What are catnip's therapeutic uses?

Overview

Although catnip has a stimulating effect on virtually all felines, in humans it is traditionally used as a sleep aid. It has also been used for digestive and menstrual problems, as a uterine stimulant in childbirth, and as a symptomatic treatment for colds. Publications from the late 1960s suggested that the plant, when smoked, produced a psychedelic high not unlike marijuana, but it was later discovered that the researchers had, in fact, mixed up the two plants.

Therapeutic Dosages

Catnip tea is most commonly made by mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons (1 to 2 grams) of the dried herb, or half that amount of the liquid extract, per cup of water (240 milliliters) and can be consumed up to three times a day.

Therapeutic Uses

Catnip is primarily used by today’s herbalists as a treatment for
insomnia, as well as for mild stomach upset, especially when
caused by stress. One ingredient of catnip, trans-cis-nepetalactone,
is the active ingredient so far as cats are concerned. Most (but not all) cats
respond to this substance with a complex reaction called the “catnip response”
that can go on for about an hour.

Nepetalactone is similar to a class of substances called valepotriates, found in the sedative herb valerian. This has attracted some attention, as valerian also is used for insomnia and stomach discomfort. However, as valepotriates are no longer considered to be the active ingredients in valerian, it is not clear that this relationship has any significance.

There is no real evidence that catnip produces any effect in humans. Tests
conducted on chicks and rats have produced conflicting results, although high
doses of essential oil of catnip have increased sleeping times in the
latter.

Safety Issues

Although comprehensive safety studies have not been performed, catnip tea is generally regarded as safe. However, because of its traditional use as a uterine stimulant, pregnant women should probably avoid catnip. Safety for young children or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.

Bibliography

McGuffin, M., ed. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press; 1997.