Catnip is a plant. The flowering tops are used to make medicine.
Catnip is used by mouth, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled for many different conditions. But there is no good scientific research to support any of these uses.
In manufacturing, catnip is used as a pesticide and insecticide.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Mosquito repellent. Early research shows that applying catnip oil to the skin can help repel yellow fever mosquitos. However, insect repellants with the chemicals SS220 or DEET seem to work better.
- Anxiety.
- Arthritis.
- Common cold.
- Fever.
- Flu (influenza).
- Gas (flatulence).
- Hemorrhoids.
- Hives (urticaria).
- Indigestion (dyspepsia).
- Infection of the intestines by parasites.
- Insomnia.
- Migraine.
- Starting menstruation in girls.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of catnip for these uses.
Is it Safe?
It's thought that the chemicals in catnip have a calming effect. Also, the oils in catnip have insect repellant effects.
Catnip is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in small amounts. Cupful amounts of catnip tea have been consumed without serious side effects. However, catnip is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when smoked or taken by mouth in high doses (many cups of catnip tea, for example).
It can cause headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of being ill.
Not enough is known about the safety of applying catnip directly to the skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Catnip is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. There has been one report of a child experiencing stomach pain, irritability, and sluggishness after taking catnip leaves and tea.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to use take catnip during pregnancy. There is some evidence that catnip can stimulate the uterus. This might cause a miscarriage.
There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking catnip if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side, and avoid use.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Women with PID should avoid using catnip because it can start menstruation.
Heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia): Because catnip can cause menstruation, it might make heavy menstrual periods worse.
Surgery: Catnip seems to be able to slow down the central nervous system (CNS), causing sleepiness and other effects. Anesthesia and some other drugs used during and after surgery also slow down the CNS. There is a concern that using catnip along with these drugs might slow down the CNS too much. Stop using catnip at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Catnip 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 this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Catnip might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking catnip along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.
Herbs and supplements that can cause sleepiness and drowsiness: Catnip might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking it along with other natural products that have this same effect might cause too much sleepiness. Some of these products are: 5-HTP, calamus, California poppy, catnip, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, St. John's wort, skullcap, valerian, yerba mansa, and others.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of catnip depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for catnip. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Cataire, Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, Chataire, Field Balm, Herbe à Chat, Herbe aux Chats, Hierba Gatera, Menta de Gato, Menthe des Chats, Nepeta cataria.
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