Catnip is famous for inducing a delirious, stimulated state in cats.
Throughout history, this herb has been used in humans to produce a sedative effect. From Europe to China, catnip had been used medicinally for at least 2000 years. In teas, its pleasant, lemon-minty vapors were considered a cold and cough remedy,
relieving chest congestion and loosening phlegm. Old herbalists also praised its ability to promote sweating, a traditional treatment for fever.
Catnip tea was a regular beverage in England before the introduction of tea from China. Several other conditions (including cancer, toothache, corns, and hives) have been treated with catnip by traditional herbalists.
Catnip also has a long history of use as a tranquilizer, sedative, digestive aid, menstruation promoter, and treatment for menstrual cramps, flatulence, and infant colic.
Equal parts of catnip and saffron were once recommended for smallpox and scarlet fever.
The leaves were also chewed for toothache, smoked to treat bronchitis and asthma!
Colonists introduced catnip into North America. It now grows across the continent. The Indians adopted the herb and used it for indigestion and infant colic and as a beverage.
Early Americans believed that catnip makes even the kindest person mean. It was traditionally used by hangmen prior to execution "to get into the right mood!"