Catnip is forever infamous as a treat that rushes our feline friends into a euphoric state of bliss. But, did you know that Catnip is invaluable as an essential oil for the humans in your life too?

Nepetalactone, the active ingredient responsible for the kitty frenzy, is also what makes Catnip exceptional at defending humans from the flying outdoor pests that are waiting to turn us all into an all-you-can-bite buffet. Studies show that a dilution of just 1% Catnip Essential Oil can deter those vile creatures.

Catnip has many more great uses that go far beyond deterring mosquitos!

1) Helps calm and soothe. Catnip’s sedative nature encourages rest and peace. It is a great option to combine with other calming oils to help decrease restlessness and combat insomnia.

2) Soothes the tummy. Catnip can be very soothing to the tummy, particularly when experiencing flatulence. Combine 5 drops of Catnip Essential Oil with 1 teaspoon of Jojoba Oil and rub on the stomach and back. Catnip can also be partnered with essential oils such as Marjoram, Lavender, Spearmint, and Peppermint to bring additional support.

3) Regulate cycles. Does Aunt Flo have a hard time keeping appointments on schedule? Is her visit especially unpleasant? Catnip has been studied to show a positive impact on hormonal health, encouraging regular cycles and balance.

4) Encourages healthy skin. Astringent properties make Catnip a terrific choice in skin care. It helps to tone and tighten skin, as well as decrease the likelihood of infection. Using a concentration of 5 drops to 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, Catnip Essential Oil can be applied to the skin or wound. (Please test for sensitivity before applying to large areas of skin.)

5) Say goodbye to dandruff. Adding a drop of Catnip Essential Oil to a daily shampoo has been shown to help decrease and even eliminate dandruff. Lather and rinse as normal.

6) Quiet the head. Catnip can be used either by itself or with other oils to help soothe a throbbing noggin. Combining with Peppermint, Marjoram, Ginger, or Lemon may help provide additional synergistic relief.

7) Expel excess water. Massaging the body with a mixture of one teaspoon Sweet Almond Oil and 5 drops Catnip Essential Oil can help encourage elimination of excess water that is being retained.

8) Quit the cramps. Catnip’s sedative effects help to decrease spasmodic events in the body by helping to relax and soothe tensed area. Diffusing Catnip intermittently during a coughing spell could help decrease the spasms during the cough.

9) Spark the brain. Catnip is an incredible support for the brain, helping function to remain optimal, especially in conditions like ADHD, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

10) Pest control! Use Catnip Essential Oil in bug sprays or on cotton balls on window sills or at doorways to help deter insects from entering your home. Over the years we’ve noticed that mosquitos have seemed to increase in severity and number, and wanting to avoid toxic chemical deterrents, we began using natural bug spray options. Unfortunately, some of these didn’t help as well as we would have liked! But we discovered that adding Catnip in just 1% concentrations to our homemade recipes has worked over and beyond our expectations. (Don’t want to make your own? Our own very effective Bee Outside proudly includes Catnip!)

Catnip Essential Oil offers all this and astonishingly, it’s still considered kid friendly! NOTE: Catnip is not considered appropriate for pregnant women, and nursing moms should check with a Certified Aromatherapist or their own healthcare practitioner to ensure it is appropriate for their situation.

Can you add to our list of ways to benefit from Catnip Essential Oil? We’d love to know how it’s in use in your home!

Eager for more recipes and tips on Essential Oil usage? Our email series 101 Uses for Essential Oils is packed with information you can put to use right away! And don’t miss our list of 6 Crucial Things You Need to Know BEFORE Using Essential Oils.