Botanical Overview
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as Catnip, Catmint, Catswort, or Catnep, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America, the plant’s aerial parts, leaves, and flowers are traditionally used medicinally.
Energetics
Catnip is considered cooling and moistening in energetic quality with a bitter and minty taste. It exhibits an ascending and outward directionality and has a relaxing tonicity influencing the qi system.
Primary Actions
- Sedative
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative
- Mild stimulant
- Nervine
Indications
Western
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Digestive discomfort
- Colic
- Menstrual cramps
- Headache
- Common cold symptoms
- Fever
Syndromes
- Nervous agitation
- Mild gastrointestinal spasms
- Upper respiratory congestion
TCM
No well-documented traditional indications in TCM.
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional indications noted.
Unani
No specific indications identified.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include nepetalactone (a volatile iridoid responsible for cat-attracting properties), flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils, and iridoids contributing to sedative and antispasmodic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 1-2 g of aerial parts in 150 mL water, taken 2-3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 in 40% ethanol, 2-4 mL, 2-3 times daily
- Essential oil: diluted external use
Safety & Contraindications
Catnip is generally safe when used in customary oral doses; however, mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic skin reactions can occur. Safety in pregnancy and lactation is not well-established; caution is advised. Excessive topical use may cause skin irritation. Possible additive effects with sedatives suggest monitoring concurrent use.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable, well-supported planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- Nepeta cataria – Catnip, Plants For A Future (PFAF) Database
- European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph on Nepeta cataria L., herba (2013)
- Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine (2003)
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herb Profile for Catnip