea after publishing the article. One leaf steeped in boiled water for 10 minutes makes a nice brew and brings a hectic day to a peaceful ending. Cover the brew while it steeps to keep most of the chemical compounds intact. Catnip is an aromatic member of the mint family.
The leaves are soft and downy. Bruised they are aromatic. The flowers are long and white with purplish pink spots. They flower July through September. It was first used as a commercial product in America in 1796.
What is in catnip?
Curiously the chemical compound effects humans one way and cats in varying ways. To get an answer I consulted Prescription fo Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch, CNC
Phytochemical and nutrients in catnip:
- Acetic Acid
- Alpha-humulene
- beta-elemene
- camphor
- carvachol
- caryophyllene
- citral
- citronella
- dipentene
- geraniol
- lifronella
- limonene
- myrcene
- nepetalactone
- piperitone
- pulegone
- rosmarinic acid
- thymol
- biotin
- calcium
- choline
- chromium
- iron
- magnesium
- manganese
- nepetalic acid
- phosphorous
- potassium
- selenium
- silicon
- sodium
- sulfur
- valeric acid
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12
- volatile oils
- zinc
Soothe your stomach.
Corrine Martin, a certified clinical herbalist in Bridgton, Maine advises one to use catnip and chamomile tea to soothe the stomach and relieve indigestion in the book Home Remedies from the Country Doctor.
The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster and the staff of Herbs for Health recommend catnip or Nepeta cataria for inducing restful sleep. As a treatment for insomnia it is:
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antispasmodic/relieves cramping
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relieves fevers
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expels intestinal gas
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is mildly sedative
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relieves nausea
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relieves diarrhea
It is one of the “75 most effective herbs” according to The Alternative Advisor published by Time Life. It recommends use for:
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indigestion
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gas tension
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sleep difficulties
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colds - For colds blend with boneset, elder, yarrow or cayenne.
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flu
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bronchial congestion
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fever
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colic in infants
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menstrual cramps
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topically for minor cuts and scrapes
My favorite herbal expert is James A. Duke, PhD.
In The Green Pharmacy, Dr. Duke recommends catnip for:
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prevention of cataracts
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amenorrhea
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insomnia
Dr. Duke does not recommend catnip for cataract treatment but as a preventative herb.
Research indicates the cloudy covering of the eye known as cataracts is caused by damage from oxidation. So what would better prevent cataracts than something known to prevent oxidative damage? There are chemical substances known to neutralize the effects contained in catnip. Catnip and other mints are also rich in flavonoids (dubbed Vitamin P). Another herb, Rosemary is also praised for these qualities. Read more than a dozen reasons you should be using rosemary in The Many Reasons to Use Rosemary. Rosemary is a healing herb that can be used in aroma therapy, applied topically, or taken internally. It is one of our very versatile and extremely effective herbs.
Jethro Kloss, the once renown herbalist and author of Back to Eden listed several remedies for catnip and recommended that no family be without it stating “If mothers would have this on hand and use it properly, it would save them many sleepless nights and doctor’s bills, and also save the baby much suffering.” After compiling the list from his many references, I was more than convinced of the benefits of catnip. Among the many ailments listed for treatment by catnip were:
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convulsions
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pain of any type
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spasms
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wind colic
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gas
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indigestion
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worms
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insanity
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head aches
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stress
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irregularity
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colds
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chills
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dizziness
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fever
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amenorrhea
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nightmares
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insomnia
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cleansing the system when breaking the tobacco habit
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to rid the system of worms
Catnip is safe in low dosages even for infants.
Known side effects are not serious. If catnip produces an upset stomach, which is rare, the user should stop using the herb immediately. With infants and those over 65 the brew should be weak and the strength only increased after time, however catnip is not recommended during pregnancy.
This article is not meant to replace medical advice.
While I strongly encourage those who can to explore herbal remedies and natural medicines I would never recommend one to ignore their health care providers advice nor fail to consult him or her when ill or adding a supplement to your diet. It is only my intention to enhance the care you receive from your doctor, not to replace it.
Take care and stay well.
Liked it
Goodselfme | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for your caring research to bring this info to me. happy Thanksgiving, my friend!
Rinkal Desai | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Wow… Very interesting!
Teves | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Nice one…
CHAN LEE PENG | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
This is very detail and brief. Thanks for your effort, sister! God bless you and take care.
Christine Ramsay | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
A very detailed and interesting piece. Catnip does seem to have a lot of beneficilal properties.
Christine
BC Doan | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Great article, comprehensive and educational, Judy!
Judy Sheldon | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Roberta, Mihir, Teves, Chan, Christine & BC (Icy), thanks so much for your early morning visit. I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.
Have a blessed day!
Louie Jerome | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
An interesting article. I had no idea of benefits of this herb.
Glynis Smy | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
A very interesting and informative article. I use herbs for many things, but only have catnip for the cat. I will rethink this one after reading about it, thanks.
Sharif Ishnin | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
I did’nt know that catnip has medicinal properties for people as well. I always give my cats catnip from my garden. Great write.;)
The Mind Relaxer | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Hmm, looks like I have found another interesting information. Thanks for sharing it.
cutedrishti8 | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the benefits of catnip…
Alexa Gates | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
How interesting
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Sourav | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Very good article!
Judy Sheldon | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Louie, & Sharif I knew it was useful. I just did not know how useful.
Glynis, if you can grow it, you can have some for both you and your cat. Just don’t let your cat know where you are growing it.:-)
Sharif, The Mind Relaxer, and Sourav, thanks for the compliment.
Cutedrishti8, you are so welcome. It was my pleasure.
Alexa, mine was great. How was yours?
Mr Ghaz | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
..really excellent!..well-researched article and highly informative as well..I really enjoyed it..well done Judy..great work! Thanks for sharing..cheers
Judy Sheldon | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
Mr. Ghaz, thanks so much for your warm comment. You are quite welcome. It was my pleasure to research.
Take care & God bless!
Moses Ingram | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
This is all new to me – thanks for sharing.
Luc Gendrot | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
I knew about rosemary but i had no idea that catnip was the same.
Payge | Nov 27, 2009 | Reply
That was different and didnt know it had more uses them making my cat go nuts….should try the tea.
Judy Sheldon | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
Moses, you are so welcome. I love sharing helpful health tips.
Luc, rosemary is in the same family, but they have different properties.
Payge, try some tea. I hope you enjoy it. I do.
Thanks and God bless!
rajagiri | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
wow! it’s awesome
http://www.replicawatchesindia.info
athena goodlight | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
Very thorough research. This is useful info. But I haven’t actually seen a catnip in my life.
Uma Shankari | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
Loved this article for its thorough research, clarity and presentation.
giftarist | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
Great article, lot of info I learned!
Judy Sheldon | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
Rajagirl, Athena, Uma, & Giftarist, thanks so much for your support.
Stay well & have a blessed day.
Patrick Regoniel | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
That’s good to know Judy. Thanks!
CA Johnson | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
This is a great article, Judy. I didn’t that you could use catnip for so many things.
Judy Sheldon | Nov 28, 2009 | Reply
Patrick and CA, thanks so much for your support.
Take care & God bless!
jeannie matthews,Muffen,Jinx,ST | Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
Judy great article have to try it the kids (my cats) will just have to share with me. Keep up the good work.
Judy Sheldon | Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
Hi, Jeannie, thanks for the comment. Yes, I think the cats can share with you. After all you share with them.
Take care & God bless.
Karla | Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Thank you I learned more about catnip that I was not aware of. I am thinking of going to get me some and give some to my son at night it may help him sleep at night.
Judy Sheldon | Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Karla, it helps me sleep better. In fact it’s time for my tea.
See you at work tomorrow.
Take care & God bless.
Jenny Heart | Dec 1, 2009 | Reply
I’ve drank this type of tea and it’s relaxing. Great article!
Judy Sheldon | Dec 1, 2009 | Reply
Jenny, thanks for the support. It is relaxing.
Take care & God bless.
Lady Sunshine | Dec 1, 2009 | Reply
Very interesting article. I never knew catnip could be beneficial to humans!
Judy Sheldon | Dec 1, 2009 | Reply
Lady Sunshine, yes, it is beneficial to people. Thanks for your support. Take care & God bless.
M J katz | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
Hi Judy; I never knew all this about catnip! When making the tea, can one use the dry commercial catnip that is packaged in the Pets Department of stores?…and if so, how much of the dry herb do we use when making a cup of tea? Or do we need to go to an Herbal Store if we don’t have gardens to grow catnip in?
If we can use the Pets Dept type, Noodleman and SpiceGirl are just going to have to share. After all, I shared my turkey with them on Thanksgiving!
Hope you had a good Thanksgiving Day. Take care. 
Judy Sheldon | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
MJ, I grow it in my green house on the top shelf blocked in so they don’t know it’s there.
I’m nice. I share.