Health Benefits Of Catnip Tea

Catnip tea, with the scientific name Nepeta cataria, is an intoxicating herb that is known for its healing capacities. Native to dry regions of Mediterranean, Europe, Asia, Eurasia and Africa, the garden herb was first introduced by Americans and was later naturalized by North Americans. The relaxing herb is a member of the mint family of herbs that grows in perennial manner, with hairy, branching and erect stems growing 3-5 feet in height. Also known with names like catmint, catswort, and field balm, Catnip plant is supposed to have originated in the regions of Europe. The leaves and flowers of the plant are usually steeped and dried to make a pleasant tasting tea that is known to bring relief from anxiety, tension, nervousness and insomnia. The plant is known to have sedative effects on humans, as it contains a substance known as nepetalactone, and is quite irritable to cats as well. To know all about the health and nutrition benefits of Catnip tea, explore the article further.

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Drinking Catnip tea

Catnip tea promotes sweating that aids in bringing down fevers and in the treatment of flu and cold, as it acts as a decongestant.
It is powerful herb that helps in relieving pain and cramps in women during menstrual cycle. Moreover, it aids in regulating menstrual cycle as well.
The tea is quite effective in treating severe migraines and has calming & relaxing effect that brings relief from anxiety, nervousness, restlessness and tension.
Catnip tea helps in flushing out toxins from the body and produces carminative to support digestive system, as it is known for its properties of mild diaphoretic.
Chewing fresh leaves of catnip is known to bring relief from toothaches and stomach aches. In addition, the herb was also given to babies when teething is painful.
The tea is a boon for individuals suffering from bronchitis and asthma, as it is both mild and safe.
It can be used as eyewash to reduce inflammation and allergies that cause bloodshot eyes. Along with this, the leaves can be boiled in water that can be strained and used to rinse hair for scalp irritations.
Catnip tea effectively fights against infection, constipation and inflammatory bowel conditions.
The disinfectant properties of the tea help in curing infected skin problems, abrasions and cuts, allergies, insect bites and bleeding.
It is known to cure morning sickness in women and prevent miscarriage and pre-mature birth as well.

Tips

Catnip tea is available in market in capsule, dried and oral liquid form and can be purchased as per the individual’s preference. The dried form is brewed in tea.
It is commonly recommended to take 1-2 tsp of the dried aerial parts of tea, which can be boiled for 10 minutes in a cup of water and taken three times a day.
Catnip can be applied topically by drying leaves and then moistening them with warm water, to reduce swelling caused by arthritis, hemorrhoids, and soft tissue injuries.
The tea can be used as pesticide in farms and as mosquito repellant at homes.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Health & Fitness'