Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has a longstanding history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and North America, as a mild sedative and remedy for nervousness, restlessness, and symptoms that would now be recognized as aspects of anxiety. Traditionally, catnip tea was consumed to help promote relaxation and sleep, and it was sometimes used in combination with other calming herbs such as chamomile or lemon balm.

Despite its traditional use, there is very little scientific research to support catnip’s effectiveness for treating anxiety disorders in humans. The plant contains compounds such as nepetalactone (famous for its effect on cats), as well as other constituents like flavonoids and tannins. Some animal studies suggest mild sedative effects, but these findings have not been robustly confirmed in human clinical trials. The sedative and calming effects reported anecdotally in herbal traditions are not well-documented in the scientific literature, and there are no high-quality studies evaluating catnip specifically for anxiety disorders in people.

In summary, while catnip is traditionally used to support relaxation and reduce mild nervousness, current scientific evidence does not robustly validate its use for anxiety disorders. Its use for this purpose remains primarily rooted in herbal tradition rather than scientific validation.

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