Catnip Tea

Catnip tea is an excellent, all-natural way to relax, ease tummy troubles, and even fight off a cold or flu. No self-reliant home should be without this helpful herbal tea.


So what exactly is catnip? It's a perennial herb that is also herbaceous, meaning it is a plant with non-woody stems. This herb can be found out in the wild in parts of North America and can also be easily grown in a garden bed.

It earned its name from the euphoric effect it can have on cats. Kitties love the smell and can sometimes get a natural high from smelling catnip, although not all cats are susceptible to the high.

While it’s primarily known as a filler for pet toys, people have been drinking this tea for hundreds of years. Experts have documented use of the herb as early as 1735. Drinking the tea has a soothing effect and helps you deal with stress.  The root, on the other hand, works as a stimulant. 

In centuries past, herbalists would make a tincture using 2-3 tablespoons of fresh catnip in one ounce of boiling water, and 2-3 teaspoons of the fresh herb for children. You will need much less of the herb if it's dried. 

But be careful, as giving children too much catnip could cause convulsions. Catnip has been used to ease colic in infants. It can also relieve the symptoms of gas and flatulence. 

Catnip versus Catmint

While the names "catnip" and "catmint" are sometimes used interchangeably, they are actually two different plants, although both are related.

The botanical name for catnip is Nepeta Mussinii, while catmint is called Nepeta Cataria. Ironically, cats are more attracted to catmint than they are to catnip.

Learn more about catmint here.

The Benefits of Catnip Tea

There are a number of great benefits that come from drinking catnip tea, including some of the following:

Helps You Sleep

Are you feeling too restless to sleep?  A natural chemical in catnip - nepetalactone - promotes relaxation and helps you sleep. The herb is also useful for relieving anxiety. The next time you can't sleep because your mind is running a mile a minute, make yourself a cup of tea using catnip.

Natural Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be hard on your liver. The next time you are experiencing pain, make a tea from catnip instead.

Catnip can relieve pain due to menstrual cramping. Suffering from a migraine? Catnip can also help with that as well. 

Recover From Colds More Quickly

It's up for debate whether sweating can help you recover from an infection faster, but it's worth a try. Drinking an infusion of catnip will promote perspiration without raising your core body temperature, helping to draw out the toxins from your body.

Drink It for Colic

Because it is a safe, gentle remedy for flatulence and gas pain, an infusion of catnip is a great natural remedy for infants and toddlers. Add some stevia leaves to the catnip infusion for a mildly sweet, tasty tea. Or add honey for a sweet taste.

How to Make Catnip Tea

For an infusion of catnip, place one teaspoon of dried catnip or three to four teaspoons of fresh catnip leaves in a tea ball or just place the leaves directly in the bottom of a cup. Bring water to a boil and allow it to cool slightly. Don't boil the leaves or it will render the healing chemicals in catnip ineffective.

Pour the hot water over the leaves and allow them to steep for about ten minutes. If you are not using a tea ball, pour the liquid through a strainer to remove the leaves. Add raw honey, lemon juice or sugar.

Growing Catnip

Catnip can grow easily in almost any kind of soil. Because this herb enjoys full sun and is drought-tolerant, it is excellent for sunny, dry areas.

Plant catnip by sowing the seeds in rows about 20 inches apart. Once the seedlings appear, thin them to about one to two feed apart in each row, as the plants become quite large and will readily take over.

Harvesting Catnip

Cut the stalks of catnip and hang them to dry in a dark, cool area. Once the leaves have completely dried, remove the leaves from the stems and store the leaves in a plastic bag. Store your catnip in a cool, dark place.

Learn More About Medicinal Herbs

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About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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