It’s unlikely your cat or kitten will actually eat enough catnip to cause them any problems. Catnip is a herb that’s a cousin to mint, basil, and oregano – herbs we humans regularly use in the kitchen for cooking and seasoning. If you own one of those L.A. party scene cats that loves to get wild, you're no doubt aware of the drug menace ensnaring so many of today's most promising cat youth. I have been having trouble falling asleep. 21 comments. Catnip can be a good sedative for humans if taken as tea. Catnip tea is most commonly used to treat nervousness and anxiety, along with other symptoms these conditions can cause, such as indigestion and insomnia. Sure. Catnip actually has the opposite effect on people that it has on cats. It is because of the medicinal purposes that this herb possesses. The herb has also been traditionally used to treat cold, flu, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments, and is said to relieve stomachache and other digestive complaints. Popular Science may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. It can also be smoked and chewed. Yes, catnip is safe for cats to eat. Catnip made for cats should not be used by humans. Is Catnip Safe for Cats to Eat? Catnip is euphoric for cats, not people. You can safely give catnip to cats, but make sure that you feed him just a few pinches a day. Anything leafy and green is okay for rabbits to consume, but you have to be sure that it does not have toxic parts. You might benefit from it, but if you notice any side effects, stop taking it. Can Cats Eat Catnip? Most medicinal preparations make use of the leaves and flowers of the plant, but some herbalists believe that the plant's roots can cause irritability. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. CAUTION: Catnip intended for cats should never be consumed by humans. Human stomachs cannot digest hard raw leaves and grass easily, but cows can.certainly eat grass. You will need to find out exactly what your cat is expecting from the environment it lives in. Catnip tea is not well known in the US though. However, think about this. 81% Upvoted. It has been used to relieve diarrhea, and is also seen as an effective remedy for painful intestinal gas. I think it's nonsense. Over eating can cause vomiting and diarrhea in some cats … Concentrated nepetalactone also makes for a powerful mosquito repellent. My German friend told me that catnip tea is a common home treatment for colds and upset stomach, at least in their family. The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole. Posted by 6 years ago. Cats love catnip. In fact, catnip can even be safely ingested by humans (especially when the dried leaves are made into a tea). It is a useful answer to the question that I just asked, but I think we can do better. The effects of catnip on humans have not been widely documented by modern medical science, but both European and American folk traditions have assigned this herb several healing properties. Traditional folk medicine typically maintains that a small dose of catnip infused in a tea or ingested as a dietary supplement can soothe insomnia. The scent that we get when we rub its leaves between our fingers is evidence of a high amount of volatile oils. It is believed to be a very effective remedy for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It’s also easy to find toys that already contain the herb. It has also been administered as a headache remedy. Your cat may just satisfy her taste for greens. Copyright © 2020 Popular Science. It's not clear why the active chemical in catnip, nepetalactone, doesn't affect humans, Kornreich says. (Mountain Rose Herbs sells a Tummy Care Extract made with catnip, which you can find here.) What really happens to cats when they eat too much catnip. Upset stomach is supposed to be one of the things that catnip treats. And I have heard of some smoking it. Catnip can also help to calm upset stomachs, cure scarlet fever and treat a host of problems such as coughs, headaches, insomnia and smallpox. Wondering how to use catnip as a human? However, to be on the safe side, watch closely the first couple times you give them catnip to make sure they’re enjoying it appropriately. Any treat, whether made for cats or humans, should only be offered in moderation. Can’t smell or taste the bacon? Modern medical science has documented the herbs abortifacient properties, and most doctors believe that the herb can lead to uterine contractions and miscarriage in pregnant women. Will Dogs Get Sick From Catnip? From a human perspective, think something along the lines of cocaine or meth if they sniff it and cannabis or opiates if they eat it. Yes, catnip is edible and it is not poisonous to humans. Second, it is known to have sedative properties which induce sleep and helps people relax. Can rabbits eat catnip? A Bonnier Corporation Company. Can a human eat Catnip? By Tom Meisfjord / Nov. 20, 2019 1:22 pm EST / Updated: Nov. 20, 2019 2:59 pm EST. The effects of catnip on humans have not been widely documented by modern medical science, but both European and American folk traditions have assigned this herb several healing properties. Doctor X. Lv 4. A spray version is another option, which can be used on bedding or toys. It probably wouldn't hurt in low dosages. For those having problems sleeping at night, drinking a cup of catnip tea can help you sleep better. Humans do eat catnip. In traditional Appalachian culture, the herb catnip was often administered as a treatment for stomach upset. 0 0. Remember that catnip loses its potency at room temperature for long periods of time. As for whether cats can overdose on catnip and why they react the way they do, read on. Put down the catnip and call poison control. Cupful amounts of catnip tea have been consumed without serious side effects. Sort by. Catnip is the common name for the plant, but there are other names it could be called, depending on where it is grown. Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. We all give it to our cats to play with, but we don't take advantage of its benefits. One of the main effects of catnip on humans is said to be a sedative effect. and why do cats like catnip. Maybe catnip tea will help. Apparently, even some European doctors recommend catnip tea to their patients for various ailments. If your dog was to smell or eat some of your cats catnip form the floor don’t worry about it, he will be fine. I don't believe that the effects of catnip on humans is consistent and entirely reliable for this reason. Unlike humans, cows are ruminants and have four stomach chambers enabling them to digest grass. how long does catnip last for cats. share. It is believed, however, that the sedative effects of catnip on humans can help to ease frayed nerves and anxiety in small dosages, or induce sleep in larger doses. Is Amazon actually giving you the best price? Catnip is even safe for humans as well just in case you may be curious to find out what’s all the hype. @ddljohn-- Give catnip a try, but keep in mind that there really isn't sufficient evidence out there about its effects in humans. Catnip is a digestive herb. So, in answer to “can cat cats eat catnip?” the answer is most definitely “yes”. We also drink tea made from it. Humans can consume it in the form of tea, juice, infusion, tincture. First, it functions as mosquito repellent which avoids dengue, malaria and other diseases transmitted by mosquitos. there is so many benefits of catnips for cats. Its effect can also be comparable to chamomile. It's best stored in an air tight container or better yet, the freezer. This is a far cry from the spazzed-out effect many cats seem to enjoy. Where felines get crazy hyper when they chew on the plant, it actually acts as a calming sedative in humans. It may help to ease digestion and intestinal cramps. For cats, you can find catnip as a live plant, a dried powder or solid balls. Cats cannot be addicted to catnip, though they really do enjoy it; the way a human enjoys video games or ice cream. He says that catnip gives him hallucinations. Catnip tea is one of the most common and easiest ways to ingest the herb. Catnip can be used for humans, but the reactions in humans are rather subdued. I took catnip supplements for a while for migraines and it gave me upset stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea in some cats have a tendency to over-indulge to ease digestion intestinal! 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