Catnip - Good for More than just Cats

The scientific name for the catnip plant is Nepeta Cataria. It is the oil from the leaves of this plant that produce what is traditionally called “catnip”. The catnip plant is a member of the mint family and is a short-lived perennial herb. It is called catnip because more than 66% of cats are intensely attracted to it. This attraction is due to a chemical compound called nepetalactone. This chemical compound binds to receptors on the inside of cat’s noses and provides a temporary behavior response. The “high” of catnip generally wears off in about 10 minutes. The high is caused when the feline smells the oil. Eating the catnip oil can have an opposite effect (sedation).

 

Other names for catnip

Catmint, Menthe des Chats

Cataire

Catnep

Catswort

Chataire

Faassen catmint

Field balm

Herbe aux Chats

Hierba Gatera

Lemon catnip

Nepeta cataria

Racemose catmint

Catnip is used as an ornamental plant for gardens because butterflies, as well as cats, are attracted to it.

 

Catnip has been used medicinally for

  • Insomnia
  • Migraines and Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Flu, Colds, Fevers and Upper Respiratory Infections
  • Catnip has been smoked to help some respiratory conditions
  • Gastrointestinal conditions including cramping, gas and colic
  • General calming and sedative effect

 

Catnip has been used topically for

  • Arthritis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Swelling
  • Hives
  • Repelling Mosquitos

 

How has catnip been utilized?

  • Teas, herbal infusions, tisanes
  • Tinctures
  • Infused into skin preparations
  • Poultices
  • Juices
  • Smoked
  • Food seasoning

 

Why is catnip used in skin products?
Catnip possesses antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which help prevent and treat skin infections as well as tannins which helps speed the healing process of skin.  The calming effect of catnip combined with the antiseptic and healing properties make catnip an excellent addition to skin salves.


Is catnip safe?
The herb is native to Eurasia and is used as a seasoning and as a medicinal tea for colds and fever. Although catnip is considered safe when consumed, and catnip tea has been enjoyed for hundreds of years, it is always wise to not consume large amounts of a supplement without official confirmation that the ingested amount is safe.

 

About 70-80% of cats will feel the euphoric effects of catnip.

No. Cats can not overdose on inhaling catnip; however, cats should not be allowed to ingest a large amount of catnip as it may cause digestive issues.

Yes. Catnip has been used to get high. Although some compare it to smoking marijuana, catnip does not produce as much of a high and carries health risks. Eating or inhaling catnip is unlikely to produce a significant high in humans.

Yes! Many gardens contain catnip not only to provide a steady “drug” supply to the resident cats but also to attract butterflies.

Yes. Some cats, especially if given catnip on a daily basis, can become desensitized to it. If that is happening to your cat, try to not give it to them for a few months and see if it again will have the euphoric effects after a break.

Some vets recommend giving catnip to cats no more than once a week to prevent desensitization.

Cats have a much more powerful sense of smell than humans.

https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/catnip.htm#:~:text=Some%20people%20apply%20catnip%20directly,as%20a%20pesticide%20and%20insecticide.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catnip
https://www.britannica.com/plant/catnip
https://californiaprimerecovery.com/can-you-smoke-catnip-to-get-high/
https://phenomenex.blog/2023/06/27/catnip-chemical-compounds/
https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/catnip
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11045539/
https://www.marthastewart.com/2140307/what-is-catnip
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/pets/2025/03/28/what-is-catnip-pet-owners-cats/82670334007/

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