Catnip scientific name is Nepeta cataria and it belongs to the mint family. This plant is native to Europe, though it spread to several other continents (it is considered an invasive weed). It is also popularly known as catswort, catnip and fieldbalm.
The height of this plant is two to three feet. It has heart shaped toothed leaves which appears grayish in color due to the presence of fine downy hairs on it.
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History and benefits
Due to the medical properties of catnip it has been long used in China and other European countries for treating several health problems. This plant can be good for digestion; it acts as a sedative, tranquilizer, promoter of menstruation, effective cure for infant colic etc. When this plant is consumed in the form of tea, its aromatic flavor is considered to be a remedy for cough and cold, gives relief in case of chest congestion and also loosens or relaxes muscles.
This plant promotes sweating, which is traditional way of treating fever. The leaves of this
plant are often chewed to give relief in case of toothache and it is also smoked to treat asthma and bronchitis. During the later half of 1960’s smoking catnip became very popular and it was used as a hallucinogen. The effect of catnip on humans varies greatly depending on the way it is consumed, it can either be smoked, taken in the form of juice, tincture or tea.
The flowers of this plant can be white or lavender in color with purple reddish spots. This plant has a minty type of fragrance and blooms for 3 or 4 months starting from June up to September. Nepetalactone is an active ingredient of the plant. The presence of Nepetalactone affects the nervous system of both humans and cats, although in a different manner. This plant has an intoxicating affect on cats and calming affect on humans.
Effects
Many people who drink catnip tea report that it has a slight hypnotic effect and can cause good sleep, it also helps to relax when taken after a hard day of work. The potency of this particular type of tea depends on how long the plant has been steeped.
The leaves or flowers of catnip are first dried and then later used for smoking. Generally when this plant is smoked it warms the entire body, it produces a sense of calm and relaxation and sometimes a mild sense of euphoria coupled with giddiness. Smoking this plant does not have visionary effects. However if a mixture is made of catnip and other dream enhancing type of herbs like damiana or valerian and is then smoked, it can have dream enhancing effects.
If a small dose of this plant is taken (approximately 1.5 grams) the effect is not long lasting and continues for only two or three hours. People return to their normal state with a mild or no handover. Overall it can be said that smoking catnip produces a good experience.
Side effects
Intake of catnip by humans can have some common side effects like headache or nausea, if taken in large dose, people may feel dizzy after smoking it. Pregnant women should avoid smoking or drinking catnip as this plant can potentially cause uterine contractions.
The Food and Drug Administration has termed catnip as a plant of undefined safety. However it must be noted that there has been no reports of toxic reaction to this plant which makes it fit for smoking.
My wife’s a witch (wiccan) and got some catnip.
I’ve tried it as a cannabis substitute (smoked in a joint) and as a bong filler.
The effect on me was a relaxed floaty feeling not unlike a normal joint but not as strong or with the munchies attack I would normally have.
The next experiment is to use the catnip as a smoking medium with normal cannabis to see if it heightens or changes the effect.
I’ll keep you posted.
Well, I’m impressed. I thought there was NO WAY anyone who has tried marijuana could say this got them “high”, but I judged it all wrong. I’m a terrible sleeper. I can’t fall asleep and when I do I usually toss and turn my self awake at least twice. Unless I smoke some herb that is. I tried this a week ago, no paranoia, no munchies, just chill and sleepy. I was able to sleep through the whole night annnd I’m still alive, worth the mention cuz you can never know with the Internet… Honestly I might smoke this before bed as a substitute. Bong this sh!t though! It’s, um, an acquired taste I would say and if you have a stomach ache I definitely wouldn’t chance seeing whether it’ll make it worse. Both times I smoked it I was mildly nauseous, less so with the bong, but no worse off than if I had over eaten. The pros out weigh the cons with this insomniac. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this article.
Well, I’m really glad you stumbled upon this article because your feedback was amazing.
Thanks for reaching out!
My local pet shop sells bags of 100% dried catnip plant.
I will try smoking it next week and if I can work out a good way to do it, may try making tea from it and I will update you all on what it’s like.
Does it show up in your system if you are drug tested?
1) Is catnip better taken as tincture or smoked?
2) And which way does it last longer smoked or tincture?
Thanks again peace and love…
1. Depends of what your taste are, whether you smoke catnip or take it as a tincture the effects should be calming and relaxing in both scenarios.
2. Tincture should be longer
Thanks, don’t hesitate to ask any question you have on your mind.
Thank you for sharing. I would have thought catnip was just for cats. I’m growing some anyway, and can’t wait to reap the benefits.
Great to hear, don’t hesitate to share your experiences with it.