Catnip Purchase & Information
Alternative Names
Catmint, Cataire, Chataire , Catswort, Field Balm, Herbe à Chat, Hierba Gatera , Herbe aux Chats, Menthe des Chats, Menta de Gato
Scientific Name
Nepeta Cataria
Why Do People Use Catnip?
Oral - The oral preparations of Nepeta cataria (Catnip), like catnip powder, are utilized for numerous conditions that include migraine, sleep disturbances, swine flu, common flu, headache, stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) upset, gastrointestinal (GI) colic, respiratory tract infections, issues regarding anxiety, cramping, diuresis and as a general tonic. Catnip powder is also used for eradicating worms, lung and uterine congestion and is helpful in the induction of menses in women with delayed menstruation.
Topically, catnip is very commonly used as a poultice to relieve swelling, hemorrhoids and for arthritis.
Manufacturing
For manufacturing purposes, catnip powder is used as an insecticide and pesticide in many commercial preparations.
Is It Safe To Use?
Likely Safe - Nepeta cataria is considered safe to use when utilized appropriately and orally. Side effects have not yet been reported particularly when it is utilized as a tea.
Likely Unsafe - According to some observations, catnip powder is unsafe when utilized in excessive amount orally. Particularly, in higher amounts, inhalation of smoke from catnip dried leaves may trigger serious side effects. Inhaling dried leaves smoke is related with euphoria, which might alter the judgment of people.
The safety of topical use still remains to be unveiled.
Likely Unsafe for Children - The oral use of catnip is considered unsafe among children. There have been some case reports where children consuming the tea or leaves of Nepeta cataria showed side effects like gastrointestinal upset, irritability, which was then followed by lethargy and hypnosis.
Likely Unsafe in Lactating and Pregnant Women - The tea made from the leaves of catnip is considered a strong uterine stimulant. Theoretically speaking, use of catnip powder may trigger some serious side effects especially when used by females in sensitive conditions like pregnancy. So, pregnant women should avoid its use.
There is lack of information to rate the safety of catnip powder for lactating females.
How Effective Is Catnip?
No information available.
How Catnip Works?
Most effective part of Nepeta cataria is its flowering tops. The pharmacological impact that catnip is well known for is the euphoric state it prompts in cats. It is proposed that the cis-trans-nepetalcatone constituent creates the characteristic stimulation in cats when they smell it. In spite of the fact that people have long utilized catnip to prompt euphoria, whether this impact really happens in people is disputable. The constituent nepetalactone is responsible for catnip's calming impact in conditions like tension, sleep deprivation, headache, migraine issues and gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Nepetalactone is considered a vital component of catnip volatile oil- it constitutes 80-95% of the catnip volatile oil and is structurally connected with valepotriates found in valerian. Catnip gives more or less 0.2-1% volatile oil. Catnip powder apparently has diaphoretic and antipyretic impacts. Nepeta cataria may also include other pharmacological effects that include improvement in the activity of gall bladder and diuretic activity.
What Are The Side Effects /Adverse Reactions of Catnip?
The misuse of Nepeta cataria may bring about side effects like malaise and headache. Tea, when consumed in large amounts, may cause vomiting. In one case, a nineteen-month-old child established irritability and stomachache, which were then followed by hypnosis and lethargy after the consumption of catnip products.
How Catnip Interacts With Other Herbs and Supplements?
Supplements and Herbs with Sedative Characteristics
Theoretically, concomitant usage of catnip powder with herbs that have sedative impacts may enhance the adverse and therapeutic impacts. Some of these supplements are St. John's wort, California poppy, skullcap, Calamus, Yerba mansa, hops, catnip, kava, Jamaican dogwood, valerian and others supplements.
How Catnip Interacts With Drugs?
CNS Depressants - Interaction between CNS depressants and Nepeta cataria is moderate so be careful of this mixture. The concomitant use may promote the CNS sedative effects of catnip powder.
Lithium - This is another moderate interaction of catnip powder with other drugs. Theoretically, the concomitant use of lithium and catnip may increase the level of lithium in the body.
How Catnip Interacts With Foods?
There is no known interaction between other food items and catnips powder.
How Catnip Interacts With Lab Tests?
There is no known interaction between lab tests and catnips herb powder.
How Catnip Interacts With Diseases and Conditions?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Menorrhagia
Catnip powder is considered as a stimulant of menstruation. Therefore, its use is relatively contraindicated in women suffering from disorders of abnormal bleeding like menorrhagia and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Surgery
According to clinical researches on catnip, it may possess depressant impacts. The combined use of catnip powder and anesthetic drugs may increase the CNS depressant effects during and after surgical procedures. So, patients should be advised to stop using catnip at least two weeks before their elective surgical procedures.
What Should Be the Dose/Administration of Catnip?
ORAL - For oral consumption, catnip is utilized in the form of tea prepared by 1 to 2 teaspoons in six ounce boiling water. It is used in form of capsules in 380 mg dosage trice every day.
Comments
None.
General Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Specification sheet links below are a standard copy of the COA less the batch or lot number and manufactures dates. Specification sheet can be dated and should only be considered as a general information. Please contact and request an up to date COA if needed for specific updated information before placing order by filling out the contact form with product name and SKU number. If ordering quantities of twenty five kilos or more contact for availability.