Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip (Nepeta cataria): a Eurasian mint-family herb

Catnip, also known as catmint, is a herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family, native to Europe and southwestern and central Asia. The dried material consists of the leaves and flowering tops, which contain nepetalactone, a plant terpenoid responsible for the species' well-known effect on cats and most other felines. Beyond its reputation as a feline intoxicant, catnip has a long history of traditional use as a botanical herb across its native range.

Brewing catnip tea

The dried leaves and flowering tops infuse easily as a loose-leaf tea. Add 25 g to one litre of water, bring briefly to the boil, then leave to stand for 15 minutes. Strain and drink as is, or add honey to taste. The aroma is strongly pungent with a thyme-and-oregano character, sometimes described as mildly skunky. The taste is distinctly mint-like. One thing to bear in mind: the scent is assertive, closer to a culinary herb than a floral infusion, so it reads differently from chamomile or other mild botanicals.

Advisory Information

Not suitable for persons under 18. Insufficient data on use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult a health professional when using medication, or if suffering from an illness or health complaint. Start with a low amount to assess your individual response. Our relaxing selection runs from loose dried herbs to strong extracts. Scutellaria is another dried herb from the mint family, just like catnip.

Catnip vaporizes at 150 C, squarely in the middle of the vape herbs range. Lavender is the coolest of the mint family at 130 C, and Rosemary is the woodier, more resinous option from the same family.

Nepetalactone gives catnip its pungent thyme and oregano edge, the most divisive smell in our dried herb selection.