Catnip, catnep or catmint (Nepeta cataria) is part of the mint family, lamiaceae, and was native to Europe and Asia before it was bought to the Americas. It’s famously known to be a herb that appeals to cats but it’s a powerful medicinal herb that has healing benefits that extend to dogs and is gown as a culinary herb in France for seasoning. In folklore, it is said that planting catnip near your home or around your front door attracts good spirits and good luck.
Catnip is classed as a bitter herb with the energetics of cooling and drying. It is a diaphoretic herb in that it can be both relaxing and stimulating and this is probably no better highlighted than the effects it has on cats compared to dogs. For cats, it acts as a stimulant whilst for dogs, it’s a relaxant and is great for those dogs that are hyperactive or nervous. The main body systems catnip impacts are the lungs, liver and nerves.
As with any herb, catnip is not one dimensional, it can work on numerous areas in the body to bring back health or used with a combination of other herbs to draw out different energetics and reduce some of its bitter taste.
Benefits of Catnip
- Reduce fevers
- Analgesic (relieves pain)
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Calmative
- Helps with obstructions of the womb
- Speeds up delivery
- Digestive aid
- Cures diarrhoea
- Antiflatulant
- Mild sedative
- Insecticidal
- Reduce effects of digestive infections
- Antispasmodic
- Emmenagogic (stimulates menstrual flow)
- Relieves coughs
- Disguises body odor
- Nervine (calms and soothes nerves)
- Reduces dizziness and vertigo
- Relieves headaches
- Eases Lungs/bronchial
- Reduces irritation of the skin
- Exciter/Stimulator especially for cats
- Used as a remedy in the prevention and cure of diabetes
Is Catnip Leaf Safe for Pets?
Yes, it is safe for both cats and dogs. However, the energetics of the plant work differently with the two animals. It doesn’t appeal to all cats but those that are attracted to catnip generally develop their like in their first year. For cats, catnip is famous for exciting them, whereas for dogs it’s used to calm and as a digestive aid.
As with most herbs don’t overdo it or consistently feed it to your pet without ever changing or rotating herbs. Rotating herbs throughout the year is a fantastic form of prevention by allowing the body to stay in optimal health. However, all of this has to be underpinned by proper nutrition.
Side Effects
- If your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve speak with your integrative vet
- Do not feed to pregnant or lactating pets
- Avoid using catnip or plants from the mint family if you’re doing homeopathy treatments with your pet as they will negate the effects of the treatment.
- Do not overfeed as it can cause vomiting
- Too frequent a use can weaken digestion long term
How to Give Catnip to Cats & Dogs
Forms of use:
- Flowering tops from the plant fresh or dried.
- Poultice
- Tincture
- Essential oil
- Tea
Administration can be via
- Given orally
- Applied topically
One stands a far better chance of a cure by using simple herbal remedies than by treatments with unnatural chemicals.
by Juliette de Bairacli Levy
Catnip Dosage for Pets
Although it has many benefits catnip isn’t a herb that should be included in your pet’s diet every day, it is more for occasional use.
Ideally, it would be better to have the real plant in your home rather than a supplement as this allows your cat and dog to self-select the plant as and when needed. Or alternatively, you could use some of the leaves fresh or dried to make a tea as a digestive aid, or as a calmative etc. by sprinkling the fresh herb onto your pet’s food.
General-purpose guidelines:
Fresh herb: Catnip is a great plant to have around the home that will do well both in the ground and in a pot. Catnip is not only great for your pet it also is useful as a natural insect repellent.
If you wish to use the plant to help your cat or dog with flatulence or digestive upset, depending on the size of the leaves collect one or two fresh leaves (if small) finely chop the herb and mix it into your pet’s food. Less is more with this herb and if you’re treating a stomach upset use the leaves for two or three days consecutively to help settle the digestive system then take a break from the herb.
Decoction (Tea). Use fresh or dried herbs. Teas are one of the safest ways to introduce and give herbs to your cat or dog. Herbal teas are not as strong as tinctures but are still healing. Infuse the leaves rather than boil them to reap the benefits. Make a tea with your fresh/dried leaves, and add a few drops to your pet’s food. You can keep the remaining tea in an airtight jar in the fridge as it will last a few days.
Poultice. A poultice of catnip can help with skin irritations, pain, swelling and muscle spasms. Grab a bunch of leaves, mash or bruise them up and place them in a linen or cotton cloth to place over the area. A catnip poultice can also help with rheumatism and arthritis. Place the poultice directly over the inflammed joints, swelling or skin irritation.
Tincture: The tincture can be beneficial for rheumatism and arthritis when massaged into the inflammed joints. If you’re using the tincture as a digestive aid or calmative for anxiety etc., use just one or two drops mixed with a small amount of water.
Essential oil: Use sparingly around animals as it’s incredibly potent. Add just one drop of essential oil into water for your oil diffuser. Catnip essential oil is extremely effective in repelling mosquitos and other insects but the oil can potentially be toxic to pets when over-used. Never use the essential oil undiluted, give it internally, or apply it topically.
Herbs speak a language all their own, a universal language that translates into nutritional correction and healing, chemical balance and restoration of tissue integrity. If ever plants of any kind could be described as compassionate and “user-friendly’, it would be herbs. Listen to what the herbs have to say about themselves. For every symptom, every condition, there’s a herb or combination of herbs that will help.
by Dr Bernard Jensen
This article is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your holistic veterinarian for proper diagnosis and your pet’s individual treatment plan.
