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A Guide To Catnip Essential Oil and Its Benefits and Uses

Primarily known as an herb loved by cats, catnip can also be made into an essential oil. The oil is not common in aromatherapy. Also, using catnip essential oil (Nepeta cataria) with cats is generally not recommended because the oil can be too strong.

The herb's active ingredient that affects cats is nepetalactone. Although the scent energizes most cats, it relaxes humans because of the difference between human brains and cat brains, according to Aromatherapy for Dummies.

Basic Catnip Facts

Plant family: ‎Lamiaceae

Production: Steam distilled from the leaves and flowers/buds of the plant, which is a perennial herb that grows 20 to 40 inches tall and wide.

Aroma: Herbaceous with a subdued mint aroma.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle

Is catnip safe to use during pregnancy? No.

Is catnip essential oil safe for children? Yes, properly diluted.

Cautions: Low risk of skin sensitization. Using this essential oil in the bath presents a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization.

Main components:

nepetalactone isomers 12.7–84%
nepetalic acid 1.2–43%
dihydronepetalactone 0–25%
beta-caryophyllene 6.2–24.6%
caryophyllene oxide 14.3–19.4%

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed.

Benefits and Uses Of Catnip Essential Oil

To relieve stress and anxiety or to help with sleep, diffuse a few drops of catnip.

Diffuser Sleep Blend

2 drops catnip essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Sleep-Inducing Bath Salts

1/2 cup Pink Himalayan salt or any other fine-grain salt
1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
3 drops catnip essential oil
2 drops Roman chamomile essential oil

Add ingredients to a small bowl and then stir to blend well. Swirl the salts into your bath.

Adapted from Aromahead Newsletter.

Insect Repellent

Catnip deters pests and insects, according to The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. One catnip study found the essential oil repels mosquitoes ten times more effectively than DEET. A 2019 catnip study also found catnip effective as an insect repellent.

One way to use the essential oil to repel insects is to add a few drops to a spray bottle with water or witch hazel. Spray the blend on your arms and legs.

Bug Repellent Blend

4 ounces (1/2 cup) aloe vera gel
12 drops catnip essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops geranium essential oil
20 drops Eucalyptus citiriodora essential oil

Blend ingredients. Apply to skin as needed. Avoid sensitive areas.

Source: Kelly Holland-Azzaro et.al. "Natural Bug Repellent and Bug Bite Relief Blends." NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Summer 2013.2, pg. 59.

To be effective as an insect repellent, catnip oil needs to have a high amount of nepetalactone isomers, according to Aromatics International. So, it's important you know the composition of the oil you buy.

Muscle Spasms and Menstrual Pain

Aromatics International notes catnip can help relieve muscle cramps and other spasms. A 2009 study, "Chemical composition and mechanisms underlying the spasmolytic and bronchodilatory properties of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria L.," concluded data indicate that catnip oil has spasm and muscle-relaxing effects.

To relief cramps/spasms, including menstrual discomfort, mix a drop or two of catnip oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil and gently massage your lower abdomen. Traditionally, catnip tea has been recommended for menstrual pain (and for sleep).

Muscle Care Oil