Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria, is a plant that is part of the mint family. The plant is native to Europe and Asia and the name Nepeta is believed to have come from the town of Nepete in Italy. Cataria is thought to have come from the Latin word for cat. The active ingredient, which causes unusual behavior in cats, is a volatile oil called nepetalactone, which can be found in the leaves & stem of the plant. Nepetalactone was first discovered in 1941 from catnip essential oils by Samuel McElvain at the University of Wisconsin.
Although there is no documented evidence, it is highly likely that ancient Egyptians, given their love of cats, were some of the first to give catnip to felines. Catnip has long been a highly regarded ingredient in herbal medicines and was used all the way back in medieval times.
Catnip was also used in cooking. It was brought to America in the 1800s from plant cuttings settlers brought with them. Native Americans also began incorporating catnip into their foods and medicinal therapies after being introduced to the plant by early settlers.
While historically – and more recently – there have been incidents and anecdotes of humans smoking ‘catnip’ to ‘get high,’ most evidence suggests that while catnip trips out our furry feline companions, it doesn’t have that much juice when it comes to an ‘intoxicating’ element on humans.
The most common use for catnip for humans these days is in tea form. Many tea and herbal companies sell teas either with catnip mixed in or straight. Catnip tea is purported to be useful as a stress reliever, menstrual aid, relieving flu and cold symptoms, decongestant, and digestive aid.
References:
http://catniptoy.co.uk/the-history-of-catnip/
http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/catnip.html
https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/catnip
https://www.lavenderwind.com/2019/move-on-over-kitty-catnip-is-for-humans-too/
Curious About Catnip for Dogs?
More Blog Posts & Helpful Information
How to Help Your Dog Relax: 8 Calming Tips for Canines
If your dog is anxious, stressed, or just plain hyperactive, it can be tough to get them to relax. Changes in routine, new environments, and exposure to loud noises are just a few common stressors that can affect your dog. As their guardians, it's our job to help our furry friends find calm, so we're giving you 8 tips to help your dog relax.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
February is Pet Dental Health Month! When it comes to grooming your dog, one area that is commonly overlooked is oral hygiene. Taking care of your dog's teeth is vital to their health and quality of life so we've put together a step-by-step guide to help make brushing your dog's teeth as stress free as possible.
5 Reasons To Adopt A Mutt
We love all dogs: big, small, furry, hairless, old, young, and all in between. We also love mutts – we cannot lie! Whether you adopt or rescue a mutt or if you love a purebred dog or puppy, we have reasons to adopt a mutt AND these reasons are ideal for each and every furry family member you share your life with.
The Guide To Your Pet And Holiday Foods
With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s important to know which foods your pets can and can’t have in order to save an emergency trip to the vet and a big dent in the pocketbook. Here are some do’s and don’ts for feeding your pets human food.
Premium, Organic Catnip Products for Your Dog (Or Dogs!)
Featured Collection
