Catnip

• TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Tea from flowering aerial parts has a mildly sedative and nervine action. Traditionally used for nervous exhaustion, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. The infusion calms without strong hypnotic effect — suitable for adults and older children.

  Preparation & dosage

  Pour non-boiling water (approx. 90 °C) over 2–4 g dried herb, steep 10 minutes, strain. Avoid boiling water — volatile oils evaporate.

  Dry amount

  2–4 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Sources: [1] [3] [4]

• TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Warm catnip tea is considered diaphoretic and antipyretic. Used in European folk medicine for feverish colds and influenza to reduce body temperature through perspiration.

  Preparation & dosage

  Prepare like nervine tea; drink warm in small sips to encourage perspiration. Keep warm afterwards.

  Dry amount

  2–3 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Sources: [3] [4]

• TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  Cold-prepared infusion or cooled tea acts as a tonic and appetite stimulant. Taken warm before meals it supports digestion and relieves flatulence (carminative action).

  Sources: [1] [3]

• TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  Used in traditional European herbalism as a mild emmenagogue for dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain) and amenorrhoea (absent menstruation). Effect is considered mild and not reliably reproducible.

  Sources: [3] [4]

• Essential oilAerial partsExternalFolk medicine

  Essential oil obtained by steam distillation contains nepetalactone and acts as insect repellent against mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites. In laboratory tests comparably effective to DEET as a spatial repellent, but less effective than DEET when applied directly to skin.

  Sources: [2] [5]

• CompressAerial partsExternalFolk medicine

  Fresh or rewarmed leaves applied as a poultice to bruises (especially black eyes) and contusions. Astringent tannins and rosmarinic acid are thought to provide anti-inflammatory action.

  Sources: [3]

Tea in normal doses is well tolerated. Essential oil for external use only, diluted. Do not smoke — may cause hallucinations. Avoid operating machinery (sedative effect). Large doses may cause irritability and excessive sleepiness. ASPCA classification (accessed 2026-08-10): toxic to cats — larger amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.