The Benefits of Catnip: More Than Just for Cats

Welcome to another edition of our herbal spotlight series! This month, we're diving into the fascinating world of Catnip. While it's commonly known for its euphoric effects on cats, Catnip holds a treasure trove of benefits for humans, making it an essential herb to explore.

The Gentle Giant: Catnip for Humans

Catnip, affectionately called Catmint, Catnep, and Field Balm, is part of the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. Though it may excite our feline friends, for us, it offers a gentle, calming experience. It’s time to debunk the myth that Catnip is just for cats and uncover its profound benefits for our well-being.

Botanical Profile: Nepeta cataria

Energetics: Pungent, aromatic, cooling, drying, bitter, stimulating, relaxing, dispersing, spicy

Astrology: A herb of Venus

Part Used: Aerial part

Constituents: Essential oils (carvacrol, thymol, alpha- and beta-nepetalactone, geraniol), tannin, iridoid glycosides 

Properties: Relaxing diaphoretic, nervine, carminative, emmenagogue, mild sedative, antispasmodic, anodyne, antidiarrheal, aromatic, astringent, digestive, stomachic, bitter tonic

Catnip has been adored throughout history, not just for its medicinal properties, but also for its energetic qualities. Associated with Venus, this herb is believed to carry soothing and balancing energies, making it a favorite among herbalists for both physical and emotional healing.

Imagine a stressful day melting away as you sip on a warm cup of Catnip tea. This herb’s mild sedative properties make it an excellent choice for reducing anxiety, easing restlessness, and promoting better sleep. Catnip’s ability to calm the nervous system without harsh side effects makes it a cherished remedy in the world of natural medicine.

Therapeutic Uses of Catnip

Catnip’s therapeutic versatility is truly remarkable. Here are some of its notable uses:

• Headaches & Migraines: Catnip’s antispasmodic properties can help alleviate headache pain.
  
  
• Digestive Aid: It soothes digestive discomfort, colic, and cramps.
  
  
• Menstrual Relief: Known for easing painful menstruation and promoting relaxation during menstrual cycles.
  
  
• Cold & Flu Remedy: Catnip promotes sweating, helping to reduce fevers and alleviate cold symptoms.
  
  
• Skin Health: Topically, it can reduce inflammation, soothe eczema, and assist in healing bruises and hemorrhoids.

Growing Habitat

Catnip is a hardy perennial that thrives in a variety of environments, from hedgerows and roadsides to gardens and waste grounds. Native to Europe and North America, it typically grows about 3 feet tall and features soft, heart-shaped gray-green leaves with dented borders. During midsummer, it produces beautiful purplish-white flowers that are a delight to behold.

How to Use Catnip

• Infusion (Leaf): Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Catnip leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10-12 minutes. This simple tea can help calm your nerves and improve digestion.
  
  
• Tincture: For a more concentrated form, take 10-60 drops of Catnip tincture up to four times daily. Always start with a smaller dose to see how your body responds.
  
  
• Topical Applications: Use Catnip poultices and ointments to relieve muscle cramps, reduce swelling, and soothe painful inflammations. It’s particularly effective for treating itchy eruptions caused by fever or skin conditions like eczema.

Before Taking Catnip:

1. Assess your symptoms on a scale of 1-10.
2. Record your initial ratings.
3. Reassess your symptoms 15 minutes after consumption to note any changes.

Remember, while Catnip is generally safe, it’s important to avoid it during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue and abortifacient effects. Additionally, excessive doses can cause vomiting, so moderation is key.

Takeaways

By incorporating Catnip into your herbal practice, you can unlock a world of natural healing and wellness. Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, digestive issues, or skin conditions, Catnip offers a gentle, effective solution.

Keep exploring the wonders of herbal medicine and stay tuned for our next blog post, where we'll delve into another fascinating herb. Until then, may you find peace and vitality in the gentle embrace of nature's remedies.

Resources:

1) Culpepper's Color Herbal. Sterling Publishing CO.1983. p39

2) Planetary Herbology. By Tierra, Michael. p.157 Catnip. copy 1988

3)Herbal Vade Mecum. By Skenderi, Gazmend. p266-267. Nettle. Copy 2003

4) Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Chevallier. p238-239

5) The Energetics of Western Herbs Peter Holmes Catnip, p. 155-156

6) Herbal Medicine From the Earth. Dr. Sharol Tilgner. Catnip. p.60-61