Catnip

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(Nepeta cataria L.) also known as Catmint
Calming, supports healthy muscle function and restful sleep and deters insects.

 Info

Catnip also known as Catmint
Nepeta cataria L.

Plant Origin: Canada
Method: Steam distilled from flowering tops
Cultivation: Unsprayed (grown organically but not certified)
Chemical Family: Lactone
Aroma: Strong, earthy aroma mellows to herbaceous, subtle mint, grassy-like sweet hay with tobacco undertones.
Note: Middle
Shelf Life: 5 years

Key Constituents from GC/MS Analysis: Lot#101
Nepetalactone isomers 79.79% (Nepetalactone is a modestly effective mosquito and fly deterrent.)
Nepetalic acid 3.80%
beta caryophyllene 8.32%
Caryophyllene oxide 1.59%

Safety Information
Children: No known cautions

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: No known cautions

Cats: The names Catnip and Catmint are derived from the intense attraction that domestic and some wild felines show towards these plants. Dilute appropriately to avoid it's potential to overwhelm them. The Catnip "euphoria" does not harm cats, and it usually only lasts about ten minutes, after which they become desensitized to the effects for half an hour or so. They may or may not want to experience it again. Catnip is not addictive.

Therapeutic Uses
Catnip essential oil may support, aid, ease, soothe, reduce, calm, relax, promote and/or maintain healthy function of the following:
Anti-microbial
Anti-septic
Anxiety
Astringent
Congestion
Headache
Hysteria
Insect deterrent
Muscle tension, cramps, spasms
Nervousness
Restlessness
Sleep
Spasms
Stress

Blends well with:
Grapefruit
Lavender
Lemon
Marjoram
Peppermint
Rosemary
Spearmint
Sweet Orange

Application Suggestions (See Essential Oil Usage for more information and a Dilution Chart.)
Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. Potentially skin sensitizing - dilute appropriately.

Since Catnip does not have a limiting dilution parameter, we suggest that adults follow the General Guidelines found on the Dilution Chart, which is:

2-3% for daily application

Up to 25% for short-term use

Children: For infants and children, please follow the Dilution Chart on the Babies and Children page.

Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler
Relaxing Diffuser/Inhaler Blend

Linalool, linalyl acetate, nepetalactones and santalols are relaxing constituents of this calming blend.

4 parts Sandalwood (Santalum album)
3 parts Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 parts Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Internal: Catnip is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. Use caution if taken orally. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application.
Click here for information about internal usage.

Testimonies
The following anecdotal testimonies have not been reviewed by the FDA.
The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease.
Information shared on the HEO website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice given by your trusted health care provider.
We believe that essential oils are provided by the Lord to support our health and well-being.
The Lord is our wisdom, protector and healer.
(Genesis 1:29-30, Ezekiel 47:12)

1. I had never tried Catnip as a mosquito spray; it is amazing! - Tessie

2. I love the smell of this Catnip oil. It is my favorite to diffuse first thing in the morning. My sweet kitty loves the scent as much as I do. I also use it as a bug deterrent. - Stacy

3. Catnip makes a good bug repellant - it’s the best thing ever. Even the yellow flies stay away! - Lisa

4. My cats LOVE Catnip - too much! I have to keep it at the top of my closet. It’s great to put a drop on their toys or to include in bug deterrent sprays! - Linda

5. I use Catnip in insect/mosquito sprays for humans and dogs. The aroma is earthy, and I add a little Lavender for most of my blends. - Tina

6. Catnip oil makes a nice addition to my insect deterrent spray. My cat also enjoys a drop on her toy mouse! We get a kick watching our kitties with Catnip - It is hilarious!

7. We have massive mosquitos in Montana, and Catnip oil works! - Jen

8. I don’t love the smell of Catnip, but it’s not bad. I've made up my mind that I will grow to love it as everyone else I know does. It helps me relax, so you'd think I'd love the smell! - Tina

9. When I am anxious or stressed out, I apply a 2% dilution of the Catnip essential oil to my wrists and behind my ears. It is amazing how well works. Almost immediately I feel relaxed and calm. - Jan

Safety
Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.

Reference
Neryls Purchon and Lora Cantele (2014), Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, Toronto ON: Robert Rose, page 44.
Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney (2013-12-02). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Elsevier Health Sciences UK 2nd Edition 2014, page 237.

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May the Lord guide you continually, preserving your health and watering your life when you are dry. May you be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring full of hope for your future in His care.
From Isaiah 58:11 & Jeremiah 29:11