Catnip is a well-known plant simply for its popularity among our feline friends. Most cats go crazy for catnip, though this plant has many other benefits and traditional uses besides giving kitties something to lose their minds over. Catnip oil insect repellent is becoming increasingly sought-after for its natural ability to deter pests, and our article tells you more about this lesser-known use for catnip oil.
What Is Catnip Essential Oil?
Catnip essential oil is created from the catnip plant, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria. The catnip plant is native to parts of Europe and China, the Middle East, and Central Asia, though it is grown around the globe today. Many cats find catnip highly entertaining, and felines are typically drawn to the aroma that catnip exudes.
Catnip essential oil is created by steam distilling the flowers of this plant to remove the natural oils. The oils are then bottled to be used as part of topical treatments or aromatherapy. Some of the most notable benefits of catnip essential oil include its soothing, relaxing aroma that can relieve stress and anxieties; this essential oil smells somewhat minty, earthy, and grassy. Catnip may also promote sleep and reduce headaches.
Keep in mind that concentrated catnip essential oil should not be given to cats, as this is too strong for them. You can diffuse catnip essential oil to create an aroma they go crazy for, or purchase catnip products produced specifically for cats to ensure your feline stays safe while enjoying this plant.
Is Catnip Oil Really Good at Repelling Insects?
One of the less well-known benefits of catnip essential oil is its ability to repel insects, namely mosquitoes. Several scientific studies have shown that catnip is as effective as DEET when it comes to repelling mosquitoes, and in some instances, catnip might be more effective than certain chemical repellents. Catnip oil is also better for the environment when it comes to repelling insects, as it is naturally sourced and biodegradable, meaning it won’t harm the environment or leave behind damaging residues.
Further research is being conducted on catnip oil and its ability to repel insects, but you can rest assured that this oil will be able to reliably keep mosquitoes away when combined in a homemade insect repellent.
How Do I Make Catnip Oil Insect Repellent?
Making your own catnip oil insect repellent doesn’t need to be difficult – this process is fairly easy, and once you have your insect repellent mixed into a spray bottle, you can apply it lightly to your skin or to areas around your home to keep mosquitoes and other bugs far away.
Follow these steps to create your own catnip oil insect repellent:
- Gather catnip essential oil (you can purchase this here) and witch hazel extract
- Gather optional essential oils for fragrance and further insect repelling, such as lemongrass, lavender, and/or rosemary essential oils
- Add 20 drops of your catnip essential oil and four ounces of witch hazel extract into a spray bottle
- Add a few ounces of water, and then between 10 to 20 drops of your option essential oils
- Shake the bottle well to combine all of the oils, and then place a spray cap on the bottle
The witch hazel in this catnip oil insect repellent recipe works to blend the oils and the water together, as it acts as an emulsifier. You can also add a small amount of rubbing alcohol into your insect repellent to keep bacteria away and further ensure that your oils and water blend properly.
Give this catnip oil insect repellent a good shake before use, and store it in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to a year. When spraying this repellent, make sure to keep it away from your face and eyes.
Keeping the Pests Away with Catnip
Catnip has many different benefits, though it is best known for the effects it has on cats. Whether you are utilizing catnip essential oil as part of an aromatherapy routine, adding it to carrier oils or lotions to calm inflammation, or turning it into a homemade insect-repellent spray, there are many wonderful benefits to this herbaceous essential oil.