Catnip, also called catmint, is a member of the mint family with a wide natural distribution throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As the name suggests, the herb is fancied by felines. The euphoric reaction of the house cat exposed to catnip is due to the presence of nepetalactone, the molecules of which bind to and stimulate the cat’s olfactory receptors. Catnip also makes humans happy by lending minty flavor and aroma to teas and cosmetics.