Catnip: the magical herb that turns even the most dignified feline into a rolling, drooling goofball. But have you ever wondered what happens if a human eats catnip? Do we get the same euphoric high? Do we suddenly feel the urge to chase laser pointers? Only one way to find out—let's dive in.
First Off, What Is Catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant in the mint family, best known for making cats act ridiculous. Its active compound, nepetalactone, triggers a reaction in cats' noses that sends them into a blissful frenzy. But for humans? It's a different story.
The Experiment: Trying Catnip as a Human
For the sake of science (and sheer curiosity), I decided to try catnip myself. Not in a "let's see if I hallucinate and start meowing" kind of way—just in reasonable doses. I brewed it into tea, chewed a pinch raw, and even sprinkled some on food.
The Results
- Tea Time – Brewing catnip into tea was actually pleasant—like a mellow minty chamomile. After drinking it, I felt relaxed. Not loopy, not hyper, just… chill. Kind of like a sleepytime tea.
- Chewing It Raw – Eating dried catnip straight up was… earthy. Not awful, but not something I'd snack on for fun. As for effects? Basically none, other than questioning my life choices.
- Sprinkling on Food – Adding catnip to a salad didn't turn lunch into a psychedelic experience. It added a faint herbal note, kind of like a milder, slightly weirder oregano.
The Verdict: Can Humans Get High on Catnip?
Nope. Sorry, but you won't be rolling around on the floor like a kitty cat. The strongest effect you'll get is mild relaxation—similar to drinking herbal tea. Some people even use catnip tea as a natural sleep aid. But if you were hoping for a wild, trippy experience? Not happening.
Should You Try It?
If you're curious, go for it! It's safe, caffeine-free, and a decent herbal remedy for relaxation. Just don't expect to suddenly develop zoomies at 3 AM like your cat.
So while catnip might be "weed for cats," for humans, it's more like a sleepy tea. But hey, if you do enjoy then to each their own!
