When a human sniffs catnip, nothing significant happens; humans do not experience the "high" or euphoric reaction that affects many felines. The plant contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which triggers specific olfactory receptors in cats that humans lack.
Although it might help quell a stomachache or calm frazzled nerves, humans experience few, if any, intoxicating effects from catnip. So when it comes to "feelin' groovy", it's best to leave the toy mice to the cats.
Human uses of catnip
Not to worry, humans don't react to catnip in the same way cats do! Nepeta cataria is used as a mild stimulant and antispasmodic. It is used mainly to bring down a fever, since it causes sweating without raising the body temperature.
Catnip has a unique sweet and minty smell. That's because it contains various oils that give it a distinct aroma.
But catnip is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses. Side effects might include headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of being ill. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if catnip is safe or what the side effects might be. When inhaled: Catnip is possibly unsafe.
Catnip or catmint (Nepeta cataria) belongs to the mint family and originated from Europe and Asia. It is an herbaceous herb that can grow up to three feet tall and has greyish-green leaves with small white or lavender flowers.
Catnip is primarily used by today's herbalists as a treatment for insomnia, as well as for mild stomach upset, especially when caused by stress.
Catnip has a history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments such as stomach cramps, indigestion, fevers, hives, and nervous conditions. The plant has been consumed as a tisane, juice, tincture, infusion, or poultice, and has also been smoked.
Smoking Catnip Won't Get You High—but It May Bring Mild Relaxation. First things first: catnip is not marijuana. Lighting up dried catnip leaves may create a short sense of calm or drowsiness, yet it will not deliver a cannabis-style high. Some people describe a feeling similar to sipping a cup of chamomile tea.
Rest assured, catnip is considered safe for human consumption. It is not addictive, and you won't experience any hallucinogenic episodes akin to recreational drugs. In fact, catnip has been used for centuries for its mild medicinal properties, such as alleviating anxiety and promoting better sleep.
Tobacco and cannabis are not just like catnip, despite widespread myths. Cats get “high” with catnip, but it is extremely safe, whereas both tobacco and marijuana have well-documented adverse effects.
That being said, biochemically valerian root seems like a plausible human analog. The active compound in catnip is nepetalactone, which is a terpene composed of two isoprene units, with a total of ten carbons.
Catnip isn't a drug in the traditional sense. Any plants with chemically active compounds ARE considered drugs in the traditional sense, but catnip is not illegal, addicting, or unsafe when used appropriately. The effects of catnip on cats can be likened to a mild recreational drug experience.
Can I put catnip in my blunt? Yes, you can mix catnip with other herbs in a blunt. It might add a mild flavor and enhance relaxation.
It's theorized that cats feel a sense of euphoria or extreme happiness followed by relaxation, when they smell catnip. This may be due to the scent of catnip mimicking a cat's sex pheromones. The effect tends to last around 10 minutes for most cats, after which they become somewhat desensitized.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
The perennial herb is a member of the mint family and can attract beneficial insects to the garden while keeping pests away. Catnip is an easy-to-care-for herb that spreads quickly and does best along garden beds or as a border. It can also be grown in containers or in hydroponic systems.
As we've seen, there are myths aplenty about this plant, but the facts are clear: catnip doesn't show up on drug tests, and its effects on humans are far from the legends that have been spun.
Cats begin to feel the effects of catnip within a few seconds. The duration of the effect is variable, but typically lasts around 10 minutes and rarely more than 15.
Dry Catnip: This is the classic form you can sprinkle on your cat's favorite toys, scratching posts, or bedding. It's easy to store and packs quite a punch when it comes to keeping your kitty engaged. Pro tip: Start with a small pinch—just a little can go a long way!
Catnip tea, herb, and tincture are also sold in health food stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies for human use. Catnip tea, like other herbal teas, is made by introducing boiling water to the dried plant and steeping for a maximum of 10 minutes.
Does catnip expire? Dried catnip doesn't expire if it's kept in a well-sealed, dry container. It'll lose its potency over time, but it won't harm your cat unless it's moldy from exposure to moisture.
When consumed, catnip can lead to relaxation, sedation, pain relief, and even increased libido. As we mentioned, the plant is recognized for its medicinal properties, some of which include anxiety and stress relief. The plant shares properties with the herbal supplement valerian, which is a popular sedative.
Ans: Cats can both smell and eat catnip. Smelling catnip usually triggers the playful or excited behaviors most people recognize, while eating it often has a calming or sedative effect. Both are safe, though it's best to offer small amounts of fresh or dried catnip to avoid stomach upset.
While catnip is generally safe for dogs, consuming large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog ingests a significant amount of catnip, monitor them closely and contact us if symptoms persist.