CatmintAlso Known As: Cataire, Catmint, Catswort, Chataire, Field Balm, Hierba Gatera, Menta de Gato, Menthe des Chats. CAUTION: See separate listing for Schizonepeta. Scientific Name: Nepeta cataria. Family: Lamiaceae/Labiatae. People Use This For: Catnip is used for insomnia; migraine headaches; cold; flu; swine flu; fever; hives; and gastrointestinal (GI) upset, including indigestion, colic, cramping, and flatulence. It is also used orally for conditions associated with anxiety, diuresis, as a tonic, for upper respiratory tract infections, and headaches. Additionally, catnip is also used orally for lung and uterine congestion, eradicating worms, and for initiating menses in girls with delayed onset of menstruation. Topically, catnip has been used for arthritis, hemorrhoids, and as a poultice to relieve swelling. As an inhalant, catnip is smoked for respiratory conditions and recreationally for inducing a euphoric high. In manufacturing, catnip is used as a pesticide and insecticide. Safety: POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately (2,3). Significant adverse effects have not been reported when catnip tea is used in cupful amounts (62). POSSIBLY UNSAFE : when used orally in excessive doses. Higher doses may be associated with significant adverse effects (62). ...when inhaled by smoking dried leaves. Smoking the dried leaves of catnip has been associated with a euphoric high (2), which might impair judgment; however, whether catnip can truly produce this effect in humans remains controversial (2). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of topically applied catnip. CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally. One child developed stomach pain and irritability followed by lethargy and hypnotic state after ingesting catnip leaves and tea (1,5). PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally. Catnip tea has been reported to have uterine stimulant properties (3); avoid using. LACTATION: Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using. Effectiveness: There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of catnip. Mechanism of Action: The applicable part of catnip is the flowering tops. The pharmacological effect that catnip is famous for is the euphoric state it induces in cats. It is thought that the constituent cis-trans-nepetalcatone produces the characteristic stimulation in cats only when they smell it (1). Although humans have used catnip to induce a euphoric high, whether or not this effect actually occurs in humans is controversial. In humans, the constituent nepetalactone is thought to be responsible for catnip's calming effects in insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, and migraine headache. Nepetalactone is the major component (80- 95%) of the volatile oil of catnip and is structurally related to the valepotriates found in valerian. Catnip provides approximately 0.2-1% volatile oil. Catnip reportedly also has antipyretic and diaphoretic effects, which have been attributed to its use for colds, flu, and fever. Other reported pharmacological effects, include diuretic and stimulation of gallbladder activity (2). Adverse Reactions: Report an Adverse Reaction to CATNIP Catnip abuse may result in headache and malaise. Large amounts of tea may cause vomiting (2). One case report exists of a nineteen-month-old child who developed a stomachache and irritability, followed by lethargy and a hypnotic state after ingesting raisins soaked in catnip tea and chewing on the tea bag (5). Interactions with Herbs & Supplements: HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS WITH SEDATIVE PROPERTIES: Theoretically, concomitant use of catnip with herbs that have sedative properties might enhance therapeutic and adverse effects. Some of these supplements include 5-HTP, calamus, California poppy, catnip, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, St. John's wort, skullcap, valerian, yerba mansa, and others. Interactions with Drugs: CNS DEPRESSANTS <<interacts with>> CATNIP Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs with sedative properties may cause additive effects and side effects (4). LITHIUM <<interacts with>> CATNIP Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Catnip is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to these potential Interactions with Foods: None known. Interactions with Lab Tests: None known. Interactions with Diseases or Conditions: PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID) and MENORRHAGIA: Because catnip is also used to stimulate menstruation, theoretically it is contraindicated in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and excessive menstrual bleeding (3). SURGERY: Catnip has CNS depressant effects. Theoretically, catnip might cause additive CNS depression when combined with anesthesia and other medications during and after surgical procedures. Tell patients to discontinue catnip at least 2 weeks before elective surgical procedures. Dosage/Administration: ORAL: People typically use two 380 mg capsules three times daily at meals or prepared as a tea using 1-2 teaspoons in 6 ounces of boiling water. Specific References: Catmint 1. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993. 2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999. 3. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997. 4. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998. 5. Osterhoudt KC, Lee SK, Callahan JM, Henretig FM. Catnip and the alteration of human consciousness. Vet Hum Toxicol 1997;39:373-5. |