- Lamiaceae
- Aerial parts
- Europe · naturalised in North America
- Dried herb, for infusion
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Select sizeThe plant
Catnip has soft grey-green leaves, square stems and small pale flowers. The leafy flowering parts are used in infusions.
What's in it
Nepetalactone is a scent compound in catnip. The leaf also contains tannins—compounds that create a lightly dry taste.
Nepetalactone
The iridoid behind the effect on cats. Up to most of the volatile oil.
Iridoid glycosides
The same broad family as valerian's compounds.
Rosmarinic acid
A polyphenol shared across the mint family.
Thymol
Present in small amounts, shared with thyme.
How it works
Evening ritual: Catnip is traditionally used in calming herbal teas for moments of rest. Digestive comfort: Its other familiar traditional role is easing a windy, unsettled feeling after meals. Herbalists describe this as a carminative use, meaning support for wind-related discomfort.
In the tradition
A traditional European and North American household herb.
The same plant is famous for the response its scent produces in many cats.
- 1Steep 1–2 tsp dried catnip in 250ml hot water, covered, for 10 mins.
- 2Drink 1 cup in the evening, up to 3 cups daily.
- 3Mild, minty, slightly grassy. Keep covered — the aromatics are volatile.
- Avoid during pregnancy.
- Check breastfeeding and medicine use; may cause drowsiness.
A food supplement, not a substitute for a varied diet. Speak to your doctor before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.
Common questions
How do I prepare catnip?
Catnip is steeped as an infusion. Steep 1–2 tsp dried catnip in 250ml hot water, covered, for 10 mins. Full directions are in the How to use panel above. See also: Infusion vs decoction.
What is catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) belongs to the Lamiaceae family; the aerial parts are used. Origin: Europe, naturalised in North America. A fragrant mint-family herb traditionally enjoyed for unwinding and after-meal comfort.
How should I store dried catnip?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Dried herbs are at their best for around a year.
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