Catnip Essential Oil

Nepata Cataria

Also known as Cat Mint

Catnip Essential Oil blends well with Lemon, Lime, Mint, Eucalyptus, and Myrrh essential oils.

Known Uses

Catnip Essential Oil acts as a tonic for the nervous system. It helps in the treatment of disorders such as trembling hands or legs, nervousness, dizziness, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, convulsions, migraine, and poor reflexes. It’s also effective in combating insomnia, tension, and anxiety. It relaxes both the body and mind. Catnip Essential Oil can alleviate muscular, intestinal, and respiratory cramps and spasms as well as treat spasmodic cholera.

Catnip Essential Oil will stimulate the digestive, circulatory, and excretory systems. It keeps the stomach functioning well by helping to maintain proper secretions and can treat ulcers. It keeps your heart healthy, relieves indigestion and flatulence, and promotes profuse sweating, which can reduce your weight, reduce blood pressure, and remove toxins and excess salt from the body, and in some cases can reduce fevers. Catnip Oil promotes both the quantity and frequency of urination, thus reducing edema. It also helps in losing weight, reducing blood pressure, and removing toxins like uric acid from the body.

Catnip Essential Oil stimulates hormone secretions and helps regulate menstruation. It also eases cramps and the pain associated with menstruation. Catnip Oil tightens skin, muscles, and gums. It can prevent the loosening of teeth and tooth loss. It also repels mosquitos and other insects such as cockroaches.

History

Catnip originated from Europe and Asia. There is evidence of it being used by Roman cooks and doctors. In both England and France, catnip was used as their hot drink of choice before black tea was imported from China. In the seventeenth century, catnip was the recommended treatment for bruises, piles, and head scabs. Catnip found its way to the United States in the late 18th century, where Native Americans began using it medicinally to treat everything from Chicken Pox to Poison Ivy and nettle stings. An 1847 Pennsylvania document describes catnip as being "highly popular among the good ladies who deal in simples."

Warnings

Although there is no known toxicity, Catnip Essential Oil should not be used during pregnancy, as it is a powerful uterine stimulant. And, avoid use in babies and children. Dilute Catnip Oil with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. It is not safe for patients with epilepsy and long-term use can reduce iron production in the body. Catnip Oil can also cause an upset stomach in some individuals.