What Effects Does Catnip Have on Humans? Separating Myth from Reality

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Historically, humans have used catnip as a medicinal herb for centuries, with the plant first documented in herbal texts as far back as 1735. Many people wonder, what effects does catnip have on humans, especially when compared to the well-known intoxicating reaction it triggers in felines?

Quick Summary

Catnip, a member of the mint family, affects humans differently than it does cats. It typically offers a mild sedative effect, aiding relaxation and digestion, but can cause side effects and is unsafe for certain individuals.

Key Points

Mild Sedative: Unlike its effect on cats, catnip typically produces a mild, calming effect in humans, promoting relaxation and aiding sleep.
Digestive Aid: Traditionally, catnip tea has been used to soothe gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, gas, and cramps.
No Psychoactive High: Smoking catnip does not produce a significant high in humans; any perceived effects are likely a placebo, and the practice is potentially harmful.
Different Brain Chemistry: Humans lack the specific olfactory receptors that cause the euphoric reaction in cats, explaining the difference in effects.
Safety Precautions: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and those on sedative medications should avoid catnip due to safety risks and potential interactions.
Consumption Method: Brewing catnip as a tea is the safest and most traditional method for human consumption, using food-grade leaves in moderation.

Catnip for Humans: A Mild Sedative, Not a Stimulant

While your feline friend might roll around in a euphoric frenzy after a whiff of catnip, the effect on humans is surprisingly different and far more subdued. Humans lack the specific olfactory receptors that are stimulated by the nepetalactone compound in catnip, which triggers a sexual response in cats. This means that instead of an excitatory reaction, humans typically experience a mild sedative or calming effect, especially when consumed as a tea or tincture. This has led to its long history of use in folk medicine for relaxation and to aid sleep.

Traditional Medicinal Uses in Humans

For generations, herbalists have utilized catnip, or Nepeta cataria, for various human ailments, predating its modern role as a cat toy. Historically, it has been used as a digestive aid to help with gas, bloating, indigestion, and cramps, potentially due to antispasmodic properties. Its mild sedative effects have also made catnip tea a traditional remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Some historical accounts also suggest its use for cold and flu symptoms and headache relief.

Potential Health Benefits and What the Science Says

Modern scientific research on catnip's effects on humans is limited. However, some studies and traditional knowledge suggest potential benefits:

Calming Properties: Compounds in catnip, such as nepetalactone, may influence the GABAergic system to promote calmness.
Antioxidant Effects: Catnip, like many herbal teas, contains antioxidants that may protect against cell damage.
Antimicrobial Activity: Some research indicates catnip has antibacterial properties.
Insect Repellent: Nepetalactone in catnip oil has shown effectiveness as a mosquito repellent.

Comparison: Catnip's Effect on Humans vs. Cats


Feature	Effect on Humans	Effect on Cats
Primary Reaction	Calming, sedative, and relaxing	Stimulant, euphoric, and exciting
Mechanism of Action	Nepetalactone may act as a mild sedative; limited understanding.	Nepetalactone binds to specific olfactory receptors, triggering a neuro-behavioral response.
Physiological Trigger	Affects the central nervous system; exact receptors not fully known.	Stimulates the olfactory bulb, amygdala, and hypothalamus, similar to a sexual response.
Response Variation	Effects can be mild and vary between individuals; some experience no effect.	Genetically inherited response; only about 70-80% of cats are affected.
Duration	Mild sedative effects may last for an hour or more when consumed as tea.	Intense behavioral changes last around 10 minutes, followed by a temporary immunity.
Primary Benefit	Historically used for sleep, digestion, and relaxation.	Encourages playfulness, reduces anxiety, and serves as an insect repellent.

Important Safety Considerations and Side Effects

While generally safe in moderation for most healthy adults, be aware of potential side effects and contraindications. Side effects may include drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, dizziness, and increased urination.

Who Should Avoid Catnip? Avoid catnip if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can stimulate the uterus. Children and infants can experience excessive drowsiness. Individuals with heavy menstruation or PID should also avoid it. Stop using catnip at least two weeks before surgery due to its sedative effects. Those taking sedatives, CNS depressants, or lithium should consult a healthcare provider before use due to potential interactions.

Can humans smoke catnip for a high?

Despite anecdotal claims and a misidentified study, smoking catnip is not recommended for a high. Experts report any effects are mild and not comparable to cannabis. Smoking catnip can irritate the lungs and cause side effects like headaches and vomiting. Perceived psychoactive effects are likely placebo. It is safer to consume catnip as a tea. For more on why humans and cats react differently, you can consult this article on Scientific American.

How to Safely Consume Catnip

The safest and most traditional method for adults is catnip tea. Use dried, food-grade leaves. To make, steep 1-2 teaspoons of leaves in one cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes, then strain. Start with a small amount and consult a healthcare provider before adding any herbal remedies to your routine, especially with existing conditions or medications.

Conclusion: Catnip Offers a Calming Alternative for Humans

While catnip's effect on cats is dramatic, its effect on humans is a distinct, mild sedative and digestive aid. It does not produce a psychoactive high. When used in moderation and with awareness of contraindications, such as in pregnant individuals or those on certain medications, it can be a safe option for promoting relaxation. Understanding the difference between the myth and reality of catnip for humans provides clarity on its potential uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, humans do not get high from catnip in the same way cats do. Any anecdotal reports of a high from smoking catnip are likely due to the placebo effect, as humans lack the specific receptors that cause the euphoric reaction in cats.

If a human drinks catnip tea, they may experience a mild, calming effect. It has been traditionally used to help with relaxation, reduce anxiety, and aid sleep. In moderate amounts, it is generally considered safe for most adults.

No, catnip tea is not safe for everyone. It should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with heavy menstruation, pelvic inflammatory disease, or those taking sedatives or lithium.

The most common side effects of catnip in humans, especially in high doses, include drowsiness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and digestive upset.

To make catnip tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried catnip leaves in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the leaves before drinking, and consider adding honey or lemon for flavor.

Smoking catnip is not recommended. While it won't produce a powerful high, it burns quickly, can irritate the lungs, and may cause unpleasant side effects like headaches and vomiting.

Catnip affects cats differently because they have specific olfactory receptors that bind with the nepetalactone in the plant, triggering a sexual-response-like euphoria. Humans lack these specific receptors.