Overview
Catnip contains chemicals that might have a calming effect. It's not clear if it has the same effects in humans as it does in cats. The oils in catnip might also have insect repellant effects.
People use catnip for anxiety, colic, common cold, insomnia, repelling mosquitos, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse catnip with schizonepeta. These are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness
We currently have no information for CATNIP overview.
Side Effects
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. Smoking dry catnip leaves has been linked with a high that might cause impaired judgement.
Special Precautions and Warnings
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. Smoking dry catnip leaves has been linked with a high that might cause impaired judgement.
Pregnancy: Catnip is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might stimulate the uterus and cause a miscarriage.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if catnip is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Catnip is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Stomach pain, irritability, and sluggishness has been reported in one child taking catnip leaves and tea.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and heavy menstrual periods: Catnip might make PID worse and cause excessive menstruation. Avoid use.
Interactions
Lithium interacts with CATNIP
Catnip might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking catnip might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using catnip if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with CATNIP
Catnip might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking catnip with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.