Catnip Uses

Catnip is an herb that is a member of the mint family. It grows throughout Europe and in North America. It is widely known for its euphoric effect on cats. However, catnip has also long been used in alternative medicine as a treatment for many maladies. The young leaves themselves are edible when they are raw. Catnip can also be added to water to make a healing tea.

  1. Cats

    • Catnip is well known as an intoxicant for cats. The ingredient in catnip that has both medicinal benefits for people and recreational benefits for cats is called nepetalactone. When catnip is given to a cat, the cat usually licks, rubs against and then eats it. Sniffing the catnip is what usually gets the cat "high" and stimulates it. The high usually lasts about five to 10 minutes. When the cat eats the catnip, the herb actually sedates instead of exciting. Most but not all cats are susceptible to catnip's effects.

    Insect Repellant

    • The ingredient nepetalactone also has insect-repellent properties. It can repel fleas from carpeting or furniture, and even pets. In addition, catnip works well to ward off mosquitoes and cockroaches. Per Chris Peterson, with the U.S Forest Service, nepetalactone is an essential oil that repels the insects. The exact reason insects don't like it is still unknown.

    Cold and Flu

    • Catnip tea has many medicinal uses. In particular, it's useful for colds and flu, especially if there is a fever. The tea will cause increased perspiration without actually raising body temperature, which helps to relieve a fever. In addition, it has sedative properties that help induce sleep, calm the stomach and relieve diarrhea and nausea. It is often used to treat colic and anxiety in children.