Evidence supporting the use of: Catnip
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) has a longstanding history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and North America, as a mild sedative and remedy for nervousness, restlessness, and symptoms that would now be recognized as aspects of anxiety. Traditionally, catnip tea was consumed to help promote relaxation and sleep, and it was sometimes used in combination with other calming herbs such as chamomile or lemon balm.

Despite its traditional use, there is very little scientific research to support catnip’s effectiveness for treating anxiety disorders in humans. The plant contains compounds such as nepetalactone (famous for its effect on cats), as well as other constituents like flavonoids and tannins. Some animal studies suggest mild sedative effects, but these findings have not been robustly confirmed in human clinical trials. The sedative and calming effects reported anecdotally in herbal traditions are not well-documented in the scientific literature, and there are no high-quality studies evaluating catnip specifically for anxiety disorders in people.

In summary, while catnip is traditionally used to support relaxation and reduce mild nervousness, current scientific evidence does not robustly validate its use for anxiety disorders. Its use for this purpose remains primarily rooted in herbal tradition rather than scientific validation.

More about catnip
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Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aconite
Albizia
amino acids
apigenin
ashwagandha
Bacopa
Bacopin
bacoside
Baikal Skullcap
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium longum
brahmi
cannabidiol
Cannabis sativa oil
Capitate Valerian
catnip
Centella asiatica
chamomile
Clary sage
cocoa
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Convolvulus prostratus
cowslip
curcumin
Cymbopogon martini
essential oil blend
gastrodin
Gelsemium
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgoside
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
Griffonia simplicifolia
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
Honokiol
hyperforin
Hypericum
inositol
jujubosides
kava
kavalactones
Kefir
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Large-leaved linden
Lavandin
lavender
lemon balm
linalool
linden
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
magnolol
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesembrine
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Motherwort
Muira puama
Mulungu
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
Passionfruit
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
Polygala
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
probiotics
Pulsatilla
Purple Monkeyflower
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
rosavins
rosmarinic acid
Safranal
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
Sandalwood
sceletium
Scleranthus annus
Shankhpushpi
shen-chu
skullcap
Spikenard
St. John's Wort
star of Bethlehem
Tea
Terpenoids
Tetrahydropalmatine
Trichilia catigua
Valerenic acid
Valerian root
velvet bean
Vervain
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
Vitexin
Waterhyssop
Wogonin
Yohimbine
Zinc