Catnip oil | Non-medicinal uses

Catnip oil is a product derived from catnip. One of the more common applications of oils of this type is to function as an herbal insect repellent. Along with the ability to repel mosquitoes, catnip oil is also used as a home remedy for a number of minor ailments. The oil is usually available in health food shops and other venues that sell organic oils. The origin of catnip oil is unknown, although catnip has been grown in parts of Europe for centuries. By the time that catnip was introduced to what is now the United States during the 18th century, catnip oil had already become considered one of the natural oils to keep around the house. As part of the mint family, catnip leaves can be crushed to release the oil and allow the liquid to be collected for use.

Catnip oil is used in small quantities as a scent in trapping bobcats and mountain lions. Catnip is also used as stuffing in animal toys for cats, such as bags and ‘mouse’. The dried, crushed leaves can be stuffed into cloth pouches to make these wonderful cat toys. There are many compounds (other than nepatalactone) present in the catnip oil, namely, citronellal, geraniol, citral, carvacrol, and pulegone. These are all excellent natural insecticides. Thymol extracted from catnip is used as a fungicide.

Catnip oil is also used in some places as a way to tenderize cuts of meat. This is especially common when preparing wild game for cooking. Applying the oil to the surface of the meat and either working the oil into ground meat or using a tenderizing mallet to pound the oil into the body of the meat helps to break down touch cartilage and make it easier to chew the cooked meat.

Catnip oil as a power Pest control is easily the most immediately recognized use of catnip oil. By applying a thin coating to the skin, the oil will effectively repel flies and mosquitoes. There is some anecdotal evidence that the essential oils found in catnip help to mask the scent emanating from the skin that attracts the attention of the pests and thus deters them from approaching the individual.

Along with repelling unwanted airborne pests, folk medicine identifies catnip oil as helpful with relieving the discomfort of several common ailments. The leaves and oil can be brewed as a tea to alleviate cramping. Rubbing catnip oil on the forehead is sometimes employed as a means of easing the pain of a headache. Poultices including catnip oil and leaves are also sometimes used to help with chest congestion during a bout with the common cold. A cloth soaked with catnip oil is said to help slow and even reverse fever when wrapped around the forehead and cheeks.

Medicinal properties | Medical Uses of Catnip.

The leaves of catnip have traditionally been chewed as a remedy for alleviating toothaches. The inhabitants of Southern Appalachia have used it since the eighteenth century as a remedy for cold. Tea made from catnip has been used to relieve intestinal cramps and gas discomforts. Recent researches show that consumption of teas containing catnip has anti-cholinergic effects. Catnip has been used for relief of insomnia and prevention of nightmares, and has a mild anti-spasmodic effect and is used to treat cramps. The juice from the leaves was used to stimulate menstrual flow. It has been used in the treatment of children’s ailments, such as colicky pain, flatulence and restlessness. The herb has also been used as a cold remedy, for hives, as a diaphoretic, a refrigerant and an anodyne. (Please refer to the Dictionary of Modern Herbalism by Mills for further information on these terms.) Poultices made from catnip have commonly been used for toothaches, though they can be applied to any part of the body. They have been applied to sore breasts of nursing mothers and to the neck for tonsillitis

Catnip not just for cats

Catnip, the mysterious herb that cats love is also an effective herbal remedy for stress. This garden herb is a member of the mint family and is commonly brewed as a tea. It has a delicious fresh minty taste and fragrance and can be served warm or iced. Other names for catnip include catmint, catswort and fieldbalm.Catnip, like every other mint, has a short self life. The volatile oils dissipate quickly. The fresh plant has the highest potency and even one little leaf will be stronger than a whole dried catnip mouse. The old catnip toy probably has lost all aroma and only reminds the cat of its former effect.
Catnip helps to relieve nervous tension, anxiety and sleeplessness and has uses for many other stress related health issues. The dried herb includes flowers, leaves and stems from catnip plants that are cut while in full bloom. Catnip blooms in summer (from June to September) with small white to pale lavender flowers that have fuzzy, grey-green leaves.

Before freeze-up, cut all catnip plants down and after drying them, place all cut parts into a pillowslip. Place it in the place where you want your cat to sleep. It is the only guaranteed way of getting the cat to sleep there. If you have trouble falling asleep, borrow the pillow. It works.
Dried catnip, when brewed as a tea (catnip tea) is calming, promotes relaxation and helps to relieve nervous tension. Catnip tea will help you to fall asleep. All relaxant herbs lose their effect on your system with repeated use. Only use it in an emergency.

How to Make a Cup of Catnip Tea
Place 1 teaspoon of *dried catnip or 1 catnip tea bag into a cup and add 6 oz. boiling
water. Steep for 3 minutes. If using a tea bag, press the bag after steeping to release more flavor. Add honey or other sweetener if desired.
*A tea infuser ball or spoon is a convenient way to brew loose dried catnip to prevent the need for straining

Catnip benefits include:
Stress Relief - A soothing cup of catnip tea is a delicious and relaxing way to relieve nervous tension and calm jangled nerves after a stressful day.
Sleep Aid - Catnip tea enjoyed before bedtime promotes calm and relaxation to ease stress and promote restful sleep.
Digestion Relief - Catnip tea helps to relieve upset stomach and indigestion.
Headache Relief - The calming and muscle relaxation properties of catnip tea can help to relieve tension and migraine headaches.
PMS Relief - Catnip provides muscle relaxation benefits and combined with its calmative and stress relieving properties helps to relieve mentrual cramps and tension associated with prementrual syndrome (PMS).

To keep your cat from destroying the plants, use upside-down wire baskets over the herb. Let the cat chew on the parts which grow through the basket.