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.