What Is Catnip Tea Good For? Benefits, Safety, and How to Make It

Catnip tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the leaves and flowers of Nepeta cataria, a mint-family plant. It is traditionally sipped in the evening to support relaxation and calm digestion. Despite the name, it does not affect people the way it affects cats, and human research is still limited.

What is catnip tea good for?

Catnip tea is traditionally used as a mild, caffeine-free evening drink to support relaxation and ease an unsettled stomach. It comes from the leaves and flowers of Nepeta cataria, a mint-family herb. Research in people is limited, so it is best seen as a gentle traditional herbal option rather than a proven remedy.

Herbalists have long brewed catnip for a calm evening, for occasional gas and bloating, and as part of blends with chamomile and lemon balm. Its mild, minty, slightly grassy flavor is why it is often paired with other herbs. Sources such as WebMD and Medical News Today both note that solid clinical evidence in humans is thin, so treat claims you see online with caution.

Does catnip tea help you sleep?

Catnip tea is traditionally sipped in the evening to support a calm wind-down, but there are few human studies showing it improves sleep. Many people use it as a warm bedtime ritual, often blended with chamomile or lemon balm. If sleep problems last more than a few weeks, talk with a healthcare provider.

Because catnip on its own is mild, many adults reach for blends built for the evening. Two options people rely on are RelaxCalm, with organic lavender, chamomile and lemon balm, for the early evening, and Valerian Deep Sleep Tea closer to bed. If you are curious how herbs compare, our guide to which herbs actually help you sleep breaks it down, and the Natural Sleep Guide covers the full routine.

Is catnip tea safe to drink?

Catnip tea is generally considered safe in small amounts for healthy adults, and a cup or two a day is the usual range in traditional use. Large amounts may cause drowsiness or stomach upset. It is not recommended during pregnancy, and anyone on sedatives or other medications should check with a healthcare provider first.

WebMD lists catnip as possibly unsafe during pregnancy because it has been traditionally linked with uterine stimulation. As with any herb, start with a single cup to see how you feel, and do not drive or operate machinery if it makes you sleepy. If you already use herbal teas nightly, our notes on sleep tea side effects and whether you can drink valerian tea every night are useful companions.

Can you give catnip tea to babies?

Catnip is a traditional ingredient in baby comfort teas, usually blended with fennel and chamomile, but it is not something to give without guidance. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk or formula alone for about the first six months, so ask your pediatrician before offering any herbal tea.

Once a pediatrician says an herbal tea is appropriate, many parents rely on a gentle blend such as Baby Calm Catnip Tea, which combines catnip, fennel, chamomile and cumin. Our parent guide, Catnip Tea for Babies: Is It Safe, and How Much Can You Give?, covers ages and amounts in detail, and the Baby Tummy Comfort Guide has more gentle ideas.

How do you make catnip tea?

Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried catnip leaf, or a small handful of fresh leaves, in a cup of just-boiled water, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Covering the cup keeps the aromatic oils in. Add a slice of lemon or a little honey for adults, but never give honey to infants under 12 months.

Catnip is easy to grow, but buy it from a source that labels it for human consumption rather than using pet-store catnip, which is not made for tea. Store dried leaf in a sealed jar away from light. For a broader look at building a calm routine with herbs, see our Natural Wellness Guide.

When should you see a professional?

Skip catnip tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your provider says it is fine, and check first if you take sedatives, sleep aids, or have a medical condition. See a healthcare provider for ongoing insomnia, anxiety, or stomach pain, or if a baby has fever, vomiting, or poor feeding.

Herbal teas can be a pleasant part of a routine, but they are not a substitute for medical care. Bring the exact product and amount you use to your appointment so your provider can advise you properly.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Secrets of Tea products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.