Top 10 Benefits of Catnip

Catnip, which is popularly known for its effects on cats, is a flowering perennial herbal plant that is native to Europe.

Although it is now common to find it in other parts of the world. In this article we will explain the full health benefits of catnip herb on humans however cats think it’s amazing too.

This beneficial herbal plant can also be referred to by the common names “fieldbalm, catmint, and catswort.”

The flowers of the Catnip plant whose botanical name is “Nepeta cataria,” are the ones typically used in the homeopathic medicine field.

However, both the leaves and roots can also provide medicinal value, hence; can be used in certain instances.

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Catnip

Catmint has various minerals and compounds, including acetic acid, sodium, sulphur, manganese, nepetalic acid, phosphorous, and manganese, among others. All which provide it with its potent medical properties.

This informative article is going to educate you on the common Catnip benefits, thus; answering the common question “What is Catnip herb used for?”

1. Promoting Weight Loss

Catnip is a common ingredient in most effective weight loss diet plans and for a good reason. This is because the natural herbal remedy is a potent diaphoretic agent that can be used to induce sweating. By doing so, Catmint facilitates the removal of harmful toxins from the body through the skin.

The presence of harmful toxins in the body is likely to frustrate your weight loss efforts regardless of whatever you do. To prevent this from happening, most effective weight loss programs advocate for the need to detoxify first.

The reduction in harmful toxins brought about by Catnip’s diaphoretic properties, thus; increases your metabolism, which in turn accelerates the fat burning process.

2. Alleviating Multiple Inflammatory Conditions

The natural herbal remedy is full of potent anti-inflammatory compounds that can be used to alleviate common inflammatory disorders. This makes Catnip an effective natural treatment option for hemorrhoids, aching joints, gout, arthritis and even sprained muscles.

You can either choose to drink Catnip herbal tea or topically apply the natural herbal remedy on the affected body part. This helps to alleviate the common inflammatory disorders mentioned above.

3. Addressing Common Digestive Issues

Catmint has been scientifically proven to alleviate various common digestive issues like bloating, constipation, ulcers, indigestion and flatulence. The natural herbal remedy also works to regulate and improve bile and gastric juice secretion. Therefore normalizing the functioning of the human digestive system.

You are also likely to experience an increase in appetite once you consume the herbal remedy that works to normalize all digestive system functions.

Catmint, which is an effective carminative, can be used to provide relief from common gas troubles. The herb’s antispasmodic property is also beneficial for alleviating cramping and other gastrointestinal disorders.

4. Relieving Stress

You should always have Catnip in your herbal medicine cabinet if you find it difficult to easily adapt to stressful conditions. This is because the natural herbal remedy can be used to reduce chronic (long term) anxiety. While offering an almost immediate relief against stress.

Catnip’s ability to relieve stress is mainly attributed to the herb’s sedative properties that help you relax. Various scientific studies have also found the natural herbal remedy to be an effective treatment option for depression.

5. Repelling Bugs

Catnip can also be used as an effective bug repellant thanks to its strong scent. According to a 2001 scientific study that was published by the “American Chemical Society,” nepetalactone(¹) is the chemical compound that provides the herb with its strong scent that repels insects, especially mosquitoes.

Catnip’s ability to repel mosquitoes was discovered to be up to 10 times more effective than DEET, which is a commonly used ingredient in most if not all manufactured insect repellants.

6. Improving the Quality of Sleep

The natural herb has been used for hundreds of years to improve the quality of sleep through alleviating insomnia or sleep restlessness. Catnip’s sedative nature helps to induce a calm, relaxed state while significantly slowing down the body’s natural cycles. Hence; providing you with even better sleep.

According to various scientific findings, Catnip’s soothing effect is brought about by nepetalactone(²) which is a chemical compound that has been scientifically proven to increase the average sleep duration in mice.

Catnip is a natural sleep aid that does not result in the common harmful side effects. That are experienced when using commonly prescribed sleep-inducing pharmaceutical drugs.

7. Alleviating Common Skin Disorders

Apart from actively repelling bugs, the organic compounds found in the natural herbal remedy can be used to alleviate common skin disorders and soothe insect or bug bites. Catnip has also been scientifically proven to prevent the premature aging of the skin.

This is because the plant’s leaves contain potent antioxidant compounds. The antioxidants found in Catmint can easily absorb the harmful free radicals roaming in your body. These free radicals are the ones responsible for causing wrinkles, lines, and sags all which are common signs of premature aging.

8. Easing Menstrual Cramps

Catnip tea should be used by women suffering from relatively painful menstrual cramps. This is because the herbal remedy can easily, yet quickly relieve such stress symptoms and the menstrual cramps.

Catnip’s calming, sedative properties can also be particularly beneficial for soothing depression, abdominal pain and mood swings.

All which are common menstruation symptoms. The natural emmenagogue can also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, especially in women experiencing irregular ones.

9. Treating Colds and Flu

The natural herbal remedy can also be used to treat flu and colds both of which are common medical problems characterized by high fever. Being a potent diaphoretic agent, catnip effectively works to induce sweating, thus; facilitating the elimination of toxins from the body.

The herb’s diaphoretic and antipyretic (ability to combat fever) make it a reliable natural treatment option for colds and flu.

10. Alleviating Common Nervous Disorders

Catnip essential oil is full of potent nervine properties that are ideal for soothing the central nervous system (CNS). This makes Catnip an effective natural herbal remedy for Alzheimer’s disease, vertigo, and Parkinson’s disease all which are common nerve-related disorders.

The natural herb can also be used to soothe various problems, including insomnia, indigestion, and anxiety that are commonly caused by nervousness.

How To Make Catnip Tea

One of the best ways to take this herb is by making yourself a simple herbal catnip tea. The video below shows you how to do this:

CONCLUSION

Catnip is generally considered to be a safe, natural herbal remedy. However, pregnant women are advised to refrain from using catnip due to its emmenagogue property. The herb has also been discovered to interact with certain medications.

It is always considered wise to consult a qualified medical practitioner or a licensed herbalist before using any potent herbal remedy Catnip included.