Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for its calming effects. It has been used in European and North American folk medicine as a mild sedative, to soothe nerves, and to promote relaxation—actions associated with support of the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs the "rest and digest" response. Catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that is well-known for its effects on cats but is also believed to contribute to its mild sedative effects in humans. Traditional herbalists have used catnip as a tea or tincture for relieving anxiety, insomnia, and digestive discomfort, which are often linked to parasympathetic function. However, while these uses are documented in herbal literature and ethnobotanical sources, clinical evidence in humans is limited. Modern scientific studies have primarily focused on catnip’s effects on cats or its antimicrobial properties, rather than its impact on human nervous system function. Therefore, while the use of catnip to support the parasympathetic system is justified by tradition, the scientific evidence is insufficient and mostly anecdotal, resulting in a low evidence rating.

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