Catnip - Everything You Need To Know

The Ultimate Guide to Catnip: From Botanical Marvel to Feline Favorite

1. The Plant: Understanding Catnip and Its Botanical Roots

Scientific Classification

• Common Name: Catnip

• Other Names: Catnep, Cat Mint, Catwort, Cataria, Catrup (note there are other plants that also go by this name!)

• Botanical Name: Nepeta Cataria

• Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)

• Native Range: Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East

• Naturalized Regions: North America and other temperate areas worldwide

Botanical Description Catnip is a perennial herbaceous plant believed to be indigenous from the eastern Mediterranean region. With its generic name "Nepeta" believed to have been taken from an Italian town Nepete, where catnip was historically grown. In days past, catnip tea was used both for enjoyment and medicinally. Catnip is a rather hearty plant with square stems, characteristic of the mint family (hence it's wonderful fragrance). It typically grows between 2 to 3 feet tall and features heart-shaped, serrated leaves covered in fine hairs. Its flowers are small, tubular, and usually pale lavender or white with purple speckles.

The plant has a strong, minty odor—particularly potent when the leaves are bruised or crushed. The scent comes from volatile compounds within the plant, especially the essential oil nepetalactone. There are also nepetalactones in things like Black Pepper!

Chemical Composition Nepetalactone is the active compound responsible for catnip's famed effects on felines. It exists in two isomers (cis- and trans-nepetalactone), with the cis-isomer being most biologically active. The oil also contains other terpenes and volatile oils, such as citronellol, geraniol, and thymol.

Catnip prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it a hardy and easy-to-grow herb in home gardens. It repels certain insects, including mosquitoes and aphids, making it a popular companion plant.

Nepetalactone

Nepetalactone

Surprising Source: Black Pepper While catnip is the most famous natural source of nepetalactone, research has shown that black pepper (Piper nigrum) also contains trace amounts of this intriguing compound. Although the levels of Nepetalactone in pepper are not high enough to elicit the same reactions in cats, this discovery adds to the growing understanding of how nepetalactones are distributed across the plant kingdom.

2. Catnip and Cats: Joy, Play, and Natural Wellness

Behavioral Effects in Cats Approximately 50-75% of domestic cats respond to nepetalactone, inherited genetically. When a cat smells catnip, the compound binds to receptors in the nasal tissue, stimulating sensory neurons that affect the amygdala and hypothalamus—areas responsible for emotion and behavior.

Typical responses include:

• Rubbing or rolling on the plant or object

• Vocalizations (meowing, purring)

• Hyperactivity (chasing, jumping)

• Playfulness

• Temporary euphoria or sedation (depending on the cat)

These effects usually last 5–15 minutes. After that, cats enter a rest period lasting an hour or more, during which they won’t respond to catnip again.

Forms and Uses

• Dried leaves and flowers: Used in toys or sprinkled on scratchers.

• Fresh catnip: Grown indoors or outdoors for enrichment.

• Catnip sprays: Used to rejuvenate toys or direct behavior.

Medicinal and Calming Effects Though often associated with hyperactivity, catnip can also have calming or stress-reducing effects. When consumed (rather than inhaled), it may act as a mild sedative in cats.

Used in moderation, it can:

• Reduce anxiety (e.g., during travel or vet visits)

• Encourage exercise and enrichment

• Support emotional well-being in indoor cats

Precautions Catnip is non-toxic and safe for most cats. However, we advise not

putting catnip on their food. Allow your cat to limit their own intake, as they will do so naturally!

3. Catnip and Humans: A Forgotten Herbal Ally

Historical and Traditional Uses Catnip has a long history in human herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and early colonial America. It was used much like other mints for its soothing, carminative (gas-relieving), and mildly sedative effects.

Common historical applications:

• Tea: Infusions of catnip leaves or flowers were used to relieve colds, coughs, and fevers.

• Digestive aid: Used to calm upset stomachs and reduce flatulence.

• Sedative: Taken for insomnia or anxiety.

• Anti-inflammatory: Applied topically for minor aches and insect bites.

Modern Uses Today, catnip is often included in herbal teas, especially in blends designed for relaxation or digestive health. It is totally safe for human consumption in reasonable amounts.

Expanded Human Applications of Catnip

• Sleep aid: Catnip has mild sedative properties and has traditionally been used to help individuals suffering from insomnia or restlessness. Often combined with other herbs like chamomile or valerian, catnip tea is a popular natural remedy for promoting restful sleep.

• Stress and anxiety relief: Catnip may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects when consumed as a tea or tincture. Its gentle calming properties make it an option for those seeking a natural way to unwind.

• Menstrual pain relief: Thanks to its antispasmodic effects, catnip can help ease menstrual cramps and uterine discomfort. Historically, women have used catnip infusions for this purpose.

• Infant colic and digestive relief: In folk medicine, very diluted catnip tea was sometimes given to infants to relieve colic, gas, and hiccups. It was also used to help stimulate appetite and calm nausea.

• Anti-inflammatory and topical use: Catnip leaves were applied as poultices or added to salves to reduce swelling, muscle aches, and joint pain. It has also been used to soothe skin irritations such as bug bites and rashes.

• Respiratory support: Catnip was historically included in remedies for colds and respiratory congestion. Its mild expectorant and soothing properties were thought to aid in clearing mucus and calming coughing fits.

• Immune boosting: Though less well-studied, some herbal traditions suggest catnip supports overall immune health, especially when consumed during the early onset of colds or flus.

• Insect repellent: Nepetalactone, the active compound in catnip, has shown effectiveness at repelling mosquitoes, ticks, and even cockroaches. Catnip-based sprays or essential oils are a natural alternative to synthetic repellents.

Precautions for Humans Catnip is considered safe when consumed in reasonable amounts. Pregnant women are advised to avoid catnip due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions, unless of course, it's time and you're ready. :-)

4. The Catnip Connection: A Plant Bridging Worlds

Catnip is far more than a funny cat toy ingredient—it's a bridge between botany, animal behavior, and traditional herbal medicine. Whether you're growing it to delight your feline friends, soothe your own nerves, or ward off pests in the garden, catnip is a versatile, low-maintenance herb with centuries of history and science behind it. So grow some in your yard! It's really easy, for you and your cat.

As interest in natural wellness continues to grow, catnip is re-emerging not just in pet aisles but also in apothecaries, gardens, and health blogs. From its scientific roots to its purring recipients and ancient medicinal uses, catnip proves that even the humblest plants can have wild stories to tell.

Coming Soon: Learn how to grow, harvest, and store catnip for both feline and human use!