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, stews, and patent beverages, as well as fruit table wines and liqueurs.
Catnip leaves and blossoms were used in herbal drinks as early as 1735, according to the General Irish Herbal. The herb was used medicinally to cure intestinal spasms and indigestion, promote sweating, stimulate menstruation, act as a sedative, and improve appetite.
In addition, the herb has been used to cure diarrhea, colic, colds, and cancer. In Appalachia, catnip tea cured mental problems, stomach ailments, rashes, and colds.
The dried leaves were smoked to treat respiratory disorders, and a poultice was used externally to reduce swelling. The flowering tops and leaves induced delayed menstruation in the early 1900s.
Catnip was purportedly smoked for its euphoric effects in the 1960s.
What exactly is catnip, and why has it become so popular?
Nepeta cataria, or catmint, is a member of the mint family and is commonly known as catnip.
Catnip is now found worldwide, including in the United States and Canada, where it was initially only found in Central Europe and Asia.
It was thought that settlers brought cuttings to the United States in the 18th century.
Like other mints, catnip can be grown in pots or in the garden.
Nepetalactone, found in the herb’s leaves and stems, is a potent alkaloid. Cats are attracted to the plant by the scent of this essential oil, which encourages them to participate in purring, rolling, and vocalizations.
Nepetalactone and other active chemicals identified in catnip can also be beneficial to humans.
Catnip’s Sleep Advantages
Using catnip as a sleep aid is one of the most prevalent uses of the herb.
Catnip’s principal active ingredient, nepetalactone, is very similar to the valepotriates found in valerian, another well-known sleep aid. It is relaxing to humans and can be used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Catnip is a good remedy for children who have trouble falling asleep because of its relaxing and gentle nature. Tension headaches may be lessened as a result of its use.
Anxiety and stress relief
Multiple uses for catnip’s stress-relieving and sedative effects have been discovered.
Herbalists have long claimed that it can help alleviate symptoms of nervous system disorders, and it is widely included in herbal teas to help people unwind.
Catnip induces relaxation and can help with chronic stress, anxiety, and overall mental health.
It is also an effective natural nerve agent for youngsters and can help to reduce hyperactivity in some cases.
Cough, cold, and fever treatment.
Traditionally, catnip has also been used to treat colds and other illnesses.
Catnip and other herbs, such as licorice root and mullein, are commonly used as natural cough and sore throat remedies.
Trials have indicated that it has antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties, which can help with coughs and asthma.
Catnip is a diaphoretic plant as well. Diaphoretics assist the body in sweating off fevers by boosting perspiration, and they help the body rid itself of infection more quickly.
Is your throat sore, or do you have a cold or a cough? Try this tea with catnip to help your respiratory system. Make a catnip tea with other herbs like peppermint and yarrow and drink it all day if you have a fever.
Catnip’s digestive benefits
Catnip’s antispasmodic qualities aid with digestive issues and cramping.
It is also a carminative, which means it relieves gas and can help with constipation and bloating—the anti-inflammatory properties of catnip help reduce stomach aches and discomfort.
A catnip infusion can be given straight to the stomachs of newborns. Tea can help individuals with upset stomachs as well as pregnant ladies. with morning sickness to relieve colic.
analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Catnip’s anti-inflammatory characteristics make it a valuable medicine for pain relief and inflammation reduction, both internally and externally.
Catnip has long been used to treat various pain disorders, including arthritis, gout, headaches, and aching muscles.
Catnip tea can help with menstrual cramps, migraines, and stomach pain. It can also be used topically as an infusion or in a bath to ease muscle pain and stiffness.
One of the primary herbs in this postpartum relief tea is catnip, which is claimed to help with pain and cramping caused by uterine contractions after childbirth.
The Skin Advantages of Catnip
Catnip has antibacterial characteristics and calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
This makes it helpful in treating skin infections and accelerating the healing of minor wounds and cuts.
Catnip can be used topically as an ointment or extract for skin disorders, but herbalists also frequently suggest it as a tea for hives.
Catnip’s Health Benefits
Making tea is one of the simplest ways to receive the advantages of catnip:
Boiling water plus 1-2 tsp. of dried catnip
Sterilize and eat the herbs in the tea for at least 15 minutes before filtering and drinking.
If you’re not a fan of catnip by itself, try it with peppermint, lemon balm, or red raspberry leaves instead.
As an ointment or bath ingredient, catnip extract is also available.
Side effects and precautions
Catnip is a reasonably harmless herb (for both cats and humans).
Catnip can produce drowsiness due to its modest sedative effects. It is suggested that you begin with catnip at night to see how you react.
Common side effects include allergic reactions, dyspepsia, and headaches.
Women who have a pelvic inflammatory disease or have heavy menstrual cycles should avoid catnip. The herb causes menstruation and may aggravate both problems.
Stop taking catnip two weeks before surgery, and see your doctor if you are on any drugs or have a medical condition.
Have you ever tried catnip?
Catnip is healthy for both humans and cats, so it could be the next natural medicine you try.
Catnip tea can assist you in sleeping, relaxing your digestion, and getting rid of a cough.
Catnip’s gentle nature makes it an ideal remedy for relieving stress and anxiety in children.
Grow catnip yourself, or buy the dried herb to experiment with!
Catnip appears to be the ultimate multitasker in the herbal world. Not only does it spice up your cat’s life like a furry little party animal, but it also moonlights as a remedy for everything from colds to colic! Who knew a plant could be so versatile? It’s like the Swiss Army knife of herbs! One minute it’s flavoring your fruit liqueur, and the next, it’s helping you cope with existential dread—or at least chasing a few mice in your thoughts. If only it could also fetch the remote or do my taxes, we’d really be onto something here!