Catnip For Bug Bites

Health Tip of the Day

Repel mosquitoes with catnip instead of exposing skin to DEET in synthetic repellents.

According to a study published in Current Biology, catnip is as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Nepeta cataria is a compound in catnip that triggers pain in insects. According to the Researchers at Iowa State University, catnip may be 10 times more effective than DEET.

Catnip is very easy to use. Simply mash the catnip leaves with hands to release the plant oils, then rub the leaves on exposed skin. This will bring relief from mosquitoes for up to 30 minutes.

Catnip essential oil can be used by adding a few drops to a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, argan, magnesium, or rosehip oil.

Catmint is a relative of catnip and works very well at keeping mosquitoes at bay. Catmint has also tested more effective than toxic bug sprays.

For more information on repelling mosquitoes read:

Soybean Oil as a Mosquito Repellent
Control Mosquitoes With Oil
Do Cloves Keep Mosquitoes Away
Radishes Soothe Insect Bites
Cinnamon for Insect Bites
Garlic Repellent for Mosquitoes