DIY: Catnip Tincture

Written by Kate Tietje

If you read our blog, Natural Remedies for Anxiety (a serious do-not-miss), you know how important diet is for managing symptoms.

You see, I already knew that cutting out sugar was necessary (and gelatin seemed to help).  What I was missing was a natural source of B vitamins.  It turns out that catnip — yes, the herb that makes cats go crazy — is a nutritional powerhouse, and it’s high in the key B6, B9 (folate), and B12 that I needed.  As it turns out, the amino acids in gelatin + B vitamins help the brain make the correct hormones to quell anxiety.  Plus, gelatin soothes and heals the gut, and catnip is a mild sedative.  Seems perfect.

Catnip is also very baby-safe.  I include it in my homemade teething tincture and the premade version I sell, Earthley’s Teeth Tamer.  That means it’s safe to use while nursing and even, for most, while pregnant.  (Catnip is in the mint family; some say not to use mint in pregnancy, but catnip has little menthol, the questionable chemical.  Peppermint is the main concern because it’s very high in menthol.)

This tincture can be used for children who are anxious, overtired, or struggling to sleep.  It can be used for teething babies.  It can help to settle upset stomachs.  Really, it’s handy to have around.

And it could not be easier to make.

Catnip Tincture

This tincture uses only three simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup catnip (preferably organic)
• 3 oz. vegetable glycerin
• 3 oz. filtered water

Directions:

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in an 8-ounce jar (I used a half-pint mason jar), put a lid on, and shake to combine.

Step 2: Let it sit in a dark place for 6 weeks, OR in a crock pot mostly full of water on warm for 2 – 3 days.  (Water should cover up to the jar’s lid and should be replaced as needed to stay full.)

Step 3: Strain through a piece of cheesecloth, discarding the herbs and reserving the liquid.

Store the finished tincture in a dark brown glass bottle.  Children need 5 – 10 drops “as needed” (for anxiety, insomnia, etc.).  Adults, 1 full dropper 1 – 3 times daily, as needed.

For anxiety, take the dropper of tincture with a gelatin drink (like bone broth or bone broth hot chocolate) in the morning and repeat the tincture with probiotics later in the day if needed.  I’m very excited to try catnip in this new way, personally!  I’ve used it in my kids’ tinctures and my own teas sometimes, but not quite like this.  I can’t wait!

Have you ever tried catnip for anxiety or other issues?