Nepeta cataria, or Catnip is famous for driving our feline friends wild but it has many benefits for humans as well.
Although there is some controversy over the psychoactive effects on humans, it does have a nervine and calming effect. It can help ease tension and anxiety. Because of this calming effect, it can be extremely beneficial in treating insomnia as well. A mixture of half catnip and half chamomile tea is both beneficial and delicious!
Catnip is an extremely beneficial carminative. It aids in digestion and GI disorders in many ways. It soothes the gut wall, helps ease maldigestion, relieves flatulence, colic, and stomach upset. Nepeta cataria also has tannins, which are responsible for its astringent qualities. The tannins can help speed up the repair of the intestinal mucosa as well.
