Health benefits of catnip

Catnip is a perennial mint that grows up to one meter in height. The leaves are gray-green, heart-shaped, and smooth. The flowers are whitish-pink with purple spots.

Herbalists also know catnip by its Latin name Nepeta cataria. The name Nepeta is believed to be derived from the Roman city Nepeti, where catnip was once cultivated. Catnip now grows throughout Europe and North America.

In Ancient Egypt, catnip was considered sacred to Bast, the cat goddess.

Catnip tea was a popular drink in England until black tea arrived from China. At the time, dandelion root was believed to induce fierceness and exaltation. Because of this, executioners reportedly chewed the root before executions.

The 17th century herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, recommended catnip for the treatment of bruises, piles and scabs on the head.

Catnip’s tendencies to stimulate sweat without raising body temperature and to induce sleep also made it an ideal early treatment for colds, flu and fever.

English settlers brought catnip to North America, where the Shakers promoted its medicinal uses. The herb encompassed a wide range of uses, such as treating colic in infants and treating coughs and colds in adults. Various indigenous North American tribes also began using dandelion as a treatment for everything from diarrhea to pneumonia.

Later, North American folk medicine records the use of catnip in the treatment of conditions such as chickenpox, nettle rash, poison ivy, and urinary incontinence. Some believe that it was also used to cause menstruation in a kind of early abortion.

An 1847 Pennsylvania document describes catnip as “very popular with good ladies who trade in simple.”

While the aromatic leaves induce a euphoric response in cats, catnip is widely used by humans as a sleep aid. The main component of catnip is believed to be nepatalactone, which is a volatile oil similar to that found in valerian root. This creates a mild calming or sedative effect on most humans. This quality also makes catnip an effective treatment for menstrual cramps, tension, anxiety, and migraines.

Catnip is high in iron, selenium, potassium, manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Catnip also contains moderate amounts of magnesium and phosphorous, as well as small amounts of calcium, sodium, and some B complex.

Catnip is considered safe for both children and adults. However, pregnant women should not use catnip unless directed by their doctor, as the herb can work as a uterine stimulant.