Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia that has spread widely across North America. It belongs to the mint family and has a long history in European and early American folk medicine as a go-to remedy for restlessness, digestive complaints, and feverish colds in children and adults alike. While its fame today mostly comes from its euphoric effect on cats, human use of catnip as a calming herb goes back well over 2,000 years.

Catnip's main active compound, nepetalactone, is thought to have mild sedative and antispasmodic effects by gently calming the nervous system — helping to quiet anxious thoughts and relax smooth muscle in the digestive tract. Rosmarinic acid, another key compound shared with rosemary and basil, contributes anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Together these compounds appear to ease both the mental and physical symptoms of stress, making catnip useful for the kind of tension that shows up in both the mind and the gut at the same time.

Catnip tea (steeped dried leaves) is the most traditional and widely available form, and many people find it the most pleasant and fast-acting. Tinctures offer a concentrated liquid option that is easy to dose and mixes into water. Capsules provide a convenient, taste-free option for those who dislike the earthy flavor of the tea. Essential oil of catnip is used topically in some preparations but is not meant to be taken internally.

• Anxiety and nervous tension
• Sleep and insomnia
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Stress-related digestive upset
• Gas and indigestion
• Mild fever (adults)
• Menstrual cramps
• Restlessness and irritability
• Headaches linked to tension

• Insect bites — nepetalactone has demonstrated mosquito-repellent properties in laboratory studies, and some topical preparations are marketed for this use

Catnip is an herb consumed as a tea or supplement, not a nutrient found in everyday foods. To support the same calming and digestive goals, focus on: chamomile tea (closely related traditional calming herb), peppermint and spearmint teas (shared digestive-soothing mint-family compounds), magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate (support nervous system calm), fermented foods like yogurt and kefir (gut health and stress resilience), and lemon balm tea (another close mint-family relative with well-documented calming effects). Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen both anxiety and digestive sensitivity.