Nepeta cataria, sometimes referred to as catmint or catswort, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae mint family and is well known for having a special impact on cats. Catnip has hilarious effects on cats, but it also has a multitude of advantages for human health. The nature, health advantages, dosage, adverse effects, drug interactions, and best practices for safe use of catnip are all covered in this article.
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Nature of Catnip
Catnip, once formerly found exclusively in Europe, Asia, and Africa, is a globally common plant thanks to immigrants’ introduction of the plant in North America and beyond. The plant has heart-shaped, toothed leaves that have a soft, fuzzy look and normally grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 meters. From late spring to fall, when it blooms, it produces clusters of tiny white or lavender blossoms.
The main bioactive ingredient in catnip, nepetalactone, is one of several phytochemicals that make up the plant’s chemical makeup. Nepetalactone is a terpenoid that belongs to the class of iridoids, which keep pests away. This terpenoid produces catnip’s special ability to make cats feel happy and euphoric. Nepetalactone has been explored less in humans, but there may be some potential health advantages.
Health Benefits of Catnip
Catnip has a long history of usage in traditional medicine. Due to its relaxing properties and propensity to ease mild aches and pains, the plant was a popular addition to traditional European teas and infusions.
Sedative qualities of catnip are well known, and they may help in bettering your quality of sleep. The plant may aid in lowering jittery and anxious sensations, encouraging a calm state of mind.
Catnip has also been shown to help with the symptoms of the common cold and other respiratory ailments. The herb’s well-known anti-inflammatory properties can quell a persistent cough and ease phlegm buildup.
Catnip also has diaphoretic qualities, which means it may make you sweat and hence decrease your temperature. Its anti-inflammatory qualities are also believed to be helpful in easing arthritis and other inflammatory conditions’ symptoms.
Chemistry of Catnip
The majority of the chemistry in catnip is made up of a group of substances called terpenoids, which are often linked to strong scents and are present in a wide variety of plants. Nepetalactone, a bi-cyclic monoterpene that is responsible for the bulk of catnip’s distinctive properties, is the most important terpenoid in catnip.
Nepetalactone is a volatile substance, which means it swiftly evaporates, making it simple for cats’ olfactory sensors to pick it up. Nepetalactone structurally consists of two rings that are linked and to which different functional groups are bonded. Its capacity to interact with certain receptors in the body is significantly influenced by these functional groups and the spatial layout of the molecule. Other terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins may be found in catnip, however they are all present in considerably lower concentrations.
Physiological Mechanisms of Action
Although the precise physiological processes by which catnip functions in humans are still not completely understood, we may draw some conclusions from the recognized health advantages of this herb.
The hypnotic and relaxing properties of catnip point to a possible nervous system connection. Some have suggested that, like other sedative plants, nepetalactone and other catnip components may affect neurotransmitter levels or receptor activation. For instance, they may interact with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors to increase the neurotransmitter’s inhibitory effects, which would therefore encourage rest and sleep.
Catnip’s possible capacity to prevent the creation or activation of pro-inflammatory chemicals, such as cytokines, may also contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. By doing this, it could be possible to ease and treat the signs and symptoms of inflammatory disorders.
It is crucial to remember that these processes are hypothetical and that more study is required to both confirm them and clarify alternative possible modes of action. Despite this, catnip’s potential as a medicinal agent is shown by its long history of usage in traditional medicine and the growing corpus of study on this plant.
Optimal Dosage
The ideal catnip dose varies based on the user’s age, health, and intended usage. It is often advised to use one to two teaspoons of dry catnip per cup of boiling water for an infusion that should steep for 10 to 15 minutes. A common dosage for a tincture may be 1 to 4 ml per day.
Side Effects
Catnip is generally regarded as safe to consume. On the other hand, overindulging might result in unpleasant side effects including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Catnip should not be consumed by pregnant women since it might cause uterine contractions. Catnip is usually seen to be harmless for the majority of individuals, but like any plant or supplement, it may have certain negative effects when used in large quantities.
Gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are catnip’s most frequent adverse effects. These side effects are often brought on by excessive use and may be prevented by following dose guidelines.
Catnip may also result in excessive sleepiness due to its sedative properties, especially if combined with other sedative drugs like alcohol or certain pharmaceuticals.
Catnip may also give some people headaches, especially those who are predisposed to migraines or other headache kinds.
Catnip is normally suggested to be avoided by pregnant women since it might promote uterine contractions, which may result in miscarriage or early labor. Similarly, it is usually advised against providing catnip to kids without a doctor’s approval since the substance’s effects on babies and young children have not been properly investigated.
Potential Substance Interactions with Catnip
As per the state of science, catnip has no documented negative medication interactions. However, due to the possibility of sedative effects, proceed with caution and care while taking catnip with other sedative drugs to prevent any additive effects.
Best Use of Catnip
Catnip may be used in a variety of ways to enhance human health, despite being mostly recognized as a feline attractant. For mild skin irritations, it may be used topically as an oil or cream, made as a tea, or ingested as a tincture.
It’s essential to get catnip from a trustworthy supplier; make sure it was cultivated and harvested ethically and doesn’t contain any dangerous pollutants. As with any herb, it’s crucial to take catnip sparingly and to speak with a doctor or herbalist if you want to use it for an extended period of time, particularly if you have underlying medical concerns or are taking other drugs. Beyond being a cat toy, catnip has a wide range of potential advantages. We may utilize this intriguing plant safely and successfully by choosing how to use it by understanding its chemical makeup, health advantages, and physiological processes.
Catnip: Conclusion
Though catnip is a great plant to use on your feline friends, it can also benefit you in more ways than you’d think. With anti-inflammatory powers and the ability to offer you a good night’s rest, catnip can easily become a household necessity. It is important not to use catnip everyday and to seek medical attention if you are concerned with your dosage. Though there are no apparent drug interactions with catnip, it is strongly advised you consult with your primary care physician before moving forward.
References:
- “Catnip: Its uses and effects, past and present.” Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22049278/
- “Nepeta cataria (Catnip): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions, Safety and Warning.” Retrieved from: https://www.rxlist.com/catnip/supplements.htm
- “Exploring the Phytochemistry of Catnip and Other Nepeta Species.” Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-4985-7_18
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
