Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous essential oil with a herbaceous, minty, earthy aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from flowering tops, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Citronella (Java), Lemongrass. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 3%.
Nepetalactone-dominant (84%) essential oil. EPA-registered insect repellent. Skin sensitization potential noted by Tisserand.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Herbaceous |
| Chemical family | Ester |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | flowering tops |
| Origin | USA, Canada |
| Blending factor | 5 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 3% |
| Max facial dilution | 1.5% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
Evidence: Moderate.
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Scale amounts to any container with the dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Compare Catnip with
Frequently asked questions
What does Catnip essential oil smell like?
Catnip has a herbaceous, minty, earthy, green aroma, classed as a herbaceous oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Catnip?
For topical use, keep Catnip at or below 3%, and 1.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Catnip safe to use during pregnancy?
Catnip is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Catnip safe to use around children?
Catnip is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Catnip safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Catnip blend well with?
Catnip pairs well with Lavender, Citronella (Java), Lemongrass, Eucalyptus (Peppermint/Dives), Peppermint.