Botanical name: Nepeta cataria
© Steven Foster
Parts used and where grown
Catnip is a whitish-gray plant with a minty odor. The flowers are white with crimson dots.
The catnip plant grows in North America and Europe. The leaves and flowers are used as
medicine.
Catnip has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Catnip is famous for inducing a delirious, stimulated state in felines. Throughout history,
this herb has been used in humans to produce a sedative effect.1 Several other
conditions (including cancer, toothache,
corns, and hives) have been treated with
catnip by traditional herbalists.
Active constituents
The volatile oil in catnip contains the monoterpene, nepetalactone, which is similar to the
valepotriates found in valerian, a more
commonly used herbal sedative.2 Human trials are lacking to prove the effectiveness
of catnip for treating insomnia. It has been
used traditionally to reduce gas and act as a digestive aid.3
How much is usually taken?
A catnip tea can be made by adding 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water to 1–2 teaspoons
(5–10 grams) of the herb; cover, then steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Drink 2–3
cups per day.4 For children with
coughs, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of tincture three times per day can be used. Adults may take
twice this amount.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No common side effects have been associated with the use of catnip. Since catnip
(particularly the volatile oil) may act to promote uterine contractions, it should not be used
during pregnancy.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with catnip.
References:1. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical
Products Press, 1994, 120–1.
2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum,
1988, 282.
3. Sherry CJ, Hunter PS. The effect of an ethanol extract of catnip
(Nepeta cataria) on the behavior of the young chick. Experientia
1979;35:237–8.
4. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al. (eds). PDR for Herbal
Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 991–2.