Catnip
Throughout history, this herb has been used by humans to produce a sedative effect. Apart from being used in cooking, and medicinally this plant is great friend to cats!
Cats big and small adore catanip, and it can be used as a powerful training aid.
Usage
Medicinally, the plant has been used to treat intestinal cramps, for indigestion, to cause sweating, to induce menstruation, as a sedative, and to increase appetite. Additionally, the plant has been used to treat diarrhea, colic, the common cold, and cancer.
Combining valerian root with other mildly sedating herbs (chamomile , hops , passion flower , lemon balm , American skullcap , and catnip) is common in some parts of the world.
Calming effect
Can help relax the body before bed and promote rest. Its often combined with other herbs for relaxation.
Cough
If can help with symptoms of colds, cough and other related illnesses.
For Cats
Used to encourage cats to explore and play, but it can also be used as a training aid.
How to use catnip?
Catnip products have been used as a flavoring in sauces, soups, and stews, and in several patented beverages, as well as in fruit table wines and liquors.
Make a Tea
Traditionally people used this tea for restlessness, nervousness and nervous disorders.
In a Meal
Catanip can be used in a kitchen as a seasoning, and it’s a member of a mint family.
For Cats
The dried leaves are often used as a stuffing for cat playthings, or to sprinkle on the cats food.
In Appalachia, nervous conditions, stomach ailments, hives, and the common cold have been treated with catnip tea.
The dried leaves have been smoked to relieve respiratory ailments.
In the early 1900s, flowering tops and leaves were used to induce delayed menses.
During the 1960s, catnip was reportedly smoked for its euphoric effects.
About
The genus Nepeta (catnip) includes herbaceous perennial and annual plants in the family Lamiaceae distributed in Central and Southern Europe, West, Central, and Southern Asia, Africa, and North America. Primarily, it is used as a treat for feline pets.
Composition
Nepetalactone (a component of Nepeta cataria and other species of Nepeta) had specific activity at some opioid receptor subtypes. Unique behavioral reactions of cats have been observed in the presence of catnip. The chemosensory stimulus evoking the catnip reaction is undoubtedly mediated through the main olfactory system.
These behaviors, include sniffing and chewing as associated with oral appetitive behavior, rolling and rubbing characteristic of female sexual behavior, batting the catnip source characteristic of play behavior, and a type of kicking associated with predatory behavior. These behavioral reactions occur randomly and intermittently.
Science
Laboratory animal studies have produced somewhat conflicting results regarding sleep time and activity. Two studies suggest that components of catnip have some sedative activity.
The alcohol extract of catnip showed a biphasic effect on the behavior of young chicks, increasing the number of chicks who slept at low and moderate doses. A case report described a single child who ate a large amount of catnip and was obtunded.
There is no clinical evidence to guide the dosage of catnip. Traditional doses for sedation require 4 g of dried herb, usually given as tea. Because of the lack of sufficient data about interactions, people with chronic illnesses should avoid it completely.
Safety
There are some reports of adverse effects, so pregnant and lactating women, as well as children and the elderly should not use catnip.
Fun Facts
The use of catnip leaves and flowers in herbal teas was documented at least as early as 1735 in the General Irish Herbal.
Male cats tend to like catnip more because the same chemical can be found in a female cat's urine.
Sources
Grognet, J. (1990). Catnip: Its uses and effects, past and present. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 31(6), 455.
Chin, K. L., Qi, Y., Berhane, M., & Simon, J. E. (2005). Biological Characteristics, Nutritional and Medicinal Value of Catnip, Nepeta cataria. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 70813, 225.
Recipes
