Smoking catnip – is that a thing?
The catnip plant belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is scientifically known as Nepeta cataria. Catnip has a famously stimulating character for cats, almost like a tiny little high.
But catnip is not only for cats. It also appears in some calming products for dogs, for example. No wonder you might ask what happens if you smoke catnip yourself, drink an herbal blend with catnip as tea, or use catnip as an essential oil.
In our article, you will learn more about the character of catnip and the big question: can you smoke catnip?
Cats love catnip – so why should people not smoke catnip too?
Smoking catnip – aroma and herbal character
In fact, people have smoked catnip for centuries. The flowers and leaves can be dried and smoked on their own or as part of herbal blends, for example as a tobacco substitute in an herbal cigarette.
Catnip can also be an interesting alternative to smoking tobacco. If you want to move your ritual away from tobacco and leave nicotine out of the mix, herbal tobacco with catnip can be a fitting choice.
So if you have ever wondered whether you are allowed to smoke catnip, the clear answer is: yes.
Smoking catnip is often associated with a mellow, laid-back herbal character
Catnip has been used for many generations in Europe and Asia in traditional contexts, including for muscle relaxation, heart-related complaints, libido and cold-season remedies.
Many people describe catnip as calming. Other formats, such as teas made from catnip herbal blends or oils, are also used for a relaxed moment after a stressful day.
Herbal blends with catnip
Herbal blends consist of a range of smokable herbs such as mugwort, mullein or lavender. Smoking catnip together with other herbs creates a layered herbal profile that many people find especially pleasant.
If your goal is to move away from nicotine and the addictive side of tobacco, herbal blends containing catnip can be an option.
You can also use herbal blends as a tobacco substitute together with your cannabis. Simply replace the usual nicotine-containing tobacco with a catnip herbal blend. That keeps nicotine out of the mix and adds a distinctive flavor that pairs well with cannabis products.
Catnip tea
Smoking catnip is only one way to use this plant-based herb. You can also prepare catnip tea. All you need is dried catnip flowers and leaves, boiling water and a strainer. Steep the catnip flowers and leaves in boiling water for around four to eight minutes, then enjoy a warm herbal tea.
Catnip oil is another way to explore the plant outside the smoking ritual
Catnip oil
Catnip oil is just as easy to prepare as catnip tea. All you need is a carrier oil such as avocado, hemp, olive or almond oil. Add a small amount of catnip flowers to the oil and let it steep for one to two weeks. After this short time, you have a catnip oil that can be applied to the skin.
In traditional herbal writing, catnip oil also appears in skin-care contexts, including minor everyday skin irritations.
You can also easily buy and plant catnip seeds. The plant is relatively low-maintenance and practically grows by itself. Soon you can harvest your own catnip for tea or oils – and of course, you can smoke the catnip too.
