Catnip (Herb for People) (Nepeta cataria): Uses, Evidence and Safety

Key points first

• Proper evidence not found for catnip helping people relax or sleep. We searched PubMed for Nepeta cataria and catnip with human, tea, sedative and sleep terms and found no human trial among the results. The animal study we read does not show a calming effect in people.
• A mouse study found catnip had stimulant-like effects, not calming ones. [1]
• Two reference databases (RxList and WebMD) advise avoiding catnip in pregnancy, warn about extra drowsiness with sedative medicines, and caution about use in children. [4][5] They summarise other sources and are not trials. Ask a pharmacist or clinician first.

Overview

Catnip, also called catmint, is described in a mouse study as a plant used extensively to treat human diseases and in toys for pets. [1] This page is about the leafy herb for people. It does not cover catnip essential oil used as an insect repellent, which is a different product and a different question.

Names, parts and look-alikes

The accepted scientific name is Nepeta cataria L., in the family Lamiaceae, also called the mint family. [2][3] The sources we read did not specify which plant parts are used, so check any label. The genus Nepeta has many species, and studies of other species do not apply to N. cataria. A review of the genus describes many Nepeta species in traditional medicine, particularly in the Himalayan region of India, Pakistan, Nepal, China, Turkey and Iran. [3] Look for the full scientific name on any label.

Traditional use (not proof of effect)

The genus review lists traditional uses of Nepeta species for conditions such as chicken pox, tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia, influenza, stomach disorders, respiratory disorders, asthma, colds and coughs. [3] These are records of use in different regions, mostly for other species or the genus as a whole. They are not proof that catnip treats any condition. See traditional use versus research evidence.

What research shows

The mouse result matters because many readers expect catnip to be calming. The animal study we read points the other way, and animal findings do not reliably predict effects in people.

Forms and why the form matters

Catnip is sold as dried herb for tea, tinctures and capsules. We found no regulator monograph or human study that compares forms, so we cannot say how any form compares. Teas, tinctures and capsules are explained in herbal teas, infusions and decoctions. This page gives no preparation instructions.

Safety

• Medicines: RxList rates the interaction with sedatives (for example clonazepam, lorazepam, phenobarbital, zolpidem) as moderate because catnip may cause drowsiness, and rates lithium as moderate because catnip may act like a diuretic and raise lithium levels. [4] WebMD warns of extra drowsiness with sleep medicines and other sedatives, and lists anticonvulsants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants and some cough and cold products containing diphenhydramine or doxylamine. [5] In mice, catnip shortened the sleeping time after a sedative drug, which is a reason to ask a pharmacist if you take sedatives. [1] See how interactions work.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: RxList rates catnip "likely unsafe" in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus and might cause a miscarriage, and advises avoiding it while breastfeeding because reliable information is lacking. [4] WebMD advises people who are pregnant to avoid it. [5] Please see pregnancy and breastfeeding and ask your clinician.
• Children: RxList rates oral use in children "possibly unsafe" and describes one case of stomach pain, irritability and sluggishness. [4] WebMD says larger amounts may cause vomiting in children and advises against catnip tea for colicky babies. [5] Never give a herbal product to a baby or young child without asking a clinician or pharmacist (see children and teens).
• Surgery, other conditions, allergy: RxList says to stop catnip at least two weeks before scheduled surgery and to avoid it with pelvic inflammatory disease or heavy periods. [4] WebMD lists drowsiness, upset stomach, vomiting and allergic reactions, mostly in people allergic to other mint-family plants. [5] Liver, kidney and older adults were not described in the sources we read. Tell your surgical team about any herb you use.
• Contamination and quality: not described for catnip in the sources we read; see quality testing and certifications.

Related

Herbs for sleep: what research shows and lemon balm, another mint-family herb.