It can be easy to mistake these two plants as simply different names for the same thing, but they are, in fact, different plants.
Both are part of the mint family
and both belong to the Nepeta genus – catnip is Nepeta cataria and catmint is Nepeta mussinii.
Catnip plants (Nepeta cataria and other Nepeta species) are
members of the mint family
and contain volatile oils, sterols, acids and tannins. Native to Europe, Asia and Africa, the plant was brought to North America by settlers; nowadays, the plant is popular in herb gardens and grows widely as a weed.
What is the difference of catnip and mint?
To humans, catnip may
smell slightly minty, spicy, lemony or even skunky
. The fragrance of most mint varieties may be light in the garden, but the carvone in spearmint oil makes it a culinary treasure. Most minty edibles rely on oil of spearmint for their flavor. … Catnip and mint leaves both make calming teas.
Does catnip smell like mint?
Catnip is an actual plant.
The plant features small, lavender flowers and jagged, heart-shaped leaves that
smell faintly of mint
.
Can cats have cat mint?
Both catnip and catmint are
types of mint that are safe to cats
. Garden mint may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten. … Contact with mint may cause skin irritation in hypersensitive cats. There are numerous subspecies of mint plants.
Is catnip edible for humans?
Catnip is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in small amounts
. … However, catnip is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when smoked or taken by mouth in high doses (many cups of catnip tea, for example). It can cause headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of being ill.
Is catnip a drug?
Catnip is a bizarre phenomenon for a few reasons. It’s
the only recreational drug we routinely give to animals
, and though it basically makes them freak out — rolling on the ground, drooling, and mashing their face into wherever the catnip was sprinkled — it has essentially no effect on us.
Is catnip an invasive plant?
Catnip can become invasive in some areas
, so you need to take steps to control it. Catnip plants spread readily by seed, so in order to control its spread, you’ll need to remove the flowers before they go to seed. Growing catnip can be rewarding.
Is catmint poisonous to humans?
Edibility and culinary use
Despite being known for its effects on cats, cats aren’t the only ones who can enjoy catmint.
This plant is edible for humans
and it even has some medicinal benefits.
Can cats OD on catnip?
Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. … Be mindful of overindulgence though—
cats are unlikely to overdose on catnip
, but they can get sick if they eat too much. Trust your kitty to know when they’ve had enough.
Does catnip smell like skunk?
Catnip can have an aroma that’s a cross between peppermint and skunk
. It isn’t to everyone’s taste so keep plants away from your deck or patio. Start seeds indoors in spring. New plants can be small and delicate.
What does cat mint do to cats?
Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. This is what cats love and what induces them to eat the leaves that give them a euphoric high. Nepetalactone also
repels insects
, so it’s not bad to have around the house. Some people report that their cats show some interest in catmint.
Can catmint make cats sick?
There’s no evidence that catnip is harmful to cats or young kittens
. However, if they eat a lot of the fresh or dried catnip leaves, they can get an upset tummy along with vomiting or diarrhea.
Is cat mint invasive?
The true catmint species described above is a
big invasive plant
. It reaches three feet tall, producing sparse white flowers. … Lush green rounded plants bloom late summer with foot long spikes of dark violet flowers. It is widely available and an exceptional choice for the first-time grower.
Is catnip tea good for humans?
Catnip tea’s biggest health benefit is
the calming effect that it can have on the body
. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is similar to the valepotriates found in a commonly used herbal sedative, valerian. This can improve relaxation , which may boost mood and reduce anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness.
