Catmint - More than a good time for cats

Catmint (Nepeta cataria), more commonly known as catnip, is a perennial herb in the mint family. It is well known for its scent-induced, euphoric effect on genetically receptive cats; but catmint is so much than just a good time for cats! 

 

Catmint offers a sweet, lemony-rose-mint scent, as well as many topical benefits described below.  

 

Catmint Benefits For Skin

Delays Premature Aging   Catnip leaves contain high quantities of antioxidants. Antioxidants absorb free radicals that are harmful elements that, if left unharnessed, cause fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Protects skin and speeds healing   The natural compounds in essential oil of catmint are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. These effects enhance repair and enable faster healing and recovery.

 

The Many Compounds of Catmint

Catmint contains many scented and beneficial medicinal compounds such as Nepetalactone, Valeric Acid, Geraniol, Monoterpene, Nepetalic Anhydride, Citral, Limonene, Dispentine, Thymol, Citronella, Caryophyllene, Nerol, Bioflavonoids, Nepetalic Acid, and Carotenoids.

 

Nepetalactone - is an aromatic compound in the same family as the “skunky chemicals that give marijuana its characteristic funk”. Nepetalactone provides the operative scent that incites playful euphoria in felines. It is an anti-inflammatory that promotes healing and is also useful in providing scent-masking effects for natural insect deterrent products. 

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​Geraniol - has a rose-like scent and is often used in the manufacture of perfumes.

 

Citral - has a sweet, lemony scent and is used in the manufacture of perfumes, but also has anti-microbial activity.

 

Citronella  - has a lemongrass-like scent used in the manufacture of perfumes.

 

Monoterpenes - have anti-tumor activity in animal and cell models.

 

Carotenoids and Bioflavonoids - are anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories that prevent free-radical damage and signs of aging, and repair damage.