Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is also known as Catmint, Catnep, Catswort, and Fieldbalm. Catnip is an aromic herb that belongs to the mint family. The herb has small white flowers with purple dots. Catnip is found in Europe, the United States and Asian countries. It was once believed that smoking the leaves would produce a mild hallucinogenic effect. Although this use has since been dispelled, it may work in some individuals. It was also believed to deter the (evil-eye) from children given to fits, this because of its ability to calm an extremely agitated child and diminish nightmares.

Although Catnip is generally used as an infusion for tea, it is also ingested via smoking. For these purposes, the fine flowers or leaves of catnip are dried and then smoked. It has a mint flavor even when smoked. Catnip is used individually or as an ingredient of other smoking blends. When it is mixed with other herbs for smoke blends, there are no negative interactions. Instead, it enhances the effects when mixed with other herbs having same properties. When catnip is smoked, it creates the feelings of relaxation and sheds the effects of anxiety, tension and headache. The effects of smoking catnip remain for a short time.

Catnip is a short-lived herbaceous perennial, growing 50–100 cm tall and wide. It resembles a typical mint family member in appearance by having the characteristic square stem that members of the Lamiaceae plant family have, but with brown-green foliage. The coarse-toothed leaves are triangular to ovate.

The small bilabiate flowers can be white and finely spotted with pale purple or pink. They are showy and fragrant. The plant blooms from late spring through autumn.

Medicinal Benefits

The flowering tops, leaves and stems of catnip are used for medicinal teas and smoke blends to treat colds, stress relief, anxiety, headaches, gastrointestinal distress, muscle cramps, flue, cuts and scrapes along with its ability to promote general relaxation and slight sedation.

Methods of Use

The effect of catnip on humans varies greatly depending on the way it is consumed, it can either be smoked, taken in the form of juice, tincture or tea.

This plant has an intoxicating affect on cats and calming affect on humans.

Effects

Many people who drink catnip tea report that it has a slight hypnotic effect and can cause good sleep, it also helps to relax when taken after a hard day of work. The potency of this particular type of tea depends on how long the plant has been steeped.

The leaves or flowers of catnip are first dried and then later used for smoking. Generally when this plant is smoked it warms the entire body, it produces a sense of calm and relaxation and sometimes a mild sense of euphoria coupled with giddiness. Smoking this plant does not have visionary effects. However if a mixture is made of catnip and other dream enhancing type of herbs like damiana or valerian and is then smoked, it can have dream enhancing effects.

If a small dose of this plant is taken (approximately 1.5 grams) the effect is not long lasting and continues for only two or three hours. People return to their normal state with a mild or no handover. Overall it can be said that smoking catnip produces a good experience.

Side Effects

There are no known side effects of catnip as long as it's used in safe dosages. There are some reports of it causing diarrhea or an increase in frequency of urination along with the potential to upset the stomach when overdone in tea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as people who suffer chronic medical conditions should consult with a medical practitioner before taking catnip.

Where to buy Catnip?

Catnip is available on Amazon, and eBay. You can always find great deals on these sites.