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I remind you that the information provided in this series is for information purposes only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, neither is it to be construed as such. It does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment where required. Consult a doctor for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.
Also, while every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, you are strongly advised to take responsibility and do your own research.
In the previous article, we looked at the burdock root plant, which is used for cleansing and purging, as well as having other medicinal uses.
In this article, we will look at the popular and versatile Catnip (Nepeta cataria) plant.
You do know it’s not just for cats, right?
Why do cats love catnip so much?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the common name for a perennial herb of the mint family. “Perennial” means that it is long-lasting, more than two years.
The plant is native to Europe and is imported into the United States. In North America it is a common widespread weed. Catnip is most popular with cats for the reaction that it causes when they receive some dried ‘nip from their owner. They roll around in it for all they are worth. The fact is that humans do not smell what cats smell when it comes to catnip, so humans do not react the same way that cats do. It is known that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the thing that triggers the response. Apparently, it somehow kicks off a kind of psychoactive response in cats that are sensitive to the chemical.
How do humans use catnip?
Catnip has been used for several ailments including the treatment of
- colic,
- headache,
- toothache,
- colds, and
- spasms.
As a nervine, it is also known to induce sleep in most people, however, but in others it can have a counter effect. Catnip also has antibacterial properties. Many people also prefer catnip tea to Chinese tea. Some of the agents in catnip also act as a very effective cockroach repellent. It has actually been proven to be more effective by 100% than DEET.
Additional health benefits
If you are a bodybuilder, you know how important getting enough rest is in order for your muscles to grow, right?
When taken orally, catnip shows a great benefit for dealing with
- anxiety,
- insomnia, and
- nervousness.
Nepetalactone is the active ingredient in catnip and is commonly used as an herbal sedative. Because of this it is also great for easing
- migraine headaches,
- stomach complaints, and
- also reduces swelling associated with arthritis, hemorrhoids, and soft tissue injuries.
There is also research that hints at its promise for dealing with herpes simplex infections.
A bit of trivia…
In the 15th century the English cooks would season meats with catnip and also add a pinch to salads.
Folklore has it that if catnip is smoked it might produce minor hallucinogenic effects but that has since been disregarded. It has also been said that when children would throw fits that catnip would be able to calm them and also stop children from having nightmares (Herbalist Matthew Wood mentions this in the above video).
Some claims have been made that catnip is a distant relative of marijuana. There really is no validity to this claim except for the way that the cats behave when they roll around in the nip. They do appear to be getting a buzz. When the cat rolls around in it a euphoric effect is experienced, however, if the cat eats any of the nips, she is certain to fall fast asleep.
…and some more useful information
Catnip has been called “the mysterious herb” by many. It is related to common kitchen herbs like thyme and sage and can be easily cultivated as a houseplant.
Mosquitoes seem to hate the plant as much as cats love it.
So, these are all the things that make catnip such a unique herb. It has the ability to entertain cats, it has medicinal properties, there are a few funny myths about it and is an insect repellant all in one.
In the next article, we will look at the very popular Chamomile plant.
To a better, wiser, stronger YOU!
Note: I am an affiliate for the above offer and may get a commission on each sale.
Sources:
Effective Herbal Remedies for Herpes Simplex Infections. Located at American Botanical Council,
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/issues/bin_386/review060293-386/ [Accessed May 2, 2023]
Yarnell E, Abascal K, Rountree R. Herbs for herpes simplex infections. Altern Complement Ther. April 2009,15(2): 69-74.
Catnip. Located at Britannica (online),
https://www.britannica.com/plant/catnip [Accessed May 2, 2023]
This site contains affiliate links to products sold by selected self improvement partners. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.