Let’s Talk About Catnip Tea
Catnip, also comprehended as catmint, is a plant in the mint family. Catnip used to be common in countries like Canada and the United States of America alone, until later when its health benefits on humans were discovered. Today it is widely used across different continents.
Before its health benefits on humans were discovered, catnip was a plant that was only used to train cats. People who used it on their cats reported that it had a euphoric effect on their cats. The sedative effects it has on cats is what made it popular among pet owners. This effect it has on cats has made researchers investigate whether or not it will have the same effects on humans.
It was at this point of investigation that it was discovered that catnip tea can also have a calming effect on humans. It can also help you relax and give you relief from anxiety, stress, and depression. Dried catnip leaves are sold in many stores today for human consumption. Making tea out of catnip is quite easy. Some people put the leaves in a paper bag and brew, while some others steep the dried leaves in boiling water.
Catnip leaves are packed with properties that make them one of the healthiest and most effective herbs in the world. Some of the health benefits for which catnip tea is known to include; asthma, insomnia, fever, headache, anxiety, diarrhea, and gas. Asides from tea, catnip leaves can also be used to flavor foods.
What Does the Catnip Plant Look Like?
The plant is usually not more than 1m tall. Its leaves are dark green, and the leaves have an oval shape. In the middle of a cluster of 5 to 7 catnip leaves are white flowers. These make the plant a beautiful sight to behold.
For the taste, catnip leaves have this citrusy, grassy, and minty taste. A longer steeping time makes these taste characteristics of catnip more obvious.
How Catnip Tea Is Made
Catnip leaves, as well as the flowers, can both be used as tea. Studies have shown that they produce the same effects in man and provide man with equal amounts of health benefits. Making tea out of catnip leaves and flowers is not something that requires a long process of paparazzi.
All you ought to do is add about two spoons of dried catnip leaves or flowers to one moderate-sized cup of boiling water. Stir until the leaves or flowers become loose and soft, then add one tablespoon of honey and the same amount of lemon juice. Keep stirring the tea until the honey and lemon juice are properly mixed into the water. Then leave to cool before you drink it.
Most people who have tried out this method of making a tea out of catnip leaves stated that leaving it too steep for up to 15 or 20 minutes can make the minty, grassy, and citrus flavor more obvious when you drink it. Thus, they advise that if you do not only want to enjoy the health benefits of catnip but also the taste, leave it to steep for a long time.
This will help you enjoy the tea better. People who tried this method after it was recommended reported that the tea tasted better than it used to when they drank it almost immediately after it was brewed.
In other words, catnip can both add health benefitting properties to your body. It can also add flavor to your foods and be a perfect tasty tea for you.
Health Benefits of Catnip Tea
Before delving into the health benefits of catnip tea, it is best to understand the content of what you are consuming. The following are packed within every cup of catnip tea you drink;
- Coumaric acid
- Caffeic acid
- Rosmarinic acid
All of these are flavonoid, an antioxidant that, when it comes in contact with the body, supports health and maintain the organs in the body. These catnip contents, especially rosmarinic acid, are effective properties that can eliminate free radicals that can cause oxidative damages to the cells in the body manage cancer, chronic stomach ulcer, and asthma of any degree. According to research, these antioxidants are even more effective than vitamin E, another strong vitamin that performs almost the same function as Rosmarinic acid.
The following are health benefits of catnip that are backed by science.
Relieves Indigestion
Catnip is packed with antispasmodic compounds that are effective in the elimination of digestion issues and the cramps that come with them. It also has a palliative impact on the stomach, especially when the stomach is filled with gas.
In addition, catnip has anti-Inflammatory properties that relieve pains associated with indigestion. Both adults and children can consume catnip tea for indigestion. However, the dosages differ. It is best to speak with a herbalist or medical expert to know what dosage will be safe enough for you to consume.
Improves Sleep
This is the most common effect catnip has on humans. One of the ways through which it improves sleep is relaxing the muscles and preparing the body for sleep. Sleep conditions like insomnia have been properly managed with the consumption of catnip tea. How bad can that sleep condition be?
The elimination of that sleep condition is in a few cups of catnip tea. The factor responsible for this effect of catnip on humans is a compound known as nepetalactone. It is effective at placing the body in a restive mode, improving sleep, reducing tension, anxiety, nervousness, and restlessness.
Treats Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps come with so much discomfort and are inevitable in some women. Women who experience menstrual cramps try several over-the-counter medications and herbs to improve their menstruation experience. However, going natural is the best, as it has no side effects on the health, except when these natural remedies are taken in dangerously high dosages.
One very effective natural remedy for menstrual cramps is catnip tea. It is packed with properties that calm the lower abdomen and release all the tension in that part of the body. Do not scrutinize too far if you are a victim of menstrual cramps. Make for yourself a cup of catnip tea.
Treats Cold and Fever
Fever is a declaration that the body is suffering from an underlying infection, and the body responds with high temperatures to stimulate the immune system. Thus, fever is a natural body defense and an indication that your immune system is doing a great job trying to eliminate the infection from your body.
Treating fever can be quite easy, especially with herbs. Not only do herbs help you sweat out the fever, but they also strengthen the immune system to effectively combat the infections that have gained ground in the body. Catnip is a perfect remedy for fever, sore throat, and cold.
Relieves Stress
Stress is two-way communication between your body and you. How is this so? Stress signifies to you that you may break down any moment from now, while you respond by taking necessary steps to relax your body and prevent breaking down. Consuming Catnip tea for stress can help relieve those stress effects in no time.
Research has also shown that catnip can help reduce secondary symptoms of stress and also strengthen the immune system against illnesses that may want to develop in your body from the stress. Also, catnip can help eliminate chronic anxiety symptoms when consumed in the form of tea or juice.
Heals Wounds and Burns
Catnip is packed with antiseptic properties that are known to help in the healing of wounds. They also prevent infections from gaining access into the wounds. Coupled with these, catnips are packed with tannins that ensure the speedy healing of damaged tissues and reduce excess loss of blood from bigger wounds.
In addition, catnip is also effective in the treatment of skin problems from insect bites, burns, and hives that may cause inflammation. If you seek a quick and natural remedy for your wounds, turn to catnips. They can help speed up the healing of your injuries, no matter how big.
Relieves Headache
h hAre you a victim of constant headaches? There is good news for you. Catnip is one effective herbal remedy for headaches. You can either consume the tea to get relief from your headache or rub the essential oil from the leaves on your temples. Both the former and latter methods of use have the same effects on your headache. Headaches as severe as migraine can also be cured using a catnip herb.
Conclusion
Catnip is not only meant for cats. Humans can consume it as well to enjoy its health benefits. It relaxes the body, reduces anxiety and depression, boosts the immune system, and detoxifies the body. All of these benefits in one herb. Why not try it out today?
