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Also known as- Nepeta cataria, Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Field Balm, Menta De Gato.
Introduction
Catnip is, as its name suggests, the herb of choice for cats. A member of the mint, catnip attracts cats of all breeds and sizes, who often run up to the herb, paw it, roll in it, meow loudly, and then suddenly lose interest in the herb for hours or days until sensitivity to the herb "resets" itself.
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Taken orally, catnip is most commonly used in connection with anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. It contains a substance, known as nepetalactone, which has a sedative effect in humans. (Nepetalactone is very similar to valepotriate found in valerian, a more commonly used herbal sedative.) Due to this effect, catnip may also be used to help lessen migraine headaches. Catnip has also been used historically to relieve stomach complaints such as colic, cramps, gas, and indigestion because chemicals in it may have muscle-relaxing, or antispasmodic, effects.
Topically, catnip has often been used to reduce swelling associated with arthritis, hemorrhoids, and soft tissue injuries.
Dosage and Administration
Capsule and oral liquid forms of catnip are available commercially and dried catnip may be brewed into a tea. Although dosage for catnip is not standardized, a common recommendation for catnip tea is 1 or 2 teaspoons of the dried aerial parts soaked for about 10 minutes in 1 cup of water that has been allowed to boil and then removed from the heat. Boiling catnip may cause the loss of active ingredients. Catnip is often taken three times a day.
To use topically, dried leaves or flowers of catnip are moistened with warm water to make a poultice, which is applied externally as often as needed. Cooled catnip tea may also be used as a soak or a wash.
Constituents
Nepetalactone, essential oil
Parts Used
The leaf, dried, cut, and powdered.
Typical Preparations
As a tea, extract or lightly sprinkled on food. Herbal pillow for cats.
Summary
Scientists have ascertained that the feline reaction to catnip is due to the its content of nepetalactone. The herb is also strongly antifungal and a bactericide for Staphylococcus aureus, as well as a close chemical relative to a number of insect repellants that affect mosquitoes and termites.
Precautions
Not recommended for use while pregnant.
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