Your Complete Guide To Catnip

What is Catnip?

Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is an herb that is renowned for its effect on cats, inducing playful and euphoric behaviors when they come into contact with it. However, catnip also has applications for humans. It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to alleviate various health issues, including digestive discomfort, anxiety, insomnia, and cold symptoms. Catnip can be consumed as a soothing tea, and its mild sedative properties can promote relaxation and aid in stress reduction, making it a valuable addition to herbal remedies for humans. Additionally, catnip is occasionally used as a culinary herb in certain dishes, adding a subtle minty and earthy flavor to recipes.

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Catnip Health Benefits

Stress and Anxiety Reduction:

Catnip has mild sedative properties that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Drinking catnip tea may promote relaxation and calmness.

Sleep Aid:

Due to its calming effects, catnip tea is often used as a natural remedy to improve sleep quality and treat insomnia.

Digestive Aid:

Catnip can soothe digestive discomfort, such as indigestion, gas, and bloating. It may also help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Cold and Flu Relief:

Catnip tea may help alleviate symptoms of the common cold and flu, including fever, congestion, and coughing.

Mood Elevation:

Catnip's mild euphoric effects may elevate mood and provide a sense of well-being.

catnip health benefit chart: stress reductions, sleep aid, insect repellent, cold and flu relief, pain relief.

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History of Catnip

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has a centuries-old history, originating in Europe and Asia and later introduced to North America by early European settlers. It has been used traditionally in herbal medicine to address issues like digestion, sleep, anxiety, and pain. Catnip is also renowned for its intriguing effect on cats, thanks to compounds like nepetalactone. This unique history has made catnip a valuable herb for both human remedies and feline entertainment.

Catnip Caffeine Content

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a caffeine-free herb, making it a suitable choice for those looking to avoid caffeine in their beverages. When prepared as an herbal infusion or tea, it provides a soothing and caffeine-free option for relaxation and potential health benefits. This lack of caffeine in catnip makes it an excellent choice for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer non-caffeinated herbal alternatives.

What does Catnip Tea Taste like?

Catnip tea has a mild and pleasant flavor profile with subtle earthy and slightly minty notes. The taste is often described as gently herbal and somewhat grassy, with a touch of sweetness. It's a soothing and mild herbal tea that is well-tolerated by most palates. While it may not have the bold flavors of some other herbal teas, catnip tea offers a subtle and calming taste that can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs for added complexity.

catnip tea in a cup surrounded by dried catnip

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You can find Catnip on our website! We are USDA certified organic, and our products are vegan and free of GMO’s. Try our Organic Catnip out!

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Where Can I Buy Teas With Catnip?

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How to Steep Catnip Tea

1. Boil fresh, filtered water and let it cool for a few minutes. 

2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Organic Senna loose leaf tea to the infuser for every 8 ounces (240ml) of water.

3. Place the infuser or tea bag in a cup or mug and pour the hot water over the tea.

4. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea.

5. Remove the infuser and enjoy your cup of organic catnip tea!

Catnip tea in a teacup with a dish of catnip beside it
Fresh Catnip