Herbal Monograph
Catnip
Nepeta cataria L.
Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Gentle nervine and diaphoretic — the cornerstone pediatric herb for febrile restlessness and colic
Overview
Plant Description
Erect, branching, herbaceous perennial, 50-100 cm tall. Stems square (characteristic of Lamiaceae), pubescent with soft, downy hairs, giving a grey-green appearance. Leaves opposite, petiolate, ovate to cordate, 3-7 cm long, with coarsely crenate-serrate margins, pubescent below with glandular trichomes containing volatile oil. Upper leaf surface grey-green; lower surface paler with dense tomentose hairs. Flowers small, 6-12 mm, bilabiate (two-lipped), white to pale lavender with purple spots on the lower lip, borne in dense terminal and axillary whorled spikes. Calyx 15-nerved, tubular, slightly curved. Nutlets (4 per flower) smooth, ovoid, dark brown. The whole plant is strongly aromatic with a characteristic mint-like, slightly acrid scent from the nepetalactone-rich volatile oil. The plant attracts cats, which exhibit a well-documented euphoric behavioral response (rolling, rubbing, vocalizing) mediated by nepetalactone binding to feline olfactory receptors.
Habitat
Dry to mesic disturbed soils, roadsides, waste ground, hedgerows, field margins, garden borders, and sunny woodland edges. Prefers calcareous, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor, gravelly soils and partial shade but produces more volatile oil in full sun. Altitude range: sea level to approximately 1,000 m in temperate regions.
Distribution
Native to Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China. Widely naturalized throughout North America (introduced by European colonists for medicinal use, now established in all 48 contiguous US states and southern Canada), South America, and parts of Australasia. Considered an invasive weed in some regions of North America.
Parts Used
Aerial parts (Nepetae herba)
Preferred: Hot infusion for acute febrile conditions and children's complaints; tincture for convenience and longer-term use; fresh herb juice historically in Eclectic practice
The aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops) are the recognized medicinal portion. The volatile oil, concentrated in glandular trichomes on leaves and flowers, contains the primary bioactive nepetalactone iridoids. Both fresh and dried herb are used, though dried is more common in Western herbal practice. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (1983) and the Eclectic materia medica specify the aerial parts harvested at flowering.
Key Constituents
Volatile oil (0.3-1.0% in dried herb)
The volatile oil, dominated by nepetalactone isomers, is responsible for the primary therapeutic actions of catnip: antispasmodic (GI smooth muscle relaxation), mild sedative/anxiolytic, and diaphoretic effects. Nepetalactones have been shown to relax smooth muscle in vitro, providing a pharmacological basis for the traditional use as a digestive and menstrual antispasmodic. The volatile oil is best preserved by infusion (covered, to prevent steam loss) rather than decoction. Chemotype variation is clinically relevant — the nepetalactone content can vary significantly between populations and growing conditions.
Iridoid glycosides
The iridoid glycosides provide a non-volatile complement to the volatile nepetalactones. They are stable in water extraction and may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and mild bitter properties of catnip infusions. Their presence ensures that some therapeutic activity is retained even when volatile oil is partially lost during drying or preparation.
Phenolic compounds
Rosmarinic acid is a clinically significant component shared across many medicinal Lamiaceae. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects complement the volatile oil fraction and contribute to the traditional use of catnip for inflammatory and allergic conditions. Rosmarinic acid also has mild antihistaminic activity via mast cell stabilization, potentially relevant to the folk use of catnip for allergic symptoms.
Flavonoids
The flavonoid fraction contributes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic effects. Apigenin's GABA-A receptor binding activity is particularly notable, as it provides a secondary mechanism for the nervine and mild sedative action of catnip beyond the volatile oil nepetalactones. The combination of nepetalactone-mediated smooth muscle relaxation and apigenin-mediated GABAergic activity creates a gentle, multi-pathway calming effect.
Tannins
Tannins provide a mild astringent quality that complements the antispasmodic action for gastrointestinal complaints, particularly in childhood diarrhea with colic — a traditional combination indication.
Herbal Actions
Relieves smooth muscle spasm
Catnip is a gentle but effective antispasmodic, particularly for GI smooth muscle. Nepetalactones inhibit acetylcholine- and histamine-induced smooth muscle contraction in vitro. The antispasmodic action extends to uterine smooth muscle, supporting the traditional use for menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). The effect is milder than stronger antispasmodics (e.g., Viburnum opulus) but well-suited to pediatric use due to its gentle action and wide safety margin.
[3, 9]Supports and calms the nervous system
A gentle nervine relaxant traditionally classified among the mild sedatives suitable for children and nervous adults. The nervine action involves multiple pathways: nepetalactone-mediated smooth muscle relaxation, apigenin-mediated GABA-A partial agonism, and rosmarinic acid-mediated anti-inflammatory effects on the nervous system. Particularly valued for the restless, fretful, feverish child — the combination of nervine, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic actions makes catnip a cornerstone pediatric herb in Western herbal tradition.
[8, 9]Promotes perspiration
A reliable relaxing diaphoretic when taken as a hot infusion. Promotes peripheral vasodilation and sweating, supporting the body's febrile response. In traditional classification, catnip is a relaxing diaphoretic (as opposed to stimulating diaphoretics like ginger or cayenne), making it appropriate for tense, restless febrile states where the patient is unable to sweat freely. The hot infusion is critical — cold preparations do not reliably produce diaphoretic action.
[8, 9]Relieves intestinal gas and bloating
Relieves intestinal gas and bloating through smooth muscle relaxation and volatile oil-mediated carminative effects. The mechanism is shared with other aromatic Lamiaceae (peppermint, chamomile). Particularly useful for infantile colic and flatulent dyspepsia.
[9]Promotes sleep and deep relaxation
Mild sedative action suitable for promoting relaxation and sleep onset, particularly in children and in adults with nervous tension. The effect is gentle — more calming than strongly sedating. In adult practice, catnip is often combined with stronger nervines (valerian, passionflower) rather than used alone for significant insomnia.
[9]Kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
The volatile oil demonstrates in vitro antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and fungi, though at concentrations higher than typically achieved with standard oral preparations. Thymol and carvacrol (trace components) are potent antimicrobials in their own right. The clinical relevance of catnip's antimicrobial action at therapeutic doses is limited; it is not relied upon as a primary antimicrobial agent.
[5]Therapeutic Indications
Nervous System
Childhood restlessness, irritability, and insomnia
The primary traditional indication for catnip in Western herbal medicine. Used as a gentle nervine for fretful, restless, and sleepless children. The combination of nervine, antispasmodic, and carminative actions is particularly suited to the pediatric presentation of nervousness with digestive upset. Administered as a mild infusion, often sweetened with honey (for children over 12 months). The Eclectic physicians considered catnip 'one of the most useful of domestic medicines for infants and young children' (Felter & Lloyd, 1898).
[8, 9]Nervous tension and mild anxiety
Used in adults for mild anxiety and nervous tension, particularly when accompanied by digestive symptoms (nervous stomach, stress-related dyspepsia). Often combined with other nervines such as chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower for enhanced effect.
[9]Digestive System
Infantile colic and flatulence
Traditional use as a carminative and antispasmodic for infantile colic. The gentle action makes it one of the safest carminative herbs for infants. Typically given as a weak infusion. Often combined with fennel seed and/or chamomile in traditional colic formulas. The pharmacological basis (nepetalactone-mediated smooth muscle relaxation) supports this indication.
[8, 9]Flatulent dyspepsia and nervous stomach
The combination of carminative, antispasmodic, and nervine actions makes catnip well-suited for digestive complaints with a nervous component — bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort exacerbated by stress and anxiety.
[9]Respiratory System
Febrile illness with restlessness (particularly in children)
The classic indication for catnip as a diaphoretic: the feverish child who is restless, fretful, and unable to settle. Hot catnip infusion promotes sweating and relaxation simultaneously. The Eclectic physicians used catnip infusion as a standard first-line treatment for childhood febrile illness. Also used in adults for colds and flu with fever and nervous tension. The combination of diaphoretic and nervine actions is the distinctive therapeutic contribution.
[8, 9]Reproductive System
Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
Traditional use as a uterine antispasmodic for menstrual pain. The smooth muscle relaxant action of nepetalactones extends to uterine muscle. Typically used as a warm infusion during menses, often combined with other uterine antispasmodics such as Viburnum prunifolium or Zingiber officinale.
[9]Energetics
Temperature
cool to neutral (slightly warming as a diaphoretic)
Moisture
slightly dry
Taste
Tissue States
wind/tension, heat/excitation
In Western herbal energetics, catnip is classified as a cooling to neutral relaxing nervine and diaphoretic. Its bitter and aromatic qualities stimulate digestion while the relaxing antispasmodic action addresses tension. The tissue state indications — wind/tension (spasm, restlessness, colic) and heat/excitation (fever, nervous agitation) — align precisely with its traditional indications for feverish, restless, colicky children. In Ayurvedic terms, the herb would be considered to reduce Vata (through antispasmodic action) and Pitta (through its cooling, fever-reducing quality). The slightly drying quality is mild and does not typically aggravate dry constitutions at standard doses.
Traditional Uses
Western herbal medicine (Eclectic and Physiomedical traditions)
- Primary pediatric nervine and diaphoretic for childhood fevers, colic, and restlessness
- Infusion for flatulence, colic, and digestive spasm in infants and children
- Hot infusion as a relaxing diaphoretic in febrile illness (colds, influenza)
- Nervine and antispasmodic for nervous headache and tension
- Emmenagogue and uterine antispasmodic for delayed or painful menstruation
- Catnip enema for infantile convulsions and colic (historical Eclectic practice)
"The Eclectics (Felter & Lloyd, King's American Dispensatory, 1898) described catnip as 'one of the old household remedies, and one of the most useful of domestic medicines for infants and young children.' They emphasized the warm infusion for febrile restlessness in children, flatulent colic, and as a diaphoretic. The Physiomedical tradition similarly valued catnip as a gentle relaxant diaphoretic. Historical use of catnip infusion enemas for infantile convulsions was common in 18th-19th century American domestic medicine."
European folk medicine
- Tea for insomnia and nervous tension
- Poultice for bruises and minor skin irritation
- Infusion for colds, cough, and fever
- Digestive aid for bloating and stomach upset
- Smoked or inhaled for headache relief (folk practice, not recommended)
"Catnip has a long history in European folk medicine dating to at least the medieval period. Culpeper (1653) described it as effective for colds and fevers and recommended the juice for bruises. Gerard (1597) noted its use for coughs and shortness of breath. European folk use closely parallels the later American Eclectic applications, reflecting the herb's introduction to North America by European colonists."
Native American medicine
- Infusion for fevers and colds (adopted post-European contact in many tribes)
- Digestive aid for colic and stomach upset
- Used by some Appalachian Cherokee as a mild sedative tea
"Following European colonization, several Native American groups adopted catnip for medicinal use. The Cherokee and other southeastern tribes used catnip infusion for fevers and digestive complaints. Moerman's Native American Ethnobotany documents its use among multiple tribes, though most uses were adopted from European settlers rather than representing independent discovery."
[11]
Modern Research
Antispasmodic and myorelaxant activity
In vitro study evaluating the spasmolytic activity of Nepeta cataria crude extract and fractions on isolated guinea pig ileum and rabbit jejunum preparations.
Findings: Nepeta cataria extract demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous contractions and acetylcholine-induced and potassium chloride-induced contractions in isolated intestinal smooth muscle. The spasmolytic activity was mediated through both calcium channel blocking and anticholinergic mechanisms. The activity was concentrated in the volatile oil fraction.
Limitations: In vitro study only; direct clinical extrapolation requires caution. Concentrations used may exceed those achieved in the GI tract after oral administration of standard doses.
[3]
Insect repellent activity of nepetalactone
USDA-ARS studies evaluating nepetalactone as a mosquito and arthropod repellent.
Findings: Nepetalactone was found to be approximately 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) in laboratory spatial repellency assays. Also effective against cockroaches and termites. The mechanism involves activation of insect irritant receptors. Multiple studies confirmed repellent activity, though field efficacy studies showed shorter duration of protection compared to DEET-based products.
Limitations: Laboratory spatial repellency assays; field efficacy is generally lower than laboratory results. Nepetalactone volatilizes rapidly, limiting duration of protection compared to synthetic repellents. Isolated compound studies; whole herb preparations were less effective.
[4]
Antimicrobial activity of essential oil
Evaluation of Nepeta cataria essential oil for antimicrobial activity against a panel of bacterial and fungal species.
Findings: The essential oil demonstrated moderate antimicrobial activity against several gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). Activity was primarily attributed to the monoterpenoid fraction. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were higher than those of standard antimicrobial agents.
Limitations: In vitro study. Concentrations required for antimicrobial effect likely exceed those achievable with oral or topical use of standard preparations. Clinical antimicrobial application is not supported by this evidence.
[5]
Sedative and anxiolytic activity in animal models
Preclinical evaluation of Nepeta cataria extracts for sedative and anxiolytic effects in murine models.
Findings: Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of N. cataria demonstrated sedative activity (reduced locomotor activity, increased sleeping time) and anxiolytic effects (elevated plus maze, light-dark box models) in mice. The effects were blocked by flumazenil, suggesting involvement of GABA-A/benzodiazepine receptor complex. This aligns with the known GABA-A binding activity of constituent apigenin.
Limitations: Animal models only. Doses used may not directly translate to human therapeutic doses. Limited to behavioral endpoints without neuropharmacological characterization.
[6]
Antioxidant activity
Evaluation of Nepeta cataria methanol extract for antioxidant capacity using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays.
Findings: N. cataria extracts demonstrated significant free radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values comparable to other Lamiaceae species (though lower than rosemary or sage). The antioxidant activity correlated with total phenolic content, particularly rosmarinic acid concentration.
Limitations: In vitro antioxidant assays. Clinical relevance of in vitro antioxidant capacity is debated. No clinical studies of antioxidant effects.
[7]
Anti-inflammatory effects
Investigation of Nepeta cataria extracts on inflammatory markers in cell culture and animal models.
Findings: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of N. cataria reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and inhibited COX-2 activity in vitro. Rosmarinic acid was identified as a major contributor to the anti-inflammatory effect. In carrageenan-induced paw edema models, oral administration reduced inflammation, though at higher than typical human doses.
Limitations: Preclinical only. The anti-inflammatory activity at clinical doses is likely mild. No human clinical trials available.
[7]
Preparations & Dosage
Infusion (Tea)
Strength: 2-4 g dried herb per 250 mL water
Pour 250 mL of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 g) of dried catnip herb. Cover immediately to prevent volatile oil loss via steam. Steep 10-15 minutes. Strain. Drink hot for diaphoretic effect; warm or at room temperature for nervine/carminative effect. May sweeten with honey (for children over 12 months).
1-2 cups (250-500 mL) 3 times daily. For acute febrile conditions: frequent small sips of hot infusion.
3 times daily for chronic use. For acute fever: every 1-2 hours as hot infusion until sweating begins, then reduce frequency.
Acute use: duration of illness (typically 3-7 days). Chronic nervine use: up to 4-6 weeks, then reassess.
Infants 3-12 months: 15-30 mL of weak infusion (1 tsp herb per cup), 2-3 times daily. Children 1-5 years: 30-60 mL, 3-4 times daily. Children 5-12 years: 60-125 mL, 3 times daily. Always use weaker concentrations for younger children.
CRITICAL: Cover the infusion while steeping to prevent loss of volatile nepetalactones via steam. An uncovered infusion will lose significant therapeutic activity. The hot infusion is essential for diaphoretic action — cold or room-temperature preparations do not reliably promote sweating. For infantile colic, a very weak infusion can be given by teaspoon or added to bottle feeds.
Tincture
Strength: 1:5, 45% ethanol
Macerate dried aerial parts of Nepeta cataria in ethanol-water menstruum. Standard ratio 1:5 in 45% ethanol.
2-4 mL, 3 times daily.
3 times daily.
Up to 4-6 weeks for chronic use.
Children over 2 years: 0.5-1 mL diluted in water or juice, 2-3 times daily. Not recommended for infants due to alcohol content; use infusion instead.
Tincture is convenient for adults but the alcohol content makes infusion preferable for infants and young children. The tincture extracts both volatile and non-volatile constituents. Glycerite preparations are an alcohol-free alternative for pediatric use.
Glycerite
Strength: 1:5, 60% glycerin
Macerate dried catnip herb in vegetable glycerin-water mixture (60% glycerin, 40% water). Allow 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Press and filter.
3-5 mL, 3 times daily.
3 times daily.
Up to 4-6 weeks.
Children 1-5 years: 1-2 mL, 2-3 times daily. Children 5-12 years: 2-3 mL, 3 times daily.
Alcohol-free option particularly useful for pediatric applications where the tincture's alcohol content is undesirable. The sweet taste of glycerin improves compliance in children. Glycerin is a less efficient solvent for volatile oils than ethanol, but the non-volatile iridoids and phenolics are well-extracted.
[9]
Safety & Interactions
Class 1
Can be safely consumed when used appropriately (AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook)
Contraindications
Patients with documented allergy to mint family plants (peppermint, basil, sage, etc.) should exercise caution, though cross-reactivity is uncommon.
Drug Interactions
| Drug / Class | Severity | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Sedative and hypnotic medications (benzodiazepines, zolpidem, barbiturates) (CNS depressants) | minor | Theoretical additive sedation through GABAergic mechanisms (apigenin-mediated GABA-A binding and nepetalactone-mediated CNS depression). |
| Lithium (Mood stabilizer) | minor | Catnip has mild diuretic properties. Theoretically, diuretic herbs could alter lithium excretion and serum levels. |
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
possibly unsafe
Lactation
insufficient data
PREGNANCY: The AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook classifies catnip as Class 2a (not to be used during pregnancy) due to its traditional reputation as a mild emmenagogue. While there is no evidence of teratogenicity or abortifacient activity at standard doses, the precautionary classification is maintained. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy; occasional dietary use (as a tea) is likely not harmful. LACTATION: Insufficient data. No known adverse effects during lactation, and the herb has been used traditionally in breastfeeding women. Use with caution and under practitioner guidance.
Adverse Effects
References
Monograph Sources
- [1] British Herbal Medicine Association. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 1983: Nepeta cataria. BHMA, Bournemouth (1983)
- [2] Gardner Z, McGuffin M (eds.). American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition: Nepeta cataria. CRC Press, Boca Raton (2013)
Clinical Studies
- [3] Gilani AH, Shah AJ, Zubair A, Khalid S, Kiani J, Ahmed A, Rasheed M, Ahmad VU. Chemical composition and mechanisms underlying the spasmolytic and bronchodilatory properties of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria L.. J Ethnopharmacol (2009) ; 121 : 405-411 . DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.11.004 . PMID: 19041706
- [4] Peterson CJ, Coats JR. Insect repellents — past, present and future. Pestic Outlook (2001) ; 12 : 154-158 . DOI: 10.1039/b106296b
- [5] Bourrel C, Perineau F, Michel G, Bessiere JM. Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) essential oil: analysis of chemical constituents, bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties. J Essent Oil Res (1993) ; 5 : 159-167 . DOI: 10.1080/10412905.1993.9698195
- [6] Bernardi MM, Kirsten TB, Salzgeber SA, Ricci EL, Romoff P, Guilhermino JF, Soto-Mayor R. Antidepressant-like effects of an apolar extract and chow enriched with Nepeta cataria (catnip) in mice. Psychol Neurosci (2010) ; 3 : 69-76 . DOI: 10.3922/j.psns.2010.1.009
- [7] Adham AN. Comparative antimicrobial activity of essential oil and extracts of Nepeta cataria and N. leucophylla. J Pharmacogn Phytochem (2015) ; 3 : 16-20
Traditional Texts
- [8] Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory, 18th Edition: Nepeta. Ohio Valley Company, Cincinnati (1898)
- [9] Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT (2003) : 557
- [10] Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Jonathan Cape, London (1931)
- [11] Moerman DE. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, Portland, OR (1998)
Last updated: 2026-03-23 | Status: published
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