Catnip Essential Oil, The Most Effective Natural Mosquito Repellent

Catnip
Essential Oil

(Nepeta cataria)

Therapeutic Grade
Pure & Natural

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From Ananda Aromatherapy, pure Catnip essential oil steam distilled from the flowering tops of catnip herb grown in Canada and the USA. Catnip oil has an herbaceous, complex aroma, and is prized for its exceptional ability to repel mosquitos. The Canadian oil has a slightly higher concentration of neptalactone, and what some consider a more pleasant aroma. Though because of the USA's lower cost, they are likely nearly equivalent in their mosquito-repelling abillity. Recall that neptalactone, the primary constituent of both oils is ten (and sometimes reported as 20) times stronger than DEET for repelling mostquitoes.*

What makes Ananda's oils different? Learn about our conscientious selection process here...

Catnip Catnip essential oil is an especially pungent, herbal oil. The essential oil has been found to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitos, and can be used at very low concentrations in your formulas for this purpose. It should work remarkably well at repelling all sorts of biting insects, not only mosquitos!

The active compound within the oil is Nepetalactone. The Canadian essential oil contains a slightly higher percentage of neptalactone naturally, with a somewhat more gentle aroma. As we generally recommend blending with other insect-repelling oils, you'll more than likely not notice a difference. We prefer, for example, a blend of 6% Geranium (any type), and 2% each of catnip and citronella.

While the price of the oil is considerably higher than other 'classic' insect repellent oils (such as Citronella, Geranium, Cedarwood and Lemongrass), catnip should be used at a much lower concentration, around 1-3%. It can be effectively blended with these other oils in a base to produce an effective natural insect repellent, without any of the worries of the potential harm from commercial chemicals (DEET has been implicated to potentially cause nerve damage, or disrupt proper growth of the nervous system in children).

One can make a very simple blend including catnip alone in this manner: Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol (or Vodka) and 1 cup of water, plus 2 milliliters (40 drops) Catnip essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously. You can spray this on your clothing as well as on skin, though keep it away from the eyes. If you prefer a blend here, use 8 drops catnip, 8 drops citronella, and 24 drops Geranium. For a 4 ounce formula, this is 7 milliliters Geranium, and 2 1/2 milliliters each Catnip and Citronella oils (there are 20 drops per milliliter). Go here for more on mixing your own natural insect repellents with essential oils.

This same blend can be made in an unscented jojoba cream base, using the same ratio of essential oils. Cedarwood and peppermint also make popular, low-concentration additions to such formulas (again, only 1-3% of the base).

Suggested Uses:

Apply Catnip essential oil topically in low dilutions, in either an alcohol or unscented cream base.

Possible Actions:

Catnip is noted to be a potent insect repellent.

Cautions:

Always test a small amount of essential oil first for sensitivity or allergic reaction. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult a physician. Young children may be sensitive to the essential oil -- keep their exposure to low doses, or test a small amount first before further application.

Blends and
Recipes:

For measuring blends using % concentrations, or for measuring fractions of milliliters, see measuring essential oils. Catnip can be blended with other essential oils for insect repellent purposes. Geranium, Rose Geranium, Cedarwood, Citronella, and Lemongrass are excellent choices.

About
Ananda Aromatherapy
Essential Oils:

All oils from Ananda Aromatherapy are therapeutic grade, meaning they are produced to the highest quality standards possible. Our essential oils are chosen for their integrity (all chemical constituents important for aromatherapy are intact), ecological 'soundness' (many are claimed organic, certified organic, or wild grown), and wonderful aromas. You may order a sample of any oil before trying larger amounts. Most samples are about .75ml; exotic oils such as Melissa, Rose, Angelica and Jasmine are only a few drops, but certainly enough to enjoy their aroma!

*The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made as to any medicinal value of this oil or any products from The Ananda Apothecary. The information presented here is for educational purposes of traditional uses and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.

from Canada
5ml	$12.36	Qty:
12ml	$26.72	Qty:
30ml	$58.12	Qty:
60ml	$104.41	Qty:
Sample	$2.00	Qty:

from the USA
12ml	$8.36	Qty:
30ml	$21.25	Qty:
60ml	$41.14	Qty:
Sample	$2.00	Qty: