100% Pure Catnip Essential Oil

Fresh, herbaceous, and remarkably distinctive, Dreaming Earth Botanicals’ Catnip Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of Nepeta cataria. Best known as the herb cats adore, Catnip also has a long history of traditional herbal use and has attracted modern scientific interest for its potential as a botanical insect repellent.

Its naturally high nepetalactone content gives Catnip its characteristic aroma and makes it an especially interesting essential oil for outdoor and insect-deterrent aromatherapy blends.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria

Origin: Canada

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Aroma: Fresh • Herbaceous • Green • Minty

Perfume Note: Middle

Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Source: Leaves

Main Chemical Components

Nepetalactones (including cis-trans and trans-cis nepetalactone isomers) • β-Caryophyllene • Caryophyllene Oxide

The exact chemical composition of a natural essential oil varies according to growing conditions, harvest, and distillation. Nepetalactone is the constituent most strongly associated with Catnip’s characteristic aroma and insect-repellent activity.

Blends Well With

Grapefruit • Lavandin • Lavender • Lemon • Sweet Marjoram • Sweet Orange • Spanish Rosemary • Peppermint • Spearmint and other fresh herbal or mint essential oils

Description & Uses

Catnip may be famous for its irresistible effect on many cats, but this fascinating member of the mint family has much more to offer.

Steam distilled from the aromatic leaves of Nepeta cataria, Catnip Essential Oil has a fresh, intensely herbaceous aroma with green and subtly mint-like nuances. Historically, the catnip herb has been used in traditional herbal preparations associated with relaxation, head comfort, seasonal wellness, and respiratory support.

More recently, Catnip Essential Oil has received attention for an entirely different reason: insect repellency. Researchers have studied nepetalactone—the primary aromatic compound found in Catnip—for its ability to deter mosquitoes and other insects.

This makes Catnip an intriguing addition to natural outdoor blends, particularly when combined with complementary oils such as Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, or other fresh herbal essential oils.

Traditional Uses: botanical insect-repellent blends, outdoor aromatherapy, refreshing diffusion, traditional herbal wellness applications.

Why You’ll Love It

Naturally Rich in Nepetalactone

Catnip is an unusually rich natural source of nepetalactones, aromatic compounds that have been studied for insect-deterrent activity.

Excellent for Outdoor Blends

Its distinctive herbal character combines beautifully with citrus, lavender, rosemary, and mint oils for fresh-smelling outdoor aromatherapy formulations.

A Fascinating Botanical

A familiar garden herb with a surprisingly complex chemistry, Catnip is an interesting addition for essential oil collectors, formulators, and botanical enthusiasts.

Fresh, Green Aroma

Adds a strongly herbaceous, green character to diffuser and outdoor blends.

Ways to Use Catnip Essential Oil

Outdoor Diffusion

Add a few drops to an outdoor diffuser, either alone or blended with complementary essential oils, to create a fresh herbal atmosphere.

Natural Outdoor Blend

Combine Catnip with Lavender, Lemon, or Rosemary essential oil for a fresh aromatic blend suitable for outdoor-use formulations.

Topical Use

Catnip Essential Oil is highly concentrated and should be properly diluted in a carrier oil before skin application. Patch test before broader use.

A Note About Cats

Despite the name, Catnip Essential Oil is not the same as dried catnip herb. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and cats metabolize many aromatic compounds differently than humans.

Do not apply Catnip Essential Oil directly to your cat or add it to your cat’s food, water, fur, bedding, or litter. Use essential oils cautiously around pets and allow animals to leave areas where essential oils are being diffused.

Cautions

For external use only. Do not ingest. Always dilute appropriately before applying to skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Perform a patch test before topical use, especially for sensitive skin.

If pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or under medical care, consult your healthcare professional before use.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.