Catnip Infusion: Advantages, Preparation Method, Potential Hazards
Catnip tea, made from the dried leaves of the catnip plant, has been gaining attention for its potential benefits in humans. This article aims to provide an overview of the science-backed advantages and precautions associated with catnip tea consumption.
Benefits of Catnip Tea
Catnip tea is known to offer mild relaxation, aiding digestion, and mild anxiety reduction. It may also help with sleep due to its natural sedative properties [1]. The preparation of catnip tea is simple: infuse 1–2 teaspoons of dried catnip leaves in hot water for about 5 minutes.
Risks and Precautions
While catnip tea may provide some herbal benefits, it's essential to be aware of the risks and precautions. Pregnant individuals should avoid catnip tea as compounds in catnip, such as nepetalactone, may stimulate uterine contractions, posing a risk of preterm labor [1]. Those allergic to mint plants should also steer clear of catnip tea. Smoking catnip is not recommended due to potential respiratory risks [1].
For cats, excessive consumption of catnip can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, making it toxic [2][3]. However, for humans, moderate consumption appears safe, but evidence from rigorous scientific studies is limited, so it should be consumed with caution.
Alternatives and Availability
If you're looking for alternatives to catnip tea for a calming, relaxing beverage, consider chamomile tea, valerian tea, lavender tea, or decaffeinated green tea. Catnip tea is available as loose tea or in tea bag form.
Preparation and Consumption
To make catnip tea, boil one cup of water, add 2 teaspoons of loose catnip tea, cover and steep for several minutes, strain the tea, and add desired flavorings. The tea has a slightly bitter taste and can be improved with additions like lemon, honey, or sugar.
Cautions and Interactions
Consuming too much catnip tea may cause drowsiness. People with pelvic inflammatory disease, heavy menstruation, or who are pregnant should not consume catnip tea. Catnip tea contains nepetalactone, known for its relaxing properties, and should not be taken with any herb, depressant, or medication that causes sleepiness.
Catnip, known as Nepeta cataria, is a medicinal herb. Larger amounts of catnip tea may cause headaches, vomiting, and digestive discomfort. It's crucial to consult a doctor about potential drug interactions before trying catnip tea. Additionally, catnip tea should not be consumed before driving or operating machinery.
Catnip tea is a diuretic, which can cause frequent urination and potentially lead to dehydration with excessive consumption. It's essential to maintain proper hydration levels while enjoying this soothing beverage.
In summary, catnip tea may offer modest herbal benefits for relaxation and digestion in adults but should be avoided in pregnancy and by those allergic to mint. Its risks in humans are primarily associated with allergy, pregnancy, or misuse, while ingestion risks are better established for cats than humans. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal regimen.
[1] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021). Catnip. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/catnip [2] Animal Poison Control Center. (2021). Catnip. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/catnip [3] ASPCA. (2021). Catnip. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/catnip
- A proper diet, inclusive of herbal teas like catnip, can contribute to overall health-and-wellness by promoting relaxation, aiding digestion, and reducing mild anxiety.
- However, it is essential to consider other nutrition sources and lifestyle factors, such as sleep, mental-health, fitness-and-exercise, and home-and-garden activities, for a balanced food-and-drink approach.
- For those seeking alternatives to catnip tea for relaxation, chamomile tea, valerian tea, lavender tea, or decaffeinated green tea can be beneficial additions to a healthy cooking routine.
- As with all dietary choices, one should be diligent about understanding the science behind catnip tea's potential benefits and precautions.
- Home garden enthusiasts might find interest in cultivating catnip plants, as catnip tea is available as loose tea or in tea bag form.
- To enhance the taste of catnip tea, recipes containing lemon, honey, or sugar can be found online, making this soothing beverage a perfect addition to your lifestyle.
- Integrating catnip tea into your diet is an enjoyable way to promote home-and-garden connections and foster a healthier lifestyle, but it's important to keep in mind the precautions and considerations outlined in science-backed sources.
