Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Herbs & Roots. Western & European.
Also called Catmint, Catswort, Field balm
Spanish: Hierba gatera
A mint-family herb known for exciting cats, also used as a mild calming tea for people.
Did you know? Roughly two-thirds of cats react to catnip, and the reaction is inherited, so some cats never respond.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Sleep. Used as a mild bedtime tea. Traditional only, with no good human trials.Traditional proof
- Fever. Used to bring on sweating during colds and fevers. Traditional, with little human testing.Traditional proof
- Digestion & gut health. Used for gas, colic, and upset stomach. Traditional, with few human trials.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
European herbalists used catnip tea for colds, fevers, colic in babies, and upset stomachs. It was a common folk calmative in old herbals.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Nervine, Carminative, Diaphoretic. Energy: cooling.
How people take it
One cup of tea is made from dried leaves or flowers, steeped about 10 minutes. No standard dose has been set.
Tea and tincture.
Where to get it
Catnip grows wild in Europe and Asia and is naturalized in North America. It is also grown in gardens, and dried herb, tea, and tinctures are sold.
Be careful
Tea amounts are generally safe for most adults. Avoid it in pregnancy, since it was traditionally used to bring on periods. Heavy use may upset the stomach.
Avoid if: pregnancy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are mint-family calming teas.
- Works well together
A common bedtime tea blend.
- Worth knowingSleep or anxiety medicine (Ambien, Xanax, Ativan)
Its mild calming effect could add to sleep and calming medicines.
The honest take
Catnip's best-known effect is on cats, not people. Its calming and fever uses rest on tradition, and human trials are few. Keep your expectations modest.