Nepeta cataria (Catnip)
LATIN NAME: Nepeta cataria
COMMON NAME(s): catnip, catmint
PLANT PARTS USED: aerial parts (leaf & flowering tops)
FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae or Labiatae (mint family)
VITALIST ACTIONS/ENERGETICS (how the herb shifts the tissue state—dry/moist, cold/warm, tense/relaxed. The herbs energetic qualities—warming/cooling, moistening/drying): mildly warming, slightly drying, mildly bitter, relaxant to the nervous system and smooth muscle, gently stimulates circulation (in hot infusion), promotes surface flow
TISSUES AFFECTED: Nervous system (central & autonomic), mucous membranes, gastrointestinal smooth muscle, respiratory tract (upper airways), peripheral circulation/skin (via diaphoresis).
CLINICAL ACTIONS (the herbs biochemical mechanism. How the herb affects specific tissues, receptors, or organs): Nervine relaxant (mildly sedative without depressing vitality), antispasmodic (GI & uterine smooth muscle), relaxant diaphoretic (gentle, warming), mild diffusive relaxant.
USES:
· Nervous agitation, overexcitement, restlessness, mild anxiety
· Febrile (feverish) states with nervous tension (especially in children)
· Colds with chilliness and irritability
· Menstrual cramping associated with nervous tension
· Children’s colic
· Insomnia from irritation of the nervous system
· Overexcited convulsions in children
· A warm fomentation may be applied to any inflamed parts; over abdomen, chest or limbs, where relaxation is needed.
· Relaxes spasmodic conditions of the GI, bowels, and uterus
· Acts as a mild diaphoretic, especially when taken warm
· Is particularly suited to children, sensitive individuals, and weak or irritable constitutions
· Colic and flatulent distress, especially when tied to nervous tension
· Nervous headaches and agitation
FORMS USED & DOSE:
· Hot infusion: 1 tsp dried herb per cup. Taken warm up 2x daily
· Tincture (1:5, 40–50%): 1–3 ml up to 3× daily
· Syrup: Especially useful in feverish cases
COMBINATIONS:
· Nepeta, Lobelia inflata – deeper relaxation of spasm, fever. (Clymer)
· Nepeta, Zingiber officinalis– enhances warmth and diffusion, child fevers. (Priest)
· Nepeta, Sambucus berry spp. – febrile colds
· Nepeta, Melissa officinalis– nervous tension and digestive upset
· Nepeta, Mentha piperita– for children’s colic. (BHP)
· Nepeta, Achillea millefolium, Sambucus ssp., Capsicum annuum, Eupatorium perfoliatum – for common colds. (BHP)
· Nepeta, Dioscorea villosa infusion – for enema, colic, abdominal cramp, colonic pain (colon pain from the large intestine). (Priest)
· Nepeta, Matricaria recutita– for restlessness, nervous irritation. (Priest)
CONSTITUENTS:
NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES:
Not used primarily as a nutritive herb
Minor contribution of aromatic and bitter compounds that stimulate digestion
SAFETY and ADVERSE EFFECTS: Catnip is considered a very safe herb, no known toxicity at therapeutic doses. Large doses may cause mild headache or nausea (rare). Safe for children and elders when used appropriately. “as quoted in Lyle, or by WM Cook who says 'it promotes menstruation moderately in acute cases and relieves dysmenorrhea'. That it may have such an action is no reason to think it would ever be harmful in pregnancy and it has certainly never accumulated such concerns despite extensive use throughout history.”
CLINICAL SUMMARY: Nepeta cataria is a gentle, warming nervine and antispasmodic, best suited for cold, tense, and irritable states where stronger relaxants would be excessive.
PATIENT PICTURE: Nervous tension with digestive sensitivity, restlessness, sensitive constitution; responds poorly to harsh stimulants or sedatives, children with feverish irritability or adults with stress-related GI tension.
REFERENCES:
William H. Cook, Physio-Medical Dispensatory (1869)
T. J. Lyle, Physio-Medical Therapeutics (1897)
W. & L. R. Priest, Herbal Medication (1982)
Paul Bergner, Materia Medica Quick Reference Guide
Paul Bergner, Herbal Formulation in the Physiomedicalist Tradition
Richard Whelan, Medical Herbalist
