Catnip Tea for Cats or Humans
Brewing Catnip Tea for Yourself and Your Cat
Feline aficionados might be well-versed in the joys that a pinch of catnip can bring to their furry companions. But did you know that humans can experience a slice of that bliss as well? Enter catnip tea — a herbal brew with calming properties that have been celebrated for centuries. Unlike its euphoric effect on cats, catnip tea offers people a soothing sensation, perfect for unwinding after a long day, among other benefits. Even better, catnip tea that you make for yourself is safe to share it with your cat. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits, effects, and steps to making your very own cup of catnip tea so you can enjoy this tranquil treat whenever you like.
What is Catnip?
Before we dive into brewing, let’s go over some herbal basics. Catnip, known in Latin as Nepeta cataria, is a plant belonging to the mint family. Its leaves and stems are packed with a compound called nepetalactone, which is the active behind this herb's relaxing properties for humans and its stimulating effect on felines.
If you’re making catnip tea to share with your cat, we recommend using plain catnip, or catnip mixed with valerian root, another herb that some cats love. Before adding any other ingredients to your catnip tea, be sure to check that they are safe for your cat to consume.
What Does Catnip Do To Humans? Benefits and Uses
So what is catnip used for? Catnip tea is used for cats to relieve anxiety and increase playfulness, and humans use catnip for its variety of health benefits. Humans experience the health benefits of catnip when its used as a tea or tincture. Catnip can provide humans with relief from indigestion, gas, anxiety, fevers, and other common ailments. Because it’s in the mint family, catnip shares many of the common herbal uses of other mint plants. Here are some of the benefits of catnip tea for humans:
Catnip for Relief from Insomnia
Catnip tea has a gentle sedative effect for humans, which can help to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. For many people, drinking a cup of catnip tea before bedtime can help to improve sleep quality and help with insomnia. Catnip can soothe restlessness and help with anxiety, and is gentle enough that it can be used in the daytime and given to children.
Catnip as a Digestive Aid
Catnip tea is known for its ability to ease digestive discomforts like gas, bloating, and indigestion. This can be particularly beneficial after meals if you have eaten something that has caused stomach upset. Catnip combines well with peppermint for an after-dinner digestive tea.
Catnip for Cold and Flu Relief
Catnip has been historically used to help relieve symptoms of the common cold, including reducing fever and breaking up congestion. Its antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties can help to promote sweating and therefore reduce fever.
Catnip for Dental Health
Catnip has antibacterial properties, which might contribute to better oral hygiene when used as a mouth rinse. A strong cup of catnip tea used as a daily mouthwash could even help reduce the risk of oral infections.
Smoking Catnip
Catnip is a smokable herb, and you might be wondering ‘can catnip get you high?’. No, catnip cannot get you high. If you decide to smoke catnip, we suggest mixing it with mullein or raspberry leaf. If you want to read more about smoking catnip, visit our list of smokable herbs.
Side Effects of Catnip Tea for Humans
It's important to note that while catnip tea offers numerous health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation. It's also a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before using catnip tea for medicinal purposes, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any ongoing health conditions. Additionally, the effects can vary from person to person, so it's always best to start with small doses to see how your body reacts.
Choosing Your Catnip
For the best tea experience, select high-quality, organic catnip. We offer catnip for sale here on our website, suitable for both human and feline consumption. Fresh catnip leaves can also be used, just ensure they are free from pesticides and other chemicals if they are not home-grown.
Is Catnip Tea Safe for Cats
You might be wondering if the catnip tea that you enjoy is also a catnip tea that is safe for cats. If your catnip tea has no added ingredients aside from catnip, it is safe to share with your furry friend. For herbal tea blends with catnip, we suggest checking with your vet if the other ingredients will be safe for your cat to consume. If you brew a cup of catnip tea for your cat, it’s important to allow the tea to cool before serving it to them. Cats have sensitive mouths and digestive systems, and tea that is too hot could cause burns. Cats will naturally stop when they have had enough catnip tea or dried catnip, so there is no need to worry about them overdoing it.
How To Make Catnip Tea
You can make catnip tea easily at home for you and your cat to enjoy. Here are the basic steps:
Boil your water.
Pour water over your catnip leaves. For every cup of water, use 1 teaspoon of dried catnip or 2 teaspoons of fresh.
Strain your catnip tea and discard the leaves.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon of dried catnip leaves or 2 to 3 teaspoons of fresh catnip leaves
1 cup of boiling water
Instructions
Prepare the Leaves:
If using fresh catnip leaves, gently rinse them to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels. If using dried leaves, simply measure out the desired amount.
Boil the Water:
Bring the water to a rolling boil in a kettle or a pot on the stove.
Steep the Catnip:
Place your catnip leaves into a tea strainer or tea ball. If you don’t have either, you can put them directly into the cup and strain the tea after steeping. Once the water is boiling, pour it over the catnip and let it steep for about ten to fifteen minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor and effects will be.
Remove Catnip Leaves:
After steeping, remove the tea strainer or strain the leaves out of your cup. If desired, you can press the leaves with a spoon to extract more of the oils before discarding them.
Enjoy:
Your catnip tea is ready to enjoy! Sip slowly and let the soothing properties wash over you. It’s a fantastic evening beverage as it does not contain caffeine and can help ease you into a restful night’s sleep. As this catnip tea does not have any added ingredients, feel free to offer a small amount of the cooled tea to your cat.
Catnip Can Be Used for Humans
So, there you have it, the simple joy of making catnip tea – a delightfully calming elixir that’s just as enjoyable for humans as it is for cats. Savor this herbal infusion on a relaxing night in, or partake in it as a ritual to de-stress. Not only is it a way to embrace natural health remedies, but it might also give you a newfound appreciation for your kitty’s favorite treat. Cheers to serenity and the everyday pleasures we can borrow from our whiskered friends!
Catnip Tea FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about catnip tea and its benefits.
Q: What is catnip tea?
A: Catnip tea is a herbal beverage made from the leaves and flowers of the catnip plant, known scientifically as Nepeta cataria. Catnip is a member of the mint family and is well known for its mild sedative properties in humans and its stimulating effects on cats.
Q: What does catnip taste like?
A: Catnip is fragrant, grassy, and floral tasting. If brewed as a strong tea, it can be slightly bitter. If you are a human drinking catnip tea, you may wish to add honey or another sweetener. We do not recommend adding sweetener if you are making catnip tea for your cat.
Q: How do you make catnip tea?
A: To prepare catnip tea, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of catnip leaves and flowers in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the leaves out, and the tea is ready to drink. You may also add honey or lemon to enhance the flavor.
Q: What are the benefits of drinking catnip tea?
A: Catnip tea offers several health benefits, including:
Relieving Insomnia: The nepetalactone in catnip acts as a mild sedative, helping to relax the mind and body, and promote better sleep.
Reducing Anxiety: Catnip can help in reducing stress and anxiety levels due to its calming effects. It is gentle enough that it can be used during the day.
Digestive Aid: Catnip tea can help relieve digestive issues like gas, indigestion, and cramping.
Q: Are there any side effects of catnip tea?
A: Catnip tea is considered safe for most adults and children when consumed in moderate amounts. However, some potential side effects may include drowsiness.
Q: Can catnip tea be given to children?
A: Catnip tea gentle and safe for children in small amounts. It is a common remedy for children’s issues in herbal medicine.
Q: Is catnip tea safe for cats?
A: Catnip can evoke a euphoric response in cats, and catnip tea can be safely shared with your cat. We recommend ensuring that the catnip tea is sufficiently cooled before giving it to your cat. If you have a catnip tea blend with other ingredients in it, we recommend researching each ingredient for feline safety.
Q: Where can you buy catnip tea?
A: We offer organic catnip tea for sale here on our website. Catnip is also a key ingredient in some of our herbal tea blends.
Q: Can you drink catnip tea every day?
A: Yes, most people can safely drink catnip tea daily. However, as with any herb, it is important to listen to your body and consider any individual allergies or reactions.
Q: Can catnip tea interact with medications?
A: Catnip can interact with sedatives, certain high blood pressure medications, and other prescriptions. Always talk to your healthcare provider before adding catnip tea to your routine if you're on medication.
Q: How long does catnip tea last?
A: When properly stored in an airtight container away from light and heat, dried catnip for making tea can last up to two years. Once brewed, catnip tea should be consumed fresh, ideally within a few hours. If refrigerated, drink within 24 hours to ensure freshness and taste.
Q: Can catnip tea help with weight loss?
A: There is no direct evidence linking catnip tea to weight loss. However, if drunk in place of sugary or high-calorie beverages, it may aid in reducing overall calorie intake.
Q: How is catnip tea different from other herbal teas?
A: While many herbal teas share similar benefits such as promoting relaxation and aiding digestion, catnip tea is unique due to its popularity with cats. Its distinctive taste and aromatic qualities also set it apart.
Q: Can catnip tea help with headaches?
A: Catnip tea may help reduce the severity of tension headaches due to its relaxing properties.
Q: Should catnip tea be consumed hot or cold?
A: Catnip tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on personal preference. Drinking it hot may provide immediate soothing relief, whereas iced catnip tea can be refreshing, especially on a warm day. If you are giving catnip tea to your cat, we recommend serving it to them at room temperature.
Q: Does catnip tea have caffeine?
A: No, catnip tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for those looking to avoid stimulants or seeking a relaxing beverage for the evening.
Q: How can catnip tea be incorporated into a wellness routine?
A: Incorporating catnip tea into your wellness routine can be simple: enjoy a cup during moments of relaxation, before meditation, or when unwinding before bed. Its calming benefits complement other stress-reduction practices.
Q: Can catnip tea expire or go bad?
A: Like most dried herbs, catnip can lose its potency over time. Look for any changes in color, smell, or taste to determine if the tea has expired.
Q: How can I grow my own catnip for making tea?
A: Growing your own catnip is similar to growing other mint plants. Plant catnip in well-drained soil under full or partial sunlight. Once the plants are mature, harvest the leaves and flowers, dry them, and use them for your tea.
Q: Can catnip tea help with cold or flu symptoms?
A: Catnip has been traditionally used to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Its natural compounds can help reduce fevers.
Q: Are there different types of catnip tea?
A: Catnip tea generally refers to the tea made from Nepeta cataria. However, other Nepeta species can also be used to make similar teas, and some herbal tea blends may combine catnip with other calming herbs.
Q: How does catnip tea help with insomnia?
A: Catnip contains compounds like nepetalactone, which have sedative effects on the brain and nervous system, helping those with insomnia feel more relaxed and ready for sleep.
Q: Can diabetics drink catnip tea?
A: As a sugar-free and caffeine-free beverage, catnip tea is suitable for diabetics.
Q: How often should I drink catnip tea for its calming effects?
A: The calming effects of catnip tea can vary among individuals. Start with one cup in the evening to assess its influence on your relaxation and sleep, then adjust your consumption as needed.
Q: Can I make iced catnip tea in advance?
A: Yes, you can brew catnip tea, cool it down, and store it in the refrigerator for an iced tea option. For the best flavor, consume it within 24-48 hours.
Q: Is organic catnip tea better?
A: We think so! Organic catnip tea is made from plants grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which we prefer for health and environmental reasons. We only carry USDA certified, organically grown catnip.
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References
This blog post has been compiled from reliable sources to ensure the veracity of the mentioned details. Any reference to scientific studies, historical data, or culinary information on catnip has been thoroughly cross verified.
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