Stressed out? Got a cold? Belly ache?Catnip’s not just for kitties, though don’t tell them that!
My cats ecstatically roll around in our garden patch, but they kindly leave some behind for me. Why do cats like it so much, anyway? According to the humane society, it gives them a nice mellow buzz, because it acts upon “happy” pheromones in their brains.
Here’s my one of my cats,Smudgy, after chomping down on the catnip beside him. He looks pretty mellow to me…
But Angie, you might be asking, what’s in it for us?
Well…
A tea made from the leaves, fresh or dry, can induce the same relaxing effects on us too.
To make Catnip tea:
- 3 tsp fresh, or 1 tsp dried catnip
- 8 to 10 ounces water
Bring your water to a boil, let cool until no longer boiling, then pour over the catnip leaves. Let steep between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Add sugar, or honey, or whatever and enjoy!
This is only one of the many uses of catnip. It is also used for colds, allergies, to improve digestion and many other things.
Here are some links to more in-depth info:
Catnip is also well loved by pollinators like bees and butterflies. Aren’t the tiny blossoms beautiful? I love nature up close.
Wellness Mama – her site is fantastic for all sorts of information on health
Herb Wisdom -more extensive information
By the way, catnip is not recommended for use by pregnant women because it could induce menstruation. It could also possibly interact with certain medications, so check with your Dr before you try catnip.
Have y’all ever tried catnip? What about your cats, do they go crazy for it? Tell me about it in the comments!
Thanks!
Angie
Smudgy made me laugh. He does look so relaxed. What a lucky kitty! Not to mention that the picture is just all around beautiful with a pure white cat snuggled down in the lush green foliage.
Yeah, he’s a cute one, and completely spoiled!
It’s not just domesticated cats who enjoy the effects of catnip; many other wild species of cats also enjoy it. Cats can smell 1 part per billion in the air. Males and females, fertile or desexed—there appears to be no one group more readily affected by catnip than another.
That is amazing how sensitive cats are to it!