Organic Catnip Loose Leaf Tea

Organic Catnip Loose Leaf Tea is the dried leaf and flowering tops of Nepeta cataria, cut and sifted, with nothing added. A true loose leaf tea, not a powder or extract, it brews a mild, minty, slightly earthy cup with no caffeine. Packed in small batches at Healing Herbals in Port Jefferson, New York. In 4 oz, 1 lb and 10 lb.

At a glance

• Dried leaf and flowering tops of Nepeta cataria, cut and sifted, nothing added
• No caffeine; mild, minty and slightly earthy
• Aroma from nepetalactone, so steep covered
• Use 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz, steep 5 to 10 minutes
• Available in 4 oz, 1 lb and 10 lb

The herb. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to Europe and Asia and now wild across North America. Its aroma comes mostly from nepetalactone, the compound that sends cats into a frenzy, but in a teacup it reads as soft mint with a note of hay.

What's in it. A whole herb with no standardization and no percentage to quote. The essential oil is dominated by nepetalactone and its isomers, with caryophyllene, citronellol, geraniol and thymol. The leaf also carries rosmarinic acid and related polyphenols, with tannins for a light, drying finish.

Dosage and use. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose leaf per 8 oz of freshly boiled water. Cover, steep 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Start lighter, 1 teaspoon and a 5 minute steep, your first time. Catnip does not build tolerance, but a heavier hand mostly adds bitterness.

What to expect. An easygoing, mellow cup people sip as a wind-down after dinner or before bed, soft enough to take honey, lemon or milk. It is not energizing; for a more noticeable relaxing format, look at our MELT high-mesembrenone kanna spray instead.

Side effects. Catnip is one of the gentlest herbs we carry, and side effects are uncommon at normal strength. Very strong brews or several cups in a row can bring drowsiness, a mild headache or an upset stomach; use less leaf or a shorter steep.

Interactions and cautions. Catnip is not recommended during pregnancy, and nursing mothers should consult a healthcare professional first. Because it can add to drowsiness, use care with sedative medications, and do not drive until you know its effect. Stop use ahead of scheduled surgery. Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients and storage. 100% organic catnip (Nepeta cataria) leaf and flower, cut and sifted. No additives or fillers. Store sealed in a cool, dark, dry place; reseal after each use, since the aroma fades with air and light.

Common questions

• Does catnip tea have caffeine? No, it has no caffeine at all, which is why people drink it after dinner.
• What does catnip tea taste like to humans? Mild and minty with a slightly earthy, hay-like note, soft enough to take honey, lemon or milk well.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Catnip is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.