Catnip

BotanicalBest before bed

What is it

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a mint-family herb best known for its effect on cats, used traditionally in humans as a mild sedative, digestive aid, and cold/fever remedy.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Mild sedation/sleep support

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use suggests mild calming effects, but controlled human trials are essentially absent.

Digestive complaints

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use as a carminative; not validated by modern clinical studies.

How it works

Catnip contains nepetalactone (responsible for the feline response), as well as iridoid glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids. In humans, the herb is traditionally believed to have mild sedative, antispasmodic, and carminative effects. Some animal studies show muscle-relaxant and CNS depressant activity, but controlled human evidence is essentially absent.

Dosage

No RDA. Traditional doses are 1-2 g of dried herb as a tea, or 1-2 mL of tincture (1:5), up to three times daily.

When and how to take it

Often taken at bedtime when used as a mild sedative; no formal timing baseline.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried herb (tea)

Traditional preparation.

Hot water releases volatile and water-soluble constituents.

Tincture

Concentrated form for flexible dosing.

Alcoholic extract captures lipid-soluble nepetalactones.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at culinary and traditional doses. High doses can cause nausea and vomiting. Catnip has documented insect-repellent properties; topical use is generally safe but can cause skin reactions in some.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy: avoid due to traditional use as an emmenagogue and lack of safety data. Lactation: insufficient data.

Interactions

Theoretical additive effects with sedatives and CNS depressants. No clinical interactions documented.

Frequently asked questions

Will catnip make me feel like my cat does?⌄

No. The response in cats is mediated by a unique olfactory receptor not present in humans. The human effects, if any, are different and mild.

Can I give catnip to my child?⌄

Traditional use exists, but safety data in children is limited. Consult a pediatrician first.

References

Catnip on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Catnip on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Catnip (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Catnip with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.