Catnip Essential Oil (Nepeta cataria)

Overview

It is typically processed using steam or hydro distillation as a method for extracting oil from the leaves and flowers/buds.

Summary

The common names catnip and catmint are sometimes, but not always, used interchangeably to refer to Nepeta cataria. As with all essential oils, it's important to confirm the botanical name of the essential oil that you are working with. This profile specifically pertains to Nepeta cataria.

Catnip Essential Oil — By Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, Link

Essential Facts

Aroma Description:
Fresh Herbaceous Lemony Slightly camphoraceous Slightly sweet
+ Expand - Collapse

Synonyms(s) for Nepeta cataria: Calamintha albiflora, Cataria tomentosa, Cataria vulgaris, Glechoma cataria, Glechoma macrura, Nepeta americana, Nepeta bodinieri, Nepeta cataria var. citriodora, Nepeta ceretana, Nepeta citriodora, Nepeta laurentii, Nepeta macrura, Nepeta minor, Nepeta mollis, Nepeta ruderalis, Nepeta tomentosa, Nepeta vulgaris
Botanical Family: Lamiaceae
Botanical Genus: Nepeta
Chemical Family: Aldehydes, Monoterpenols
Major Compounds: Nepetalactone Isomers, Nepetalic Acid, Dihydronepetalactone, B-Caryophyllene, Caryophyllene Oxide
Perfumery Note: Middle
Consistency: Medium
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
Color: Pale Yellow/Orange
Indigenous Country: France
Cultivation: Distiller is Certified Organic
Processing Methods: Steam or Hydro Distillation
Part Typically Used: Leaves and Flowers/Buds
Shelf Life: 5-6 years