Catnip
OTHER NAME(S): Catmint, Catswort, Chataire, Field Balm, Herbe à Chat, Herbe aux Chats, Menta de Gato, Menthe des Chats, Nepeta cataria, Catnep, Cat Nip, Hierba Gatera, Cataire
Overview
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant famous for the excitement it creates in cats. The flowering tops are used to make medicine.
Catnip contains chemicals that might have a calming effect. It's not clear if it has the same effects in humans as it does in cats. The oils in catnip might also have insect repellant effects.
People use catnip for anxiety, colic, common cold, insomnia, repelling mosquitos, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse catnip with schizonepeta. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Catnip overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Catnip is possibly safe when used in cupful amounts of catnip tea. But catnip is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses. Side effects might include headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of being ill.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if catnip is safe or what the side effects might be.
When inhaled: Catnip is possibly unsafe. Smoking dry catnip leaves has been linked with a high that might cause impaired judgement.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Catnip is possibly safe when used in cupful amounts of catnip tea. But catnip is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses. Side effects might include headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of being ill.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if catnip is safe or what the side effects might be.
When inhaled: Catnip is possibly unsafe. Smoking dry catnip leaves has been linked with a high that might cause impaired judgement.
Pregnancy: Catnip is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might stimulate the uterus and cause a miscarriage.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if catnip is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Catnip is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Stomach pain, irritability, and sluggishness has been reported in one child taking catnip leaves and tea.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and heavy menstrual periods: Catnip might make PID worse and cause excessive menstruation. Avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with CatnipCatnip might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking catnip might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using catnip if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
- Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with CatnipCatnip might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking catnip with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Dosing
Traditionally, catnip has most often been used by adults as a tincture or tea. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
References
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Osterhoudt KC, Lee SK, Callahan JM, Henretig FM. Catnip and the alteration of human consciousness. Vet Hum Toxicol 1997;39:373-5.
- Nostro, A., Cannatelli, M. A., Crisafi, G., and Alonzo, V. The effect of Nepeta cataria extract on adherence and enzyme production of Staphylococcus aureus. Int.J.Antimicrob.Agents 2001;18(6):583-585.
- Akbay, P., Calis, I., Undeger, U., Basaran, N., and Basaran, A. A. In vitro immunomodulatory activity of verbascoside from Nepeta ucrainica L. Phytother Res 2002;16(6):593-595.
- Baranauskiene, R., Venskutonis, R. P., and Demyttenaere, J. C. Sensory and instrumental evaluation of catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) aroma. J.Agric.Food Chem. 6-18-2003;51(13):3840-3848.
- Bernier, U. R., Furman, K. D., Kline, D. L., Allan, S. A., and Barnard, D. R. Comparison of contact and spatial repellency of catnip oil and N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (deet) against mosquitoes. J Med Entomol. 2005;42(3):306-311.
- Chauhan, K. R., Klun, J. A., Debboun, M., and Kramer, M. Feeding deterrent effects of catnip oil components compared with two synthetic amides against Aedes aegypti. J Med Entomol. 2005;42(4):643-646.
- Zhu, J., Zeng, X., Yanma, Liu, T., Qian, K., Han, Y., Xue, S., Tucker, B., Schultz, G., Coats, J., Rowley, W., and Zhang, A. Adult repellency and larvicidal activity of five plant essential oils against mosquitoes. J Am Mosq.Control Assoc 2006;22(3):515-522.
- Sherry, C. J. and Hunter, P. S. The effect of an ethanol extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) on the behavior of the young chick. Experientia 2-15-1979;35(2):237-238.
- Harney, J. W., Barofsky, I. M., and Leary, J. D. Behavioral and toxicological studies of cyclopentanoid monoterpenes from Nepeta cataria. Lloydia. 1978;41(4):367-374.
- Massoco, C. O., Silva, M. R., Gorniak, S. L., Spinosa, M. S., and Bernardi, M. M. Behavioral effects of acute and long-term administration of catnip (Nepeta cataria) in mice. Vet.Hum.Toxicol 1995;37(6):530-533.
- Bernardi MM, Kirsten TB, Lago JH, Giovani TM, Massoco Cde O. Nepeta cataria L. var. citriodora (Becker) increases penile erection in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;137(3):1318-22.
- Birkett MA, Hassanali A, Hoglund S, Pettersson J, Pickett JA. Repellent activity of catmint, Nepeta cataria, and iridoid nepetalactone isomers against Afro-tropical mosquitoes, ixodid ticks and red poultry mites. Phytochemistry. 2011;72(1):109-14.
- Zhu JJ, Zeng XP, Berkebile D, DU HJ, Tong Y, Qian K. Efficacy and safety of catnip (Nepeta cataria) as a novel filth fly repellent. Med Vet Entomol. 2009;23(3):209-16.