Catnip, 100% Pure Essential Oil

The history of catnip essential oil, derived from the Nepeta cataria plant, is rich and varied, spanning centuries of use in traditional medicine, folklore, and modern applications. Here’s a detailed look at the historical journey of catnip and its essential oil:

 

Ancient and Traditional Uses

 

1. Medicinal Uses in Ancient Cultures:
• Europe: Catnip has been used for centuries in Europe, particularly in medieval England. Herbalists in the Middle Ages used it to treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive issues, colds, and nervous conditions.
• China: In traditional Chinese medicine, catnip (referred to as "Schizonepeta") was used for its cooling properties to treat fevers and colds.
2. Native American Medicine:
• Traditional Remedies: Native American tribes utilized catnip as a remedy for colic in infants, as well as for respiratory ailments and fevers. They often made infusions or poultices from the leaves and flowers of the plant.

 

Folklore and Cultural Significance

 

1. Folklore and Superstition:
• Witches and Magic: In medieval Europe, catnip was believed to have magical properties. It was thought to enhance psychic abilities and was sometimes used in spells and potions by witches.
• Feline Fascination: Catnip’s effect on cats has been noted for centuries, leading to its association with cats and the creation of various myths about its powers.
2. Colonial America:
• Household Herb: Catnip was brought to America by European settlers, where it became a common household herb. It was used in teas to treat ailments like colds and insomnia.

 

Modern Applications and Discoveries

 

1. Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Production:
• Distillation Techniques: The process of extracting essential oil from catnip through steam distillation likely began in earnest in the 19th and 20th centuries, as distillation techniques improved.
• Aromatherapy Uses: In modern times, catnip essential oil has gained popularity in aromatherapy for its calming and stress-relieving properties.
2. Insect Repellent:
• Scientific Studies: In recent years, scientific studies have confirmed the efficacy of catnip essential oil as a natural insect repellent. It has been found to be particularly effective against mosquitoes, sometimes surpassing the effectiveness of synthetic repellents like DEET.
3. Pet Care:
• Cat Products: Catnip essential oil is often used in cat toys and sprays to stimulate playful behaviour in cats, leveraging its natural allure.

 

Economic and Agricultural Impact

 

1. Cultivation:
• Commercial Farming: Catnip is now commercially cultivated in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Europe, primarily for use in pet products and natural insect repellents.
• Sustainability: There is an increasing focus on sustainable and organic farming practices in the cultivation of catnip to meet the demand for natural and eco-friendly products.

 

The history of catnip essential oil reflects a journey from ancient medicinal uses and folklore to modern scientific validation and diverse applications. Throughout the centuries, catnip has been valued for its therapeutic properties, cultural significance, and unique effects on cats. Today, it continues to be a versatile and beneficial essential oil, appreciated for its calming properties, effectiveness as a natural insect repellent, and role in pet care.

 

 

Physical Benefits of Catnip Essential Oil

 

Catnip essential oil, derived from the Nepeta cataria plant, offers a range of physical benefits due to its unique chemical composition, which includes compounds like nepetalactone, citronellol, and thymol. 

 

Here are the key physical benefits of catnip essential oil:

 

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Catnip essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, muscle strains, and joint pain.

 

2. Antispasmodic Effects

The oil's antispasmodic properties can help relax muscles and prevent spasms, making it beneficial for conditions like menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and other types of muscle tension.

 

3. Pain Relief

Catnip essential oil has mild analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, which can help alleviate headaches, toothaches, and general body pain.

 

4. Digestive Health

Catnip essential oil can be helpful for digestive health, providing relief from indigestion, gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. It helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract, promoting better digestion.

 

5. Sedative and Relaxant

The sedative effects of catnip essential oil can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it useful for individuals suffering from insomnia or anxiety-induced sleep disturbances.

 

6. Antimicrobial and Antiseptic

The antimicrobial and antiseptic properties of catnip essential oil can help fight infections, prevent bacterial growth, and promote faster healing of wounds, cuts, and insect bites.

 

7. Respiratory Health

Catnip essential oil can be beneficial for respiratory health, helping to relieve symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. It can reduce congestion and soothe inflamed respiratory tissues.

 

8. Natural Insect Repellent

One of the well-known benefits of catnip essential oil is its effectiveness as a natural insect repellent. It can repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests, reducing the risk of insect bites and related diseases.

 

9. Menstrual Relief

Catnip essential oil can help relieve menstrual symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and general discomfort due to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

10. Skin Health

The oil's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties can help soothe skin irritations, reduce redness, and promote healing of minor skin issues like rashes, eczema, and acne.

 

In summary, catnip essential oil provides a variety of physical benefits, ranging from anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects to its use as a natural insect repellent. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to natural health and wellness routines.

 

Emotional Benefits of Catnip Essential Oil

 

Catnip essential oil offers several emotional benefits due to its soothing and calming properties. Here are the key emotional benefits of catnip essential oil:

 

1. Stress Relief

Catnip essential oil is known for its calming effects, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Inhaling the aroma or using it in a diffuser can create a peaceful environment, promoting a sense of tranquility.

 

2. Improves Mood

The soothing scent of catnip essential oil can help elevate mood and combat feelings of depression. Its ability to induce relaxation and reduce stress contributes to a more positive emotional state.

 

3. Promotes Relaxation

Catnip essential oil is effective in promoting relaxation. It helps calm the mind, making it easier to unwind after a long day. This is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with overthinking or mental fatigue.

 

4. Enhances Sleep Quality

Due to its sedative properties, catnip essential oil can improve sleep quality. It helps ease insomnia and promotes deeper, more restful sleep, which in turn enhances overall emotional well-being.

 

5. Reduces Irritability

The calming effects of catnip essential oil can help reduce irritability and restlessness. This makes it useful for individuals who experience mood swings or heightened emotional sensitivity.

 

6. Encourages Mindfulness

The grounding properties of catnip essential oil can enhance meditation and mindfulness practices. It helps create a serene atmosphere, making it easier to focus and stay present.

 

7. Relieves Tension

Catnip essential oil can help relieve emotional tension and promote a sense of peace. It is beneficial for those dealing with emotional upheaval or periods of high stress.

 

In summary, catnip essential oil offers a variety of emotional benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to promoting relaxation and better sleep. Its soothing and calming properties make it a valuable tool for enhancing emotional well-being and creating a peaceful environment.

 

 

Energetic / Spiritual Benefits of Catnip Essential Oil

 

 

Catnip essential oil, derived from the Nepeta cataria plant, offers a range of energetic and spiritual benefits. These benefits stem from its calming, grounding, and uplifting properties, which can be harnessed in various practices and rituals. Here are the key energetic and spiritual benefits of catnip essential oil:

 

1. Grounding and Centering

Catnip essential oil has grounding properties that help connect you to the Earth, making it easier to feel centered and balanced. This can be particularly beneficial during meditation or spiritual practices where staying present and focused is essential.

 

2. Promotes Relaxation and Calmness

The calming effects of catnip essential oil can help promote deep relaxation, making it easier to enter a meditative state. This relaxation can enhance spiritual practices by allowing a deeper connection to your inner self.

 

3. Aids in Meditation

Catnip essential oil can enhance meditation by calming the mind and reducing distractions. Its soothing aroma creates a peaceful environment that supports prolonged periods of focus and introspection.

 

4. Supports Emotional Release

By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, catnip essential oil can help release pent-up emotions and facilitate emotional healing. This makes it useful in spiritual practices aimed at clearing emotional blockages and fostering inner peace.

 

5. Encourages Mindfulness

The grounding and calming properties of catnip essential oil can support mindfulness practices by helping you stay present and fully engaged in the moment. This can improve your ability to experience and appreciate the present.

 

6. Boosts Intuition

Some users believe that catnip essential oil can help enhance intuitive abilities and psychic awareness. Its calming effect on the mind can open up space for intuitive insights and a deeper connection to your inner wisdom.

 

7. Spiritual Protection

Catnip essential oil is thought to provide a protective energy that can shield you from negative influences. Using the oil in spiritual rituals or diffusing it in your space can create a protective barrier against negativity.

 

8. Balancing Energy

Catnip essential oil can be used in chakra balancing practices, particularly for the root and heart chakras. Its grounding properties support the root chakra, while its calming effects can help open and balance the heart chakra.

 

In summary, catnip essential oil offers a variety of energetic and spiritual benefits, from grounding and centering to enhancing meditation and providing spiritual protection. Its calming and soothing properties make it a valuable tool for deepening spiritual practices and fostering a sense of inner peace and balance.

 

An Affirmation for Catnip Essential Oil

 

Irish Apothecary's Own Brand
100% Pure Catnip Essential Oil

 

 

The purest and finest of essential oils bringing you the best of natural medicine for your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Amber Glass with aluminium cap, product includes a dropper and pipette enclosed. 

 

 

Approximate Weight

10ml = 40g

30ml = 80g

50ml = 120g

 

This pure essential oil is undiluted, unadulterated and created just for you. It can be used in your diffuser (3-5 drops, depending on diffuser size, for whole water capacity), in your skincare, applied directly on the skin (patch test first), 15 drops per 100ml with good filtered water to make a mist or as you please. It is very effective with the tunnelling method or for an instant energy change.

When we diffuse an essential oil, we passively ingest the molecules in the air. As they enter our bloodstream, we are benefitting from the intelligence and healing properties of the oil.

Close lid tightly during uses. If you are using your product with the pipette on frequent usage, ensure the pipette is empty when placing back into your product. It is best to store your pipette separately if not in frequent use. This will prevent your pipette from degenerating and your oil evaporating. It is advisable to patch test product before use. Keep out of direct reach from children. Store in a cool dry place. Take necessary precautions when using other medicines.

A 100% pure essential oil wouldn’t typically be used on an oil burner as its medicinal healing benefits will burn off. We would use a fragrance oil on an oil burner as it blooms with heat and evokes the sensory organs for you to respond and feel a certain way. They can be found here.

Catnip essential oil can have a strong effect on pets, especially cats. While cats are attracted to catnip, the concentrated essential oil can be overwhelming. Use it with caution around pets and consult a veterinarian if unsure.