🌊 Social🇮🇳 India
Catnip Could Replace DEET as a Cheap Mosquito Repellent, Uganda Trials Show
World news | The Guardian·Friday, 10 July 2026
A study conducted in Uganda found that a lotion made from catnip — a common herb from the mint family — works just as well as DEET, the chemical used in most commercial mosquito repellents. The active compound is nepetalactone, which gives cats their well-known euphoric reaction. This is the first time the plant's repellent properties have been tested in this form.
Why It Matters
India has a massive mosquito-borne disease burden, including malaria and dengue. A cheap, plant-based repellent could be a game-changer for millions of people who cannot afford or access commercial products.
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