🍵

Catnip Tea / Infusion

A traditional tea preparation using Catnip (Nepeta cataria), addressing anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues.

teaswestern-herbalismBeginner⏱ 10–20 minutesShelf life: Brew fresh; dried herb keeps 6–12 months stored airtightDosage: 1–3 cups daily

Generated from this herb's full profile — safety warnings, contraindications, and sourcing.

Benefits

AnxietyInsomniaDigestive IssuesFeverColdColic

Ingredients

  • Catnip — As needed

Instructions

  1. Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Catnip in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  2. Cover while steeping.
  3. Strain and drink.

Interactions & contraindications

  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Pregnancy

Use Caution

Catnip has a traditional reputation as a mild emmenagogue and is generally used cautiously in pregnancy, though occasional mild tea use is not typically flagged as high-risk.

Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

Commonly used traditionally to calm both nursing parent and colicky infant via the parent's tea.

Children

Likely Safe

One of the classic traditional herbs used in mild tea form for infant/child colic and mild sleep support.

May have a calming/sedative effect

Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol

Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.