How Can You Benefit From Catnip?
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
Catnip, also known as catmint and catswort, is a flower with the scientific name Nepeta cataria. Many people aren't aware of how relaxing and comforting it is for cats. Furthermore, it provides incredible health benefits to humans. Its natural habitat includes much of Asia and certain regions of Europe. It's now exported worldwide and can be found in many areas. It has a high potency because of the presence of compounds such as terpenoids.
Drinking tea brewed from catnip leaves was a common pastime among Europeans in the early 1400s. Those who liked mint tea were pleased to consume catnip tea since it had a similar smell and taste to mint. Later it was used to treat medical ailments.
Some of the health benefits of catnip include treating skin disorders, healing hair conditions including dandruff and itchy scalp, alleviating fever and cramps, soothing stomach and tummy problems, lowering menstruation pains and mood swings, stress relief, and helping sleep. Supporting the kidneys, assisting with weight reduction, assisting with the healing, and giving the body essential nutrients are some of the other benefits.
Improves Healing Process
Sweating is the quickest way to remove toxins from the body while suffering from the flu or a cold. Due to the absence of sweating during fevers, these toxins persist in the body. Drinking catnip tea is recommended until you are healed of a common cold.
Eases Fever and Cramps
Many people use catnip to seek relief from cramps. When administered to tensed bones and muscles, it provides immediate relief. Similarly, using a few drops of catnip oil when steaming may provide relief to asthma sufferers. Also, the natural properties of this mint product may help reduce fever. When a person has a fever, they sweat excessively, lowering their body temperature.
Benefits Kidneys
Catnip is a diuretic. A cup of its tea encourages you to eliminate waste and toxins from the body swiftly. Also, your kidneys may be cleansed fast, minimizing the risk of renal disease. If you or a family member has a weak kidney, catnip leaves may help you recover rapidly.
May Treat Skin Conditions
It's a natural insect repellant that keeps pests out of gardens. If you're a victim of an insect bite, it's suggested to apply catnip directly to the skin to ease inflammation. Extracts and salves should be applied to the afflicted area to decrease inflammation and speed up the healing process. Also, it's recommended to consume two cups of its tea daily to combat premature aging in women. This is due to the high levels of antioxidants found in catnip leaves. If taken consistently, this herb aids in the tightening of lax muscles and skin.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Conway, Ark.