You’ve seen the videos. A cat face-plants into a pile of dried green flakes, starts doing backflips, and then stares at a blank wall for twenty minutes like they’re seeing the secrets of the universe. It’s hilarious. But if you’re a tea lover or someone interested in herbal remedies, you’ve probably wondered: is catnip safe for humans, or is it just for the four-legged roommates?
Actually, humans have been using catnip way longer than we’ve been posting cat videos on TikTok. It’s not some weird, dangerous drug for us. It’s a member of the mint family (Nepeta cataria). If you look closely at the plant, it has those signature square stems and jagged leaves that scream "I'm related to peppermint."
But don't expect to be rolling around on the carpet.
The Weird Science of Why We Don't Act Like Cats
The chemical responsible for the "cat craze" is called nepetalactone. In cats, this stuff mimics pheromones. It hits their olfactory bulb and triggers a literal "high" that lasts about ten minutes.
Humans are different. We don't have the same receptors in our noses for nepetalactone to trigger a psychoactive response. You won't hallucinate. You won't start chasing laser pointers. Instead, when humans ingest catnip, it acts more like a mild sedative. It’s closer to chamomile or valerian root than it is to anything illicit.
Is it safe? Yeah, mostly.
What happens when you actually drink it?
Historically, Europeans used catnip tea for everything. We're talking centuries of traditional medicine use before it became a pet store staple. It was a "cure-all" for garden-variety digestive issues. If you had gas or bloating, catnip was the go-to. It has carminative properties, which is just a fancy way of saying it helps you burp or... well, you get it.
📖 Related: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
It's also a diaphoretic. That means it can make you sweat. Back in the day, people drank it hot to "break a fever." While modern doctors would rather you grab some ibuprofen, the traditional logic was about moving the illness through the body.
Is Catnip Safe For Humans To Smoke or Eat?
This is where the internet gets a little sketchy. You might find old forums from the 70s or 90s suggesting that catnip is a "legal high" if smoked.
Let's be real: it's not.
Smoking any dried plant matter is generally bad for your lungs because of the carbon monoxide and tar. Most people who try smoking catnip report a harsh taste and a headache, not a trip. As for eating it? It's edible. Some people toss fresh leaves into salads for a minty, slightly earthy kick. But because the leaves are fuzzy, the texture is kinda weird. Most stick to the tea.
Real risks you should actually care about
Is catnip safe for humans in every single scenario? No. There are a few groups who should definitely steer clear.
- Pregnant Women: This is the big one. Catnip is known as an emmenagogue. That’s a medical term for something that stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and can induce menstruation. For a pregnant woman, this could potentially lead to a miscarriage. Just don't do it.
- Surgery Patients: Because catnip slows down the central nervous system, it can mess with anesthesia. If you're scheduled for surgery, stop the catnip tea at least two weeks out.
- Heavy Machinery: If you’re about to drive a forklift or perform heart surgery, maybe don't drink a concentrated cup of catnip. It makes you drowsy.
Why You Might Actually Want Some (The Benefits)
If you aren't pregnant or headed into surgery, catnip actually has some cool perks. It’s rich in nepetalactone, sure, but also contains thymol and various volatile oils that have antibacterial properties.
👉 See also: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
Anxiety and Sleep
If your brain won't shut up at 2 AM, a cup of catnip tea is surprisingly effective. It’s not as heavy-hitting as a prescription sleep aid, but it’s more potent than a standard bag of grocery store chamomile. It helps take the "edge" off a stressful day.
The Bug Spray Hack
Believe it or not, researchers at Iowa State University found that nepetalactone (the stuff in catnip) is actually ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. While it doesn't last as long on the skin because the oils evaporate quickly, it’s a legitimate, safe alternative for people who hate chemicals. You can literally rub the leaves on your skin if you're hiking and getting swarmed.
How to make the perfect "Human" Catnip Tea
Don't just buy the dusty bag of catnip from the pet aisle. That stuff is often old, full of stems, and sometimes contains additives. Go to a reputable herb shop or buy food-grade dried catnip.
- Use about one to two teaspoons of dried leaves per cup.
- Water should be hot, but not boiling. Boiling water can destroy some of the delicate oils.
- Let it steep for about 10 minutes.
- Add honey and lemon. Seriously. On its own, catnip tastes a bit like "grassy mint." It’s an acquired taste.
What Science Says (The E-E-A-T Check)
We have to look at the data. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted the sedative and antispasmodic effects of Nepeta cataria. It confirmed what herbalists have said for years: it relaxes the muscles. This is why it's also been used for menstrual cramps. By relaxing the smooth muscle tissue in the uterus, it can dampen the intensity of cramping.
However, there haven't been massive, multi-million dollar clinical trials on catnip for humans lately. Why? Because there's no money in it. You can grow it in a pot on your porch for three dollars. Big Pharma isn't exactly rushing to fund a study on a common weed. We rely on a mix of historical use and smaller botanical studies.
The "Overdose" Myth
Can you overdose on catnip? Not really in the traditional sense. If you drink way too much, you’ll probably just vomit. It’s an emetic in very high doses. You'd feel nauseous, get a headache, and feel like you need a nap. It's self-limiting—your body will tell you to stop long before you're in real danger.
✨ Don't miss: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
Sorting Fact From Fiction
People get confused because of the "cat" part of the name. They assume it's a veterinary medicine. It's just a plant. In fact, in many cultures, it's just called "Catmint."
- Fact: It's safe for children in small doses (often used for colic historically, though consult a pediatrician first).
- Fiction: It will make you act like a cat. (You won't).
- Fact: It can help with tension headaches.
- Fiction: It's addictive. (There is zero evidence of physical or psychological addiction in humans).
Actionable Next Steps for the Curious
If you’re looking to try it, start slow. Don't brew a "triple-strength" tea on your first go.
1. Source Food-Grade Leaves
Check the label. If it's meant for cats, it might have been treated with different agricultural standards than stuff meant for human consumption. Look for organic, "culinary" or "tea-grade" catnip.
2. Test for Allergies
Since it's in the mint family, if you're allergic to basil, oregano, or mint, you might have a reaction to catnip. Try a tiny sip first and wait thirty minutes.
3. Use it as a Sleep Aid Blend
Mix it with lemon balm and passionflower. This "trinity" of herbs is a powerhouse for insomnia. The flavor profile also improves significantly when mixed with lemon-heavy herbs.
4. Topical Application
If you have a minor skin irritation or a bug bite, a cooled compress of catnip tea can reduce swelling and itching. The tannins in the plant help "draw out" the irritation.
Catnip is a misunderstood herb. It’s been relegated to the "pet aisle" of our minds, but it deserves a spot in the pantry. Whether you're trying to escape a mosquito swarm or just trying to get your brain to stop looping that one annoying song at midnight, catnip is a safe, effective, and fascinating tool for the human toolkit.