Human Catnip Benefits and Applications
Human Catnip Benefits and Applications: Catnip is most recognised for its euphoric effect on cats, but it also has several health benefits for humans. It isn’t only for cats.
Catnip was used medicinally by the ancient Romans, although it is most famous for producing hilarious reactions in cats.
This herb was utilised by Native Americans for a variety of purposes, and it is still used in herbal therapy today.
Please visit this page to learn more about Catnip, its benefits, and how to use it.
What is Catnip, Exactly?
Catmint (Nepeta cataria), often known as Catnip, is a mint family member.
Catnip, which was originally only found in Central Europe and parts of Asia, is now found all over the world, including the United States and Canada. It is believed that it was brought to America in the 18th century by settlers who brought cuttings.
Catnip, like other mint species, is simple to grow in pots or in the garden.
The herb’s leaves and stems contain nepetalactone, a potent chemical. This essential oil attracts cats and causes them to participate in behaviours such as purring, rolling, and vocalisations.
Humans can benefit from nepetalactone and other beneficial compounds identified in catnip.
The Sleep Benefits of Catnip
One of the most common uses for Catnip is as a sleep aid.
Catnip’s nepetalactone is very similar to the principal active components, known as valepotriates, found in valerian, another popular sleep aid. It has a calming effect on humans and can help with sleeplessness.
Catnip’s calming and gentle nature makes it an ideal remedy for children who have trouble sleeping. It can assist to relieve tension headaches.
Catnip, surprisingly, has a calming effect on cats when they eat it, despite the fact that playing with it can drive them nuts.
Consider using Catnip in our Sweet Slumber Tea blend to help with sleep and evening restlessness.
Remedies for Cough, Cold, and Fever
The calming and relaxing qualities of catnip have several applications in the treatment of stress and anxiety.
Herbalists have traditionally recommended it to cure nervous diseases, and it is widely used to make herbal teas for relaxation.
Catnip induces relaxation and can aid in the treatment of chronic stress, anxiety, and general mental health.
It is also a natural nerve relaxant for children and can help to calm hyperactivity.
Remedies for Cough, Cold, and Fever
Catnip has also traditionally been used to relieve the symptoms of colds and other diseases.
Catnip and other herbs, such as liquorice root and mullein, are commonly used as natural cough and sore throat remedies. It has been found in clinical trials to have antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties, which can help alleviate coughs and even asthma.
Catnip is also a diaphoretic herb. Diaphoretics aid the body’s ability to sweat away fevers by increasing perspiration and helps the body in ridding itself of infection more quickly.
If you have a cough, cold, or sore throat, use Catnip in this tea blend to help your respiratory system. If you have a fever, make a tea containing Catnip and additional herbs such as peppermint and yarrow and consume it throughout the day.
Catnip’s Digestive Benefits
Catnip’s antispasmodic properties help with digestion and cramps.
Furthermore, it is a carminative, which means it can help relieve gas and bloating—the anti-inflammatory properties of catnip help to lessen stomach discomfort and pain.
A catnip infusion can be applied directly to the stomachs of babies to alleviate colic, whilst a tea can help adults with upset stomachs and women with morning sickness.
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory
Catnip’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective remedy for pain relief and reducing internal and external inflammation.
Catnip has traditionally been used to treat a variety of pain conditions, including arthritis, gout, headaches, and aching muscles.
Menstrual cramps, migraines, and stomach pain can all be relieved with catnip tea. It can also be administered to the skin as an infusion or used in a bath to relieve muscle aches and pains.
Catnip is a key component in this postpartum relief tea, which is intended to alleviate pain and cramping produced by uterine contractions following childbirth.
Catnip’s Skin Benefits
Catnip contains antibacterial properties in addition to its calming and anti-inflammatory actions, making it useful for treating skin infections and hastening the healing of minor wounds and cuts.
Catnip can be applied topically as an ointment or extract to treat skin problems, but it is also commonly given as a tea to treat hives by herbalists.
How to Use Catnip to Improve Your Health
Making tea is one of the simplest methods to receive the advantages of Catnip:
1 cup boiling water + 1-2 tbsp powdered catnip leaves
Allow the tea to steep for 10-15 minutes before straining and ingesting the herbs.
If you don’t like Catnip by itself, try it with peppermint, lemon balm, or red raspberry leaves.
Catnip extract is also available and can be applied straight as an ointment or mixed into bathwater.
Precautions and Adverse Reactions
Catnip is a relatively safe herb (for both cats and humans).
Catnip’s mild sedative effects can cause drowsiness. It is best, to begin with, Catnip at night to see how you react.
Allergic reactions, dyspepsia, and headaches are among the most common side effects.
Women with pelvic inflammatory illness or heavy menstruation cycles should avoid consuming catnip. The plant stimulates menstruation, which may exacerbate these issues.
Stop using Catnip two weeks before surgery, and see your doctor if you are on any medications or have a medical condition.
Have You Tried Catnip Before?
Catnip is beneficial to both humans and cats, so it could be the next plant you experiment with as a natural remedy.
Catnip tea can help you sleep, relax your digestion, and get rid of a cough. Catnip’s benign nature also makes it an ideal remedy for relaxing and relieving stress or tension in children.
Grow your own catnip or purchase dried catnip to explore with!
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