Catnip is a plant in the mint family that is known for its euphoric effects on cats. When cats encounter dried or fresh catnip, their reactions can include rubbing and rolling, hunting and feeding, or playfulness. But what would happen if a human smoked catnip? Would they experience a similar high? Let's find out.
Effects on Cats vs. Humans
While cats may feel effects from marijuana, catnip does not have a reciprocal effect on humans. In the late 1960s, some researchers reported that catnip gave people a marijuana-like high, but it turned out they had simply mixed up the two plants. Catnip is cheap and legal, and if it had a significant effect on people, everyone would be smoking it.
It's not clear why the active chemical in catnip, nepetalactone, doesn't affect humans. Cats have receptors in their brains for marijuana's active chemicals, cannabinoids, which is why they can feel the effects. But humans may lack the specific receptors needed to respond to nepetalactone. While many brain receptors are common across different animals, it wouldn't be unprecedented for humans to lack a receptor present in cat brains.
Furthermore, smoking catnip not only fails to get people high, but it can also make them feel pretty awful. Too much catnip, whether smoked or drunk as a tea, could cause headaches and vomiting.
Potential Benefits of Catnip for Humans
While there isn't much research on the health benefits of catnip for humans, there may be mild benefits to drinking catnip tea. Traditionally, catnip tea has been used as an herbal medicine for restlessness, nervousness, coughs, asthma, gas, and diarrhea. Today, dried catnip is added to foods for flavor and is brewed in tea.
Catnip tea is made by introducing boiling water to the dried plant and steeping for a maximum of 10 minutes. It is sold in health food stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies. While the research is limited, some people find that catnip tea helps with relaxation and sleep.
In conclusion, smoking catnip will not get humans high and can actually cause unpleasant side effects. Catnip has different effects on cats due to their specific receptors for nepetalactone. While catnip tea may have mild health benefits for humans, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using it as an herbal remedy.
It's always important to remember that what may be safe and enjoyable for cats may not have the same effects on humans. Catnip is best left for our feline friends to enjoy, while humans can explore other herbal remedies for various health concerns.
If you want to know other articles similar to What happens when humans smoke catnip? exploring effects and benefits you can visit the Herbal remedies category.
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