There’s no denying that cats love catnip, but did you know that it has a surprising number of benefits that humans can enjoy as well? While we don’t know for sure which species discovered catnip first, one thing that is certain is that people have been incorporating it into foods and medicines since ancient times. But all of that begs the question: what can catnip do for people anyways?

What is catnip?

A member of the mint family, catnip has been around since ancient times. Some people speculate that Ancient Egyptians, who are renowned for their love of cats, might have been the first people to introduce it to them. Today, it can be found across Europe, Asia, and North America. 

In cats, catnip can cause hyperactivity, euphoria, or, using pet-parent terms, the zoomies. This is due to a chemical called nepetalactone, which can trigger the release of pleasure hormones in your cat’s brain. What most people don’t know is that a reaction to catnip is hereditary and that 40-50% of cats might not even have a reaction to it. 

What benefits does catnip have in people?

Because we know this is the big question on everyone’s mind: no, catnip won’t get you high. In fact, it actually has a sedative effect when ingested by a person. 

Catnip has been used by humans for almost as long as it’s been known by us. While its uses have faded as modern medicine continues to develop, it historically was believed to help relieve nausea, soothe anxiety, and even help mitigate symptoms of insomnia. 

The easiest way to enjoy catnip is via catnip tea and, according to our Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Lindsey Wendt, you could hypothetically share a cup of catnip tea with your dog or cat so long as it doesn’t include added sugars or flavorings. 

Just remember to be cautious with consuming catnip. While the herb is not toxic, some people have reported feeling unwell after drinking or eating it.