During the 1960s and 1970s catnip was a popular smoking herb for its mildly euphoric and relaxing effects. 

But, you shouldn't smoke it. 

I don’t recommend smoking herbs in general and there are some side effects to smoking catnip.

 Instead it is a great ingredient in formulas and as a tea. It has a mild sedative effect and can ease anxiety and indigestion caused by stress. It isn't a very strong sedative and tends to work better as part of a formula.

Catnip’s major medicinal use is to ease digestive upset, which is what I’ve used it for the most. Back in the 1980s when I was getting started as an herbalist, some of my teachers called it Nature’s Alka-Seltzer. 

Catnip helps relax stomach cramps, acts as a carminative to expel intestinal gas, and calms the nervousness that contributes to digestive upset.

Combined with fennel, catnip is a traditional remedy for colic in infants and children.

best for easing severe colic and intestinal cramping in adults

Catnip is also a good remedy for colds and flu in children. It has a mild decongestant action and also acts as a sudorific to help reduce fever.

 For fever, I’ve used catnip tea in an enema with good success. Catnip has also been used both internally and in an enema for skin eruptive diseases such as measles and chickenpox.

Catnip is also an important ingredient in Steven Horne's Children’s Composition Formula which is good for colds, flu, and other acute viral infections especially when fever is present. 

The recipe can be found in Modern Herbal Dispensatory~ Amazon.

Catnip can be combined with chamomile to promote sleep in children and with stronger nervines like hops, valerian, skullcap, and passion flower for insomnia in adults. 

It can also ease headaches associated with indigestion.