Human Catnip Benefits and Applications
Human Catnip Benefits and Applications: Catnip is most known for its euphoric impact on cats, but it also has numerous health benefits for people. It is not only for cats.
Catnip was used medicinally by the ancient Romans, even though it is perhaps best recognised for eliciting comedic reactions in cats.
Native Americans employed this herb for various purposes, and it is still used in herbal medicine today.
Please find out more about Catnip, its benefits, and how to utilise it here.
What exactly is Catnip?
Catmint (Nepeta cataria), sometimes known as Catnip, is a member of the mint family.
Catnip, which was once endemic to Central Europe and portions of Asia, is now found worldwide, including the United States and Canada. It is thought that settlers who brought cuttings brought it to America in the 18th century.
Like other mint species, Catnip is easy to cultivate in pots or the garden.
The herb’s leaves and stems contain a powerful chemical known as nepetalactone. This essential oil draws cats to the plant and causes them to engage in behaviours such as purring, rolling, and vocalisations.
Nepetalactone and other active chemicals discovered in Catnip can also benefit humans.
Catnip’s Sleep Advantages
One of Catnip’s most common applications is as a sleep aid.
The nepetalactone found in Catnip is remarkably similar to the major active components, known as valepotriates, found in valerian, another popular sleep aid. It has a relaxing impact on people and can aid in treating insomnia.
Catnip’s calming and gentle character makes it an excellent cure for youngsters who have difficulty sleeping. Tension headaches can be eased with its help.
Catnip, interestingly, has a calming effect on cats when they eat it, even though it can drive them insane when they play with it.
Consider consuming Catnip as part of our Sweet Slumber Tea blend to improve sleep and evening restlessness.
Cough, Cold, and Fever Remedies
Catnip’s soothing and sedative properties have numerous applications in treating stress and anxiety.
Herbalists have long advised it to treat nervous illnesses and are frequently included in herbal teas for relaxation.
Catnip promotes relaxation and can help with chronic stress, anxiety, and overall mental health.
It is also an effective natural nerve relaxant for youngsters and can help to reduce hyperactivity.
Cough, Cold, and Fever Remedies
Catnip has also been used traditionally to treat the symptoms of colds and other ailments.
Catnip and other herbs like liquorice root and mullein are frequently used as a natural cure for coughs and sore throats. It has been shown in trials to have antispasmodic and bronchodilator qualities, which can help ease coughs and even asthma.
Catnip is a diaphoretic plant as well. Diaphoretics help the body sweat away fevers by promoting perspiration and assisting the body in ridding itself of infection more quickly.
Take Catnip in this tea blend for respiratory assistance if you have a cough, cold, or sore throat. If you have a fever, create a tea with Catnip and other herbs like peppermint and yarrow and drink it all day.
Catnip’s Digestive Benefits
Catnip’s antispasmodic qualities aid with digestion issues and cramping.
In addition, it is a carminative, which means it can help alleviate gas and bloating—Catnip’s anti-inflammatory qualities aid to reduce stomach irritation and pain.
A catnip infusion can be given topically to babies’ stomachs to treat colic, while a tea can aid adults with unsettled stomachs and women with morning sickness.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
Catnip’s anti-inflammatory characteristics make it an effective cure for alleviating pain and easing internal and exterior inflammation.
Catnip has traditionally been used to treat several pain disorders such as arthritis, gout, headaches, and aching muscles.
Catnip tea can aid with menstrual cramps, headaches, and stomach discomfort. Also, it can be applied to the skin as an infusion or in a bath to alleviate muscle soreness and aches.
Catnip is one of the significant ingredients in this postpartum relief tea, which is supposed to relieve pain and cramping caused by uterine contractions after childbirth.
Skin Advantages of Catnip
In addition to its relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects, Catnip has antibacterial characteristics, making it practical for treating skin infections and hastening the healing of minor wounds and cuts.
Catnip can be applied topically as an ointment or extract to treat skin problems, but it is also widely given by herbalists as a tea to treat hives.
Using Catnip to improve your health
One of the simplest ways to reap the benefits of Catnip is to make tea:
1 cup boiling water plus 1-2 tablespoons dried catnip leaves
Allow 10-15 minutes for the tea to brew before filtering and consuming the herbs.
If you don’t enjoy the taste of Catnip on its own, try it with peppermint, lemon balm, or red raspberry leaves.
Catnip extract is also available and can be used directly as an ointment or by adding an infusion to bathwater.
Precautions and Side Effects
Catnip is a pretty safe herb (for both cats and humans).
Catnip can cause drowsiness due to its modest sedative effects. It is recommended to start with Catnip at night to observe how you react.
Allergic reactions, indigestion, and headaches are frequent adverse effects.
Catnip should not be consumed by women with pelvic inflammatory disease or heavy menstrual cycles. Menstruation is stimulated by the plant, which may aggravate these problems.
Stop using Catnip two weeks before surgery, and see your doctor if you take any medications or have a medical problem.
Have You Ever Tried Catnip?
Catnip is healthy for humans and cats, so it could be the next herb you try as a natural treatment.
Catnip tea can encourage sleep, calm digestion, or relieve a cough. Catnip’s mild nature also makes it an excellent cure for children’s calming and easing stress or tension.
Grow Catnip on your own or buy the dried herb to experiment with!
