• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jess Wilmington

A blog about health and beauty.

  • Home
  • Essential Oils
  • Skincare
  • Health
  • Beauty
  • Home Remedies
You are here: Home / Home Remedies / Catnip health benefits for humans

Catnip health benefits for humans

February 6, 2018 By Jess Wilmington 2 Comments

Is catnip safe for humans and what effects does it have on them? Find out the answers as we take a look at the health benefits of catnip for humans.

A look at the health benefits and possible side effects of catnip for humans

Catnip has traditionally been thought of as a wonderful stimulant for cats, but it also has numerous health benefits for their human counterparts. Yes, that’s right; catnip is safe for humans and indeed has many positive effects when used properly.

For example, many people use catnip as an alternative method for treating the flu and colds, because catnip can cause a person to sweat, without increasing the actual temperature of the body. This is the diaphoretic effect of the herb.

Catnip can do more than help to treat colds and flu, however. Here are some of the other health benefits of catnip for humans.

Catnip for humans

While catnip seems to give cats more energy, used in low dosages it has the opposite effect on humans. It is actually used to calm the nerves, and it is successfully used in the treatment of motion sickness. Catnip is a natural muscle relaxer and sedative.

Insomnia

You may have success in treating insomnia or other sleep disorders with catnip for this reason. Use the leaves of catnip, because if you use the root to make a tea, you will have the opposite effect and may even become overly aggressive.

Catnip as an anti-inflammatory remedy

If you suffer from any condition that causes inflammation of your joints, muscles, or tissues, you can use catnip as an anti-inflammatory remedy.

You can create a catnip salve with melted beeswax and either olive oil or coconut oil combined with ground catnip. This can be applied topically to the inflamed area.

You can also use catnip tea for internal and external inflammation.

Headaches and migraines

Rub your catnip salve on your head for a headache, or again, drink a cup of catnip tea.

There has not been a great deal of research in this area, but many herbalists and naturalists report that headache and migraine relief is possible with the use of catnip.

Other uses

Other medical uses of catnip include relief for digestive problems, menstrual cramps, toothaches, asthma. Catnip can help to reduce fever, and it can be used as an antifungal and antibiotic.

If your menstrual period is late, but you are not pregnant, catnip can be used to help your period start.

It can even be used to treat worms, hemorrhoids and hives.

The health benefits are not the only reason to use catnip. Catnip makes an excellent meat tenderizer and is often used in cooking.

If you would like to dye your hair blonde but want to avoid harsh chemicals, you can dye it with catnip. Catnip can be used as a fungicide, and it is also used to repel insects and rodents.

Catnip side effects and cautions

It should be noted that there can also be some unwelcome side effects of catnip for humans if care is not taken.

  • When ingesting catnip, make sure you are not ingesting too much, as it can cause vomiting.
  • Pregnant and nursing women should avoid ingesting catnip in any form.
  • A known side effect of smoking catnip is that it may cause hallucinations.
  • Children should not ingest catnip.
  • You should also avoid catnip if you have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
  • Make sure you inform your surgeon or anesthesiologist you are using catnip before any surgery or procedure that requires anesthesia.

Summary

When used properly and with caution, there are many benefits to catnip for humans. Just heed the above warnings and you can safely use catnip as a natural remedy for many things.

See also:

  • 30 natural muscle relaxers
  • Essential oils for headaches
  • Essential oils for pain relief
  • The importance of sleep for your health

Filed Under: Home Remedies

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tara says

    February 19, 2019 at 4:18 am

    However, catnip is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when smoked or taken by mouth in high doses (many cups of catnip tea, for example). It can cause headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of being ill.

    Reply
  2. Corine Lind says

    December 30, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    I have heard that you should not smoke catnip. It causes severe headaches. However, it is good as a tea for headaches and stress, as long as, like so many things, it is done in moderation. Some people are unaware that catnip, cannabis and spearmint are all in the same family, and all have been used for millinea as pain rubs. Combined, and mixed with oils, they make a very strong pain reducer for both muscles and joints

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recent posts

  • Migraine and menopause
  • The fertility awareness method
  • Visible veins
  • What is an epilator and how do you use one?
  • 8 essential oils for boosting your energy levels

Medical disclaimer

The information that we share on this site is from our personal experience and does not mean another person shall experience the same thing. The information that we share is not meant to mislead anyone. The author of this site is not a doctor. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified health professional in regards to your health and any changes that you choose to make. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk.

  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2021 · Jamojo Ltd

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok