Herb Weavers Journal #92 - Catnip - 11th March 2025

Catnip

Has for 100’s of years been used for diarrhea, trapped wind, and stomach cramps caused by intestinal issues.

Babies with colic were given it as a cool herbal tea which also helped them sleep at night.

Both the leaves and flowers can be used and they make a lovely, but strong tasting herbal tea.

Other conditions that Catnip can treat is insomnia, stress and anxiety, and headaches. Those who know what they are doing with the plant will sometimes use the root as well, but the root works as a stimulant rather than a relaxant, so don’t be fooled into thinking the root is more potent and therefor you will have less anxiety or sleep even better!!

The herb has also been used to treat most gastrointestinal upsets, including IBS.

It can act as a diuretic, increasing urination and decreasing water retention, so do be careful if you are already being treated for this issue.

Other lesser used treatments are for arthritis, hives due to sun exposure and allergies and coughs and viruses. Again it has been used to treat diarrhea in children as a natural remedy.

Consumed usually as a herbal tea or tincture and as an infused honey for children who maybe don’t like the very strong taste of the tincture.

Catnip's biggest health benefit is the calming effect that it can have on the body. It contains nepetalactone which is very similar to the valepotriates found in a commonly used herbal sedative, valerian, so if you don't like the smell or taste of Valerian root, this is your next best thing.