What is Catnip used for?+
Catnip is best known for sleep and rest, stress and anxiety, digestion. Brew 1–2 teaspoons in hot water, steep covered 10–15 minutes, sip 30 minutes before bed.
What's the best way to prepare Catnip?+
Catnip can be prepared as infusion and tincture. For leaves and flowers, an infusion (steep in just-boiled water, covered) is best. For roots, barks, and seeds, a decoction (simmer for 20–30 minutes) is needed to extract the actives. Tinctures and capsules are convenient when you don't want to brew.
How much Catnip should I take?+
Infusion: 1 tsp dried in 8oz hot, steep 10 min, 2-3x daily; safe for children and infants in small doses
What forms does Catnip come in?+
Catnip is sold as dried aerial parts, tincture, tea, and fresh. Whole dried herb is the most economical and lets you brew tea; tincture is convenient for daily use and travel; capsules are easiest if you don't like the taste.
How should I store Catnip?+
Airtight glass, cool dark; dried 1 yr
Is Catnip safe during pregnancy?+
Catnip has pregnancy cautions. Generally very safe; rare uterine stimulation — caution in pregnancy If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your midwife, doctor, or a certified herbalist before using.
Is Catnip safe for pets?+
Catnip is generally safe around pets. Stimulant for cats; sedative for dogs in small doses As always, larger medicinal doses should be cleared with your vet.
Where does Catnip come from?+
Aerial parts; Europe, USA
What are the energetics of Catnip?+
In traditional herbal systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, Catnip is considered cool, dry, and slightly bitter. Energetics describe how an herb feels in the body — cooling or warming, drying or moistening. They help match the herb to the person and the season.
