by Amelia E. Hoard, RN
Common Name: Catnip
Synonyms: catmint
Latin Binomial: Nepeta cataria L.
Family: Lamiaceae
Production Method: steam distilled
Countries of Origin: Europe, USA
Typical Constituents: Nepetalactone isomers (12.7-84%), Nepetalic acid (1.2-43%), Dihydronepetalactone (0-25.0%), b-Caryophyllene (6.2-24.6%), Caryophyllene oxide (14.3-19.4%), [E]-b-Farnesene (0-2.1%), Humulene oxide (1.0-1.6%), Piperitone (0-1.5%), a-Caryophyllene (0-1.3%), b-Elemene (0-1.2%), 3-Hexenyl ester (0-1.2%)
Description of Oil: Catnip oil has a deep rich golden color and a sweet pastoral scent reminiscent of newly mown grass.
Description of Plant: A perennial herb belonging to the mint family. Catnip is native to Europe and grows wild in most of the United States.
History, Folklore and Myth: Long used in France as a seasoning, catnip was introduced to the U.S. in the late 18th century. Native Americans brewed the leaves for infant colic.
Properties and Uses: Catnip essential oil is proven to be more effective than DEET as mosquito repellent. It is also used for treating migraines and for inducing sleep.
Precautions and Contraindications: low risk of skin sensitization; may be psychotropic
Other Interesting Information: Catnip has also been proven to repel cockroaches.
References:
Tisserand, Robert, and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. 1995.
Hoard, Jeffrey S., Catnip as Mosquito Repellent. cherylsherbs.com. 2003