Catnip

CATNIP | HIERBA GATERA

Catnip… yesssss. This is the same plant that turns your kitty into a silly lunatic- but let me tell you, catnip isn’t just for cats. In humans, this herb has an entirely different effect. This gentle but potent herb has been used for centuries by humans as a powerful ally for the nervous system, digestion, and emotional wellbeing. Native to Europe and Asia, catnip was a staple in medieval apothecaries and kitchen gardens, prized not just for its soft, minty aroma but for its incredible ability to calm, soothe, and restore. The Latin name, Nepeta cataria, tells you what you need to know- it was known way back for its feline-attracting qualities, but even more so for its role in folk medicine.

Back in the day, people reached for catnip for everything from fevers and colds to colic and “hysteria” (which, let’s be real, was probably just unprocessed trauma and too many corsets). It was considered a classic women’s herb, used to ease menstrual cramps, support postpartum healing, and gently induce menstruation when things felt blocked. In the form of a steaming hot tea, it was used to break fevers, promote sweating, and calm the kind of nervous tension that shows up in your stomach, head, and sleep.

When European colonists brought catnip to North America, Indigenous communities quickly incorporated it into their healing traditions as well. It became a go-to remedy for infants with colic, children with coughs, and adults with anxiety or insomnia. And here’s the thing- while it’s totally safe and mild, catnip works fast. It’s one of those herbs you sip and feel it melt tension off your shoulders within minutes. It's like a botanical exhale.

Today, catnip is still beloved by herbalists, nervous system healers, and plant parents who understand that calming nervous system healers, and plant parents who understand that calming the body is often the first step to healing everything else. And yes, your cat still loves it- but so do your overworked adrenals, your overstimulated brain, and your too-tight belly. Catnip isn’t flashy, but it’s faithful. A soft-touch healer for a hard-edged world.

Medicinal Benefits of Catnip Herb

Calms the Nervous System

• Acts as a gentle nervine and mild sedative

• Helps ease anxiety, stress, irritability, and restlessness

• Supports better sleep without grogginess

Relieves Digestive Discomfort

• Soothes gas, bloating, indigestion, and cramping

• Especially helpful for nervous stomach or digestion linked to stress

• Often used in teas for colic and infant digestive upset

Reduces Fever (Diaphoretic)

• Promotes sweating, helping the body break a fever naturally

• Commonly used during the early stages of cold or flu

Relieves Menstrual Cramps and Supports Reproductive Health

• Gently eases uterine spasms and menstrual discomfort

• Traditionally used to stimulate delayed menstruation and support postpartum recovery

Soothes Coughs and Respiratory Irritation

• Helps relax the chest and throat in cases of dry, tickly coughs

• Useful for children’s coughs or colds due to its mild nature

Supports Sleep and Reduces Insomnia

• Calms the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep naturally

• Often used as part of sleep tea blends with herbs like chamomile or lemon balm

Gentle Relief for Children

• Safe for use in small amounts with babies and young children

• Used for teething discomfort, nightmares, fevers, and tummy aches

Anti-inflammatory and Antispasmodic

• Reduces muscle spasms and inflammation, especially in the gut or reproductive system

• Can be used in poultices or compresses for swelling or minor aches

Mild Diuretic and Detox Support

• Promotes urination and gentle cleansing

• Helps the body eliminate waste and excess fluids

May Help with Headaches and Tension

• Used traditionally for stress-related headaches and nervous tension

• Helps release stored physical tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders

Common Methods of Use

• Tea (infusion): The most common way to use catnip for relaxation, digestion, or fever

• Tincture: For quick-acting nervous system support or children's dosing

• Topical compress: For aches, swelling, or mild skin irritation

• Herbal bath: For calming fussy babies or easing menstrual cramps