Catnip

Catnip is a plant whose flowering tops are used to make medicine. Catnip is used for sleep problems, anxiety, migraines and other headaches, colds, upper respiratory infections, flu, fever, hives, worm infestations and digestive tract problems including colic, cramps and flatulence. Catnip is also used as a tonic, to increase urine output and to induce menstruation in girls with delayed periods. Some people apply catnip to the skin for arthritis, hemorrhoids and as a compress to relieve swelling. Some people smoke catnip for medicinal purposes for respiratory problems or to get high. In industrial production, catnip is used in pesticides and insecticides.

How does catnip work?

Chemicals contained in catnip are believed to have a calming effect.

How effective is catnip?

There is insufficient scientific data to assess the effectiveness of catnip for sleep problems, migraine headaches, colds, flu, fever, hives, stomach upset, flatulence, anxiety, arthritis and hemorrhoids, as well as for treating worm infestations, increasing urine output and inducing menstruation. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of catnip in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Catnip appears to be safe and harmless for most adults. However, catnip is not safe and harmless when smoked or used in high doses. Catnip is also not safe for children. Catnip can cause headaches, vomiting and a feeling of sickness. Not enough is known about the safety of catnip applied to the skin.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Catnip is not safe to use during pregnancy. There is evidence that catnip can stimulate the uterus and this could cause a miscarriage. Not enough is known about the safety of catnip during breastfeeding, so breastfeeding women should avoid catnip. Pelvic inflammatory disease: Women who suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease should avoid catnip, as catnip can induce menstruation.

Menorrhagia: Since catnip can induce menstruation, it could aggravate a heavy menstrual period.

Surgeries: Catnip appears to be able to slow central nervous system function and induce drowsiness and other effects. Anesthetics and some other medications used during and after surgery can also slow central nervous system function. There are concerns that the use of catnip in combination with these medications may slow CNS function too much. For this reason, the use of catnip should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to upcoming surgery.

Interactions

Care should be taken when using catnip in combination with the following medications:

Lithium

Catnip may have a dehydrating effect. Taking catnip could impair the excretion of lithium by the body. This could result in increased lithium levels and serious side effects. For this reason, you should talk to your doctor before using catnip if you are taking lithium. The lithium dosage may need to be adjusted.

Sedatives (agents that suppress the CNS)

Catnip may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Drugs that cause drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking catnip in combination with sedatives could cause excessive drowsiness.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of catnip depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for catnip. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

Osterhoudt KC, Lee SK, Callahan JM, Henretig FM. Catnip and the alteration of human consciousness. Vet Hum Toxicol 1997;39:373-5.