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Herb Of The Week - Catnip - Monograph

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Basic catnip info - a monograph (with links)

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

http://www.caromont.org/15961.cfm

 

Catnip

 

 

Nepeta cataria

 

 

Principal Proposed Uses

��� None

Other Proposed Uses

��� <http://www.caromont.org/19.cfm> Indigestion (especially when caused

by <http://www.caromont.org/16206.cfm> Stress);

<http://www.caromont.org/16102.cfm> Insomnia

 

 

 

 

_____

 

Although catnip has a stimulating effect on virtually all felines, in humans it

is traditionally used as a sleep aid. It has also been used for digestive and

menstrual problems, as a uterine stimulant in childbirth, and as a symptomatic

treatment for colds. Publications from the late 1960s suggested that the plant,

when smoked, produced a psychedelic high not unlike marijuana, but it was later

discovered that the researchers had, in fact, mixed up the two plants.

<http://www.caromont.org/15961.cfm#ref1> 1,2

 

_____

 

 

What Is Catnip Used for Today?

 

 

Catnip is primarily used by today's herbalists as a treatment for

<http://www.caromont.org/16102.cfm> insomnia, as well as for mild

<http://www.caromont.org/19.cfm> stomach upset, especially when caused by

stress. One ingredient of catnip, trans-cis-nepetalactone, is the active

ingredient so far as cats are concerned. Most (but not all) cats respond to this

substance with a complex reaction called the " catnip response " that can go on

for about an hour.

 

Nepetalactone is similar to a class of substances called valepotriates, found in

the sedative herb <http://www.caromont.org/16241.cfm> valerian.

<http://www.caromont.org/15961.cfm#ref3> 3 This has attracted some attention, as

valerian also is used for insomnia and stomach discomfort. However, as

valepotriates are no longer considered to be the active ingredients in valerian,

it is not clear that this relationship has any significance.

 

As yet, there is no real evidence that catnip produces any effect at all in

humans. Tests conducted on chicks and rats have produced conflicting results,

although high doses of <http://www.caromont.org/16269.cfm> essential oil of

catnip have increased sleeping times in the latter.

<http://www.caromont.org/15961.cfm#ref4> 4,5

 

_____

 

 

Dosage

 

 

Catnip tea is most commonly made by mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons (1 to 2 g) of the

dried herb, or half that amount of the liquid extract, per cup of water (240

ml), <http://www.caromont.org/15961.cfm#ref6> 6 and can be consumed up to 3

times a day.

 

_____

 

 

Safety Issues

 

 

Although comprehensive safety studies have not been performed, catnip tea is

generally regarded as safe. However, due to its traditional use as a uterine

stimulant, pregnant women should probably avoid catnip. Safety for young

children or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease has not been

established.

 

_____

 

References

 

1. Jackson B, Reed A. Catnip and the alteration of consciousness. JAMA.

1969;207:1349�1350.

 

2. Petersik JT, Poundstone J, Estes JW, et al. Of cats, catnip, and Cannabis

[letter]. JAMA. 1969;208:360.

 

3. � Review of Natural Products. St. Louis, Mo: Facts and Comparisions; 1991:

Catnip monograph.

 

4. Sherry CJ, Mitchell JP. The behavioral effects of the " lactone-free " hot

water extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) on the young chick. Int J Crude Drug

Res. 1983;21:89�92.

 

5. Harney JW, Barofsky IM, Leary JD. Behavioral and toxicological studies of

cyclopentanoid monoterpenes from Nepeta cataria. Lloydia. 1978;41:367�374.

 

6. McGuffin M, ed. American Herbal Products Association's�Botanical Safety

Handbook. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press; 1997:169�170.

 

 

_____

 

Last reviewed August 2003 by <http://www.caromont.org/15763.cfm> HealthGate CAM

Medical Review Board

 

All HealthGate health and medical information found on this site is

<javascript:u=window.open('http://webapps.urac.org/healthwebsiteaccreditation/de\

fault.asp?id=87684632','URAC','width=600,height=540,

toolbar=0,location=0,directories=0,status=0,menuBar=0,scrollBars=0,resizable=0')\

;u.focus();void(null);> accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation

Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and

accountability, verified by independent audits.

 

 

 

 

 

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