Turns Out To Be Edible, Recognize 5 Benefits Of Catnip Plants

Illustration of the edible nature of catnip and its benefits (istockphoto)

YOGYAKARTA – Catnip for cat lovers is certainly a familiar plant. This plant not only has a sedative effect for cats, but also contains nutritious ingredients for humans.

Catnip with the scientific name Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint or catwort. This plant comes from various regions, including throughout Europe and parts of China.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, reported by Organic Facts, Friday, April 15, extracts and essential oils from catnip are also quite popular for use. This plant is generally brewed into tea, and even made into juices, tinctures, extracts, ointments, and ingredients as ingredients for smoking. For human health, catnip has the following benefits.

1. Stress reliever

Like the sedative effect when eaten by cats, in humans, catnip is edible and efficacious in reducing stress and anxiety. Researchers JS Cauffield and HJ Forbes found that catnip was beneficial in reducing secondary symptoms of chronic stress and strengthening the immune system.

2. Overcoming insomnia

For thousands of years, catnip has been used to treat insomnia and anxiety. This plant has sedative properties that help slow down the body's natural cycles, making you more relaxed and calm. To get the benefits, you can brew it into tea just before going to bed.

Illustration of the benefits of catnip for humans (istockphoto)

3. Reduce digestive problems

Michael Castleman, journalist and author of The New Healing Herbs: The Essential Guide to More Than 130 of Nature's Most Potent Herbal Remedies, points out that catnip is an antispasmodic. It is very effective in dealing with digestive problems, especially constipation, flatulence, and cramps.

4. Relieves menstrual cramps

The monthly cycle in women has an impact on several symptoms, including experiencing menstrual cramps. When painful, catnip tea is often recommended as an alternative treatment because it can be soothing.

5. Headache relief

Chronic migraines are very effective when they are relieved with catnip. You can apply the essential oil or apply catnip leaf ointment on the temples. In addition, catnip is also efficacious in curing flu, colds, and cleaning the body properly by sweating a lot.

To keep the efficacious effects of catnip under control, know how much it is safe to consume. Citing Healthline, if you make catnip tea, you can brew 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in a glass of water. Drinking catnip tea is recommended at night, because if it is in the morning it will interfere with your activities.