Catnip is the happy plant for cats; they roll in it and rub it onto their fur and it makes them happy. But catnip is also used as in herbal medicine to relieve the symptoms of anxiety in people.

This herb has been a popular folk medicine treatment for muscle tension, stress, nausea, headache and insomnia. All of these are also symptoms of anxiety which is why it is now being used for patients suffering this debilitating problem. Catnip has a sedating effect which helps to calm anxious and stressed patients and gives them some relief from their symptoms.

Catnip is a member of the mint family and is native to different parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. The leaves are grey-green in color with a hairy appearance. The plant has tiny flowers in different shades of white, lavender, pink and blue that appear in late spring and summer.

Because of its popularity in herbal medicine, studies have been conducted to try and prove its medicinal properties. It has been shown to be anti-bacterial and anti-viral in nature and is used to reduce swelling in such conditions as arthritis, bruising and hemorrhoids.

If you are considering trying catnip for yourself, do not be tempted to use a product designed for cats. Animal products are not governed by lawpurity like those that govern herbs for human use. You will find catnip for your own use at health food shops in convenient capsule or liquid forms. Of course, you can always plant some in your garden and grow your own supply, but watch out for the neighborhood cats!

There are some contra-indications with catnip though - pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children should not be given the herb. Because of the strong sedative effect, if you are taking medication that also causes drowsiness, this effect could be magnified. Avoid driving and operating machinery when you are taking it.

Other than that, side effects are minimal and extremely unusual. People react differently to drugs and herbs, and the sedative effect could be so strong in some people that they become disoriented and confused.

You can take the capsules or liquid preparation from the health food shop according to the dosage on the packaging. If you are using the actual herb, make a tea with 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of catnip leaves (dried) in a cup of hot water and leave to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. You can have a cup of catnip tea one to three times daily.

The calming and sedating effects of catnip make it an ideal treatment for the symptoms of anxiety patients, providing some relief without any side effects.

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