Organic CATNIP Herbs by NPF

A gentle, aromatic herb known for its calming influence on the nervous and digestive systems. In TCVM, catnip helps to release mild tension and support the smooth flow of Qi, particularly in sensitive or reactive animals.

Constitution Guide
Best for: Anxious, sensitive, or tense animals
Actions: Calms • Relaxes • Regulates

Use with awareness in: Very depleted or cold conditions

Paired Remedies
 - Chamomile (enhanced calming)
 - Lemon Balm (nervous system support)
 - Slippery Elm (gut soothing)

What it actually does 

Catnip is a gentle nervous system and digestive herb.

• Mild nervine → calms tension, anxiety, excitability
• Carminative → eases gas, bloating, digestive discomfort
• Antispasmodic → helps with cramping or gut tension

In TCVM terms:

• Moves Qi gently
• Releases constraint
• Slightly cooling and dispersing

In anthroposophical language:

• Helps the organism soften reactivity and restore rhythmic balance, especially where the nervous system and digestion are intertwined

CAN ANY ANIMAL HAVE CATNIP?

No - not universally, but it is safe for many species when used appropriately

Cats

• Famous for the nepetalactone response (euphoria/playfulness)
• BUT important nuance:
  • ~30 - 40% of cats don’t respond at all
  • In small or prepared doses (tea/powder) → it’s often calming, not stimulating

Therapeutic use in a toy. 

Dogs

• Very useful and underrated
• Acts as:
  • Gentle calming herb
  • Digestive support for nervous stomachs

Especially good for:

• Anxious dogs
• Travel stress
• Stress - related diarrhoea

Rabbits

• Generally safe in small amounts
• Can support mild digestive upset
• Use cautiously and observe

Horses

• Can be used occasionally for nervous tension
• Not a primary herb, but supportive

Use with caution or avoid in:

  - Very depleted / weak animals

• Catnip is slightly dispersing
• May not suit animals needing deep tonification

  - Very cold constitutions

• It has a mildly cooling nature

  - Pregnancy

• Traditionally used cautiously (mild uterine activity in large doses)