What is Catnip?
Catnip is the flowering perennial known commonly as catnip, catmint, or catswort actually has the scientific name of Nepeta cataria. Although most people don’t realize, this treat, so commonly reserved for its sedative, calming effects on cats, also has extensive benefits for human beings. Its native range is quite diverse, stretching across Europe and parts of Asia, including China. It is primarily potent due to a certain terpenoid, called nepetalactone, but various other chemical constituents and nutrients also affect human health. Here are some catnip benefits.
Complete Nutrient
Although eating these leaves is the least common form of consumption for human beings, it actually has a rather impressive collection of nutrients, from beneficial chemicals and unique organic compounds to essential acids, minerals, and vitamins that our bodies need. In other words, the plant can do a lot more than knock out a cat!
Health Benefits of Catnip
Health benefits of these leaves include:
Stress Relief
It can provide stress relief and reduce chronic anxiety when eaten, consumed in the form of a juice or tea, or when smoked as an herb. This can also help reduce the secondary symptoms of chronic stress and strengthen your immune system.
Menstrual Cramps
For women suffering from painful menstrual cramps, this tea is often recommended as an alternative treatment, because it can quickly relieve those cramps and stresses in the body. Furthermore, its sedative and calming effects can also soothe other symptoms of menstruation, such as mood swings and depression.
Headache Reliever
Catnip has proven to be very effective in the treatment of headaches, even chronic migraines. Rubbing its essential oil on the affected area, drinking its tea or rubbing a catnip leaf salve on the temples can also offer quick relief.
Anti-inflammatory Activity
The chemical constituents of this leaves are effective as anti-inflammatory agents. This means that it can be effective in the treatment of arthritis, gout, sprained muscles, aching joints, and even hemorrhoids. Topical application or normal consumption of leaves, juice, or tea can be effective for all of these situations.
Sleep Aid
Catnip has been used by people with insomnia or restlessness for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Its sedative nature helps slow down the body’s natural cycles and induce a calm, relaxed state. People are better able to sleep through the night for undisturbed, restful sleep. Many people choose to drink a cup of catnip tea before bed to ensure a refreshing sleep.
