Catnip essential oil – useful for humans too?

Surely everyone in the world has heard of the unique effects of catnip, a plant adored by domestic cats, as well as their larger cousins. Its distinctive citrus scent attracts not only cats but also people to catnip. A little-known fact is that we, too, can benefit from catnip’s potentially useful relaxing and health-promoting effects. The plant relieves stress and offers a range of other benefits that are worth discovering.

Catnip – what exactly is it?

Cat lovers are no doubt familiar with how their pets react to the unique effects of this herb. Catnip stimulates cats, making them more energetic in their behaviour. Despite this, we rarely realise exactly what this plant is.

True catmint, also known asNepeta cataria, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and can grow to a height of up to 120–140 cm. This exceptionally attractive perennial is often planted in rock gardens, where its light blue, white or sometimes reddish flowers lend the entire display a unique appearance.

Historically, catmint originates from the eastern regions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Today, however, it is found almost all over the world. Catnip is also known for its effectiveness as a herbal remedy for many ailments. For centuries, it has been used to promote relaxation after a hard day, as well as to aid digestion after hearty meals.

Catnip essential oil – how is it extracted?

Catnip essential oil, like other naturally derived essential oils, is obtained from the plant’s leaves through steam distillation. As a result, the oil’s composition is 100 per cent natural, as the compounds and active substances it contains are exclusively of plant origin.

It should be noted here that during steam distillation, one of the by-products of the entire process is catnip water, separated from the oil and more widely known as a hydrolat. This method of extracting the oil is also extremely effective, as the final product – the essential oil – is characterised by a high concentration of active ingredients from catnip.

Catnip essential oil – what are its properties?

Now that we know where catnip comes from and how it is extracted, sooner or later we must ask ourselves: what active ingredients does the plant contain, and what effects does it have on the bodies of cats and humans?

The properties of true catnip are essentially based on two main active ingredients. On the one hand, there is nepetalactone; on the other, actinidine. Nepetalactone is the main active ingredient, making catnip so alluring and attractive to our feline friends. It also acts as a repellent against insects and parasites that affect cats (e.g. fleas, ticks). Actinidine also contributes to catnip’s appeal to cats; furthermore, it possesses antimicrobial properties.

Catnip essential oil therefore has a variety of therapeutic properties, giving it many potential medicinal uses. In addition to the components mentioned above, catnip also contains vitamins C and E, which are excellent natural antioxidants.

Furthermore, the chemical composition of catnip includes citral, linalool and thymol, which give it a range of medicinal properties, including:

• Effectively calms the nervous system
• Has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties
• Has astringent properties
• Has diuretic and carminative effects(which are important for digestive disorders or abdominal pain)
• Fights pathogenic microorganisms

Catnip essential oil – uses in humans

We already know that catnip is also extremely beneficial for humans. The medicinal properties of this plant have been known since ancient times, when it was cultivated on a large scale in the Roman Empire. Today, catnip is known for the following uses:

• Anti-stress and sleep-promoting –catnip oil is particularly effective in combating stress. Unlike other adaptogenic substances, the relaxing effect of catnip is felt almost immediately, rather than only after prolonged use. Catnip also has a mild sedative effect and helps to alleviate the symptoms of travel sickness;
• Supports the immune system –catnip has been used by many cultures around the world to support the immune system. It was primarily used to treat colds and fever;
• Relieves muscle tension –its relaxing effect on muscle spasms helps to alleviate menstrual cramps;
• Reduces respiratory problems –catnip essential oil dilates the bronchi, making breathing easier;
• Aids digestion –it has astringent properties and stimulates the digestive system. In this way, catnip helps with bloating, indigestion and heartburn;
• Repels insects –catnip has mosquito-repelling properties. Thanks to its high nepetalactone content, catnip essential oil is up to 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than specialist insect repellents;
• An effective aid to detoxification –catnip essential oil has diuretic and diaphoretic properties, meaning it can helpthe bodyeliminate unwanted toxins and speed up the detoxification process.

Catnip oil for cats – how does it work?

As catnip is rich in nepetalactone, the essential oil extracted from the plant also has a euphoric effect on cats, much like the wild catnip bushes. What’s more, the scent of the essential oil has also been proven to have a calming effect on cats. Catnip also helps cats that have recently become lethargic. Exposure to the oil makes the animals more agile and alert.

Catnip is generally considered safe for cats. However, it is important to ensure the correct dosage of the oil, as although it is safe, too much can irritate a cat, causing a range of possible side effects that may negatively impact the cat’s well-being and health.

Catnip oil – how to use it?

Like any other essential oil, catnip oil can be used in several ways. The method you choose ultimately depends on your personal preference, as well as the purpose for which you wish to use the catnip. The oil can be used in the following ways:

• As an insect repellent –catnip oil can repel insects. When combined with distilled water and a carrier oil in a spray bottle, it can be sprayed liberally onto the skin to repel mosquitoes and other insects;
• Inhalation –catnip oil can be inhaled directly from the palm of your hand or a handkerchief. Simply apply 2 to 5 drops to calm the senses and relax the body;
• Diffusion – catnipessential oilcan be used in aromatherapy. An ultrasonic diffuser or nebuliser, which can be placed in any room, is ideal for this purpose.
• Topical application –to treat irritated skin, dilute catnip essential oil in a carrier oil (e.g. jojoba, olive oil) and then apply to the affected areas of the body.

‘1,801 home remedies: doctor-approved treatments for everyday health problems, including coconut oil to relieve sore gums, catnip to soothe anxiety, tennis balls to stop snoring, and vitamin C to prevent ulcers’ – M. Hoffman, E. Metcalf, Reader’s Digest, 2014.

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‘Efficacy and safety of catnip (Nepeta cataria) as a novel filth fly repellent’ – J. J. Zhu et al., scientific journal *Medical and Veterinary Entomology*, John Wiley & Sons, 2009.

‘Catnip and the catnip response’ – A. O. Tucker, S. S. Tucker, the scientific journal *Economic Botany*, Springer-Verlag, 1988.

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