Japanese catnip
Also known as: Japanese Catnip, Schizonepeta, Jing Jie, Hyung-gae, Schizonepeta Tenuifolia
Overview
Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Japanese Catnip) is a medicinal herb from China and Korea that appears to be selectively anti-inflammatory (to a moderate degree), and suppress allergic responses. It is a different herb from Common Catnip (The genera Nepeta). Japanese Catnip is commonly called Japanese Catnip of Jing Jie and is a traditional asian remedy (Chinese, Korean, and Japanese) for the common cold, headcolds, and allergic skin eruptions. It has a fair bit of animal and in vitro evidence investigating possible roles in the immune system, and although it appears to be anti-inflammatory overall (a moderate level and anti-inflammation, with one study finding it comparable to Indomethacin and two studies concluding it less effective than Dexamethasone) it appears to have some selective anti-inflammatory effects. It is for these reasons Japanese Catnip is known as an immunomodulator, but currently more evidence would be needed (with some human interventions) to ascertain its role as an immune system modulator. It currently does not have any other scientifically supported uses.
Benefits
Japanese Catnip appears to have selective anti-inflammatory effects and may modulate immune responses. It is believed to work by influencing the immune system, although more human studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action.
How it works
Japanese Catnip is primarily used for its potential benefits in supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation. It may help in alleviating symptoms associated with colds and allergic skin eruptions.
Side effects
Traditional usage of Japanese Catnip, for fighting colds and reducing skin eruptions, was 3-10g of a decoction. There are no human studies to confirm if this is the optimal dosage range, and the animal studies (200-500mg/kg in rats) suggest dosage ranges of: 2,200-5,400mg for a 150lb person, 2,900-7,200mg for a 200lb person, 3,600-9,000mg for a 250lb person. These are the estimated human dosages for inflammation and appear to parallel traditional recommendations somewhat.
Dosage
The text does not provide specific side effects, safety concerns, or contraindications for Japanese Catnip.
FAQs
What are other names for Japanese catnip?
Japanese catnip is also known as Japanese Catnip, Schizonepeta, Jing Jie, Hyung-gae, and Schizonepeta Tenuifolia.
How should Japanese catnip be dosed?
Traditional usage of Japanese Catnip, for fighting colds and reducing skin eruptions, was 3-10g of a decoction. Estimated human dosages for inflammation are 2,200-5,400mg for a 150lb person, 2,900-7,200mg for a 200lb person, and 3,600-9,000mg for a 250lb person.
