What Is Catnip – What Is Its Purpose

Traditional/ethnobotanical application

What Is Catnip – What Is Its Purpose: Catnip leaves and shoots have been used to flavor sauces, soups, and stews, as well as fruit table wines and liqueurs.

According to the General Irish Herbal, catnip leaves and blooms were utilized in herbal drinks as early as 1735. The herb was used to treat intestinal spasms and indigestion, produce sweating, encourage menstruation, function as a sedative, and boost appetite.

The herb has also been used to treat diarrhea, colic, colds, and cancer. Catnip tea was used to treat mental illnesses, stomach issues, rashes, and colds in Appalachia.

To cure respiratory diseases, the dried leaves were smoked, and a poultice was used externally to relieve swelling. In the early 1900s, the flowering tops and leaves caused menstruation to be delayed.

In the 1960s, catnip was allegedly smoked for its euphoric effects.

What exactly is catnip, and why has it become so popular?

Catmint, or Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family and is frequently referred to as catnip.

Catnip can now be found all over the world, including the United States and Canada, while it was formerly solely found in Central Europe and Asia.

In the 18th century, it was thought that settlers carried cuttings to the United States.

Catnip, like other mints, can be grown in pots or in the garden.

A powerful alkaloid present in the herb's leaves and stems is nepetalactone. The aroma of this essential oil attracts cats to the plant, encouraging them to engage in purring, rolling, and vocalizations.
Nepetalactone and other active compounds found in catnip may be beneficial to humans as well.

The Sleep Benefits of Catnip

One of the most common applications of catnip is as a sleep aid.

The main active element in catnip, nepetalactone, is extremely similar to the valepotriates found in valerian, another popular sleep aid. It has a calming effect on people and can be used to treat sleep disorders including insomnia.

Because of its soothing and gentle character, catnip is an excellent sleep aid for youngsters. Its use may help to relieve tension headaches.

Anxiety and stress reduction

There are numerous applications for catnip's stress-relieving and sedative properties.

Herbalists have long maintained that it can assist relieve symptoms of nervous system diseases, and it is commonly found in herbal teas to help individuals relax.

Catnip promotes relaxation and can aid in the treatment of chronic stress, anxiety, and poor mental health.

It is also an effective natural nerve agent for children and, in some situations, can assist to control hyperactivity.

Treatment for cough, cold, and fever.

Catnip has traditionally been used to treat colds and other diseases.

Catnip, along with other herbs like licorice root and mullein, is often used as a natural cough and sore throat remedy.

According to studies, it possesses antispasmodic and bronchodilator effects that can aid with coughs and asthma.

Catnip is also a diaphoretic herb. Diaphoretics help the body sweat off fevers by increasing perspiration, and they help the body rid itself of infection faster.

Do you have a sore throat, a cold, or a cough? To improve your respiratory system, try this tea with catnip. If you have a fever, make a catnip tea with other herbs like peppermint and yarrow and drink it all day.

The digestive advantages of catnip

Catnip's antispasmodic properties help with stomach problems and cramping.

It is also a carminative, which means it relaxes gas and can aid with constipation and bloating—the anti-inflammatory effects of catnip aid in the relief of stomach aches and discomfort.

A catnip infusion can be given directly to babies' stomachs. Tea can aid those with unsettled stomachs as well as pregnant women. with morning sickness in order to alleviate colic

anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities

Catnip's anti-inflammatory properties make it a helpful treatment for both internal and exterior pain alleviation and inflammation reduction.

Catnip has traditionally been used to alleviate pain conditions such as arthritis, gout, headaches, and aching muscles.

Menstrual cramps, migraines, and stomach pain can all be relieved with catnip tea. It can also be used topically or in a bath to relieve muscle pain and stiffness.

Catnip is one of the main herbs in this postpartum relief tea, and it is said to help with pain and cramping produced by uterine contractions after childbirth.

The Skin Advantages of Catnip

Catnip contains antimicrobial effects, as well as relaxing and anti-inflammatory benefits.

As a result, it can help treat skin infections and speed up the healing of small wounds and cuts.

Catnip can be used topically as an ointment or extract for skin diseases, but it is also commonly recommended as a tea for hives by herbalists.

The Health Advantages of Catnip

Making tea is one of the most basic methods to reap the benefits of catnip:

Boiling water with 1-2 teaspoons of dried catnip

Before filtering and drinking, sterilize and eat the herbs in the tea for at least 15 minutes.

If you don't like catnip on its own, try it with peppermint, lemon balm, or red raspberry leaves.

Catnip extract is also available as an ointment or bath component.
Precautions and side effects

Catnip is a relatively safe herb (for both cats and humans).

Due to its mild sedative properties, catnip can cause sleepiness. It is recommended that you start with catnip at night and watch how you react.

Allergic reactions, dyspepsia, and headaches are common adverse effects.

Catnip should be avoided by women who have a pelvic inflammatory illness or have heavy menstrual cycles. Menstruation is caused by the herb, which may aggravate both conditions.

Stop using catnip two weeks before surgery, and consult with your doctor if you are on any medications or have a medical problem.