Catnip, which comes as a tea or in its raw form as leaves, is widely believed to be beneficial. Its main application is that of a sedative or relaxant although it can have a stimulating effect as well. Catnip Tea has been used to cure a wide variety of illnesses and is said to be an fever-reducing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. It can be bought fresh which is said to be more potent than the packaged variant.

Most of us know catnip tea for its sedative properties. It soothes and relaxes the nervous system, induces relaxation and promotes restful sleep. It has a calming effect on tension, nervousness, anxiety and panic. Adding honey to the tea will make it more appealing to kids and babies when used to calm restless, hyperactive children and to treat colic.

While catnip tea is best known for its sedative use it acts as a stimulant as well to relieve constipation, stimulate perspiration and act as a diuretic. Pregnant women on the other hand should avoid catnip because of its effect on menstruation.

As a fever-reducer, the tea is used to treat colds, flu, measles, chicken pox and scarlet fever as it increases perspiration without raising temperature. It can also relieve gas, acid indigestion, upset stomach and stomach ache, while the tannins are thought to control diarrhea.

There is the possibility to gargle catnip tea instead of drinking it to make use of its antibacterial, soothing and antiseptic properties to treat cough and sore throats. Catnip tea can also be inhaled to ease colds and other respiratory infections and its calming effect is said to relax the spasms of asthma.

Used as a mouthwash, the tea is said to relieve toothache. Its antiseptic and antioxidant properties reduce inflammation and help to heal infected gum tissue . It is also thought to ease the teething process for babies. Cotton balls, saturated with tea, can be directly applied to gum.

Catnip leaves are rich in tannin and vitamins C and E, antioxidants which help the body to heal and repair itself. The tea is used topically on the skin to reduce inflammation and promote healing of burns and scalds, on cuts and abrasions to stop bleeding and disinfect the wound, and to relieve the sting and itching of insect bites. It is applied as a topical liniment for pain, bruises, sprain, rheumatism, and arthritis.

Applied in a bath catnip tea can be used to soothe an irritated scalp and to treat eruptions on the skin. The scent of catnip can repel rats and other insects of applied on the body or ingested.