Catnip Essential Oil   

Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Leaf and flower
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Herbaceous and mildly floral
Largest Producing Countries: Canada

Traditional Use: Insect repellant

Properties: Properties similar to Calamintha essential oil (Calamintha officinalis):  Anesthetic (local), antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insecticide, nervine, sedative, and tonic.

Benefits: Properties similar to Calamintha essential oil (Calamintha officinalis):  Chills, cold in the joints, colic, flatulence, insect repellent, insomnia, muscular aches and pains, nervous dyspepsia, nervous tension, rheumatism, and stress-related conditions.

Blends Well With: Grapefruit, lavandin, lavender, lemon, marjoram, orange, other mints, and rosemary.

Of Interest: Nepetalactone, which gives catnip its odor, was found to be 10 times more effective than the popular insect repellent diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET).  How to make: in a hand-held spray bottle, mix 1/4-1/2 tsp. of essential oil of catnip (Nepeta cataria), 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol, and 1 cup of water.  Shake well and then spray lightly on clothing, arms, and legs, being careful to avoid eyes or open cuts. Do not use on the skin of small children. Some persons may be sensitive to catnip oil. Keep the contents of the spray away from children and pets.

Safety Data: Avoid during pregnancy.

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Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier.