You’ve probably heard of catnip because of its strong appeal to cats, but did you know it has great uses for humans too? One of my favorites, especially for children, is how it can soothe high fevers. It helps relax the body and increases sweating, which can help clear up infections more quickly. It’s also good for calming upset stomachs and soothing children when they’re fussy.
Externally, I’ve made catnip infusions and baths to ease the muscle aches that come with flu and other illnesses. You can also apply it to the tummies of colicky babies to help relax their stomachs and aid sleep.
Catnip is naturally calming, which is why it’s an ingredient in my Sweet Dreams Sleep Tincture. This tincture is fantastic for helping kids relax and sleep better, especially when they’re sick. Some even say it repels certain insects! I include the essential oil in my homemade bug spray, which a friend recently tested and loved on a cruise down the Amazon River.
A mild catnip tea can do wonders for digestion, ease morning sickness, and calm nerves. Its calming properties are also helpful for people struggling with insomnia. I also have a jar in my kitchen for culinary purposes, adding it to sauces, stews, and soups for flavor and to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
According to Mountain Rose Herbs, scientists have found that cats react to catnip because of its nepetalactone content. It’s also a strong antifungal and bactericide, effective against Staphylococcus aureus, and chemically similar to various insect repellents for mosquitoes and termites. Catnip has also been noted as a sedative for insomnia, offering effects similar to Valerian.
Before using catnip, check with your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant. It can cause drowsiness in high doses and rarely causes allergic reactions. Always consult health professionals before using any new herbs or supplements.
I buy this and other herbs in bulk, making my own teas, tinctures, sleep eye pillows, and herbal bath salts. It’s available in capsule form as a sleep aid, herbal tea bags, essential oils for skin, herbal extracts with fennel for digestion, and Plant Therapy offers a pre-mixed essential oil blend similar to the one in my herbal bug spray.
You can even find herbal catnip toys for your pets! Always consult a doctor or qualified practitioner before trying out any herbal remedies. Have you ever used catnip for anything other than amusing your cats? Feel free to share your experiences!
