Remedies Using Catmint or Catnip Herb

Catnip herb, catmint or nepeta cataria has been used as folk medicine for centuries in the treatment of abdominal cramps, flatulence, headache, hives, the common cold and toothache. It was also used to prevent nightmare.

It is believed that catnip got its because it caused cats to become euphoric when they sniffed the herb. According to researchers, one of the essential oils called nepetalactone is responsible for the cats' behavior. Nepetalactone produces sedative and antispasmodic effects on humans.

Other constituents present in catnip extract are carvacrol, citronellal, citral, geraniol pulegone and thymol. These compounds are mainly found on the flowering tops and catnip leaf extract. Besides its sedative and antispasmodic effects, studies found that catnip also produces diaphoretic, emmenagogue, stomachic and antimicrobial activities. It is a natural stimulant, febrifuge, mild diuretic and astringent.

Its antibacterial activities may help fight against strains of staphylococcus aureus which is the most common cause of staph infections such as boils and impetigo. Catnip may also fight aeromonas hydrophila bacteria which cause disease in fish and can spread to humans. This strain of bacteria is one of the causes of acute diarrhea, cellulites and wound infection in humans.

Its antispasmodic effect is helpful as a remedy for diarrhea, intestinal gas, bladder, stomach and menstrual cramps and sore muscles. As a natural febrifuge, it helps reduce fever. Catnip herb is also used as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia because of its sedative effect. It is used as a remedy to shorten the symptoms of the common cold and flu because of its antimicrobial activities.

As a natural emmenagogue herb, it stimulates menstrual flow. Catnip oil used in aromatherapy or vapor therapy can help relieve nasal congestion. The oil is also helpful when used as a rub to provide relief for tension and migraine headache. Catnip tea when used as a compress has the ability to treat skin inflammations due to its astringent properties. As a mild diuretic, catnip increases urine flow. Some studies have shown that applying catnip oil on the skin can help prevent mosquito bites.

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