Background

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.

Safety Safety definitions

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.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

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.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

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 catnip 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 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.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements with sedative properties: Catnip might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might cause too much sleepiness and/or slowed breathing in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include hops, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.