Catnip is the name given to a perennial herb which belongs to the mint family. Catnip is known to have originated from Europe and migrated to United States and other countries. However, Catnip plant is a commonly found weed in the US. Some American households grow Catnip in their herb garden or indoors in a pot or a container. Catnip is great to look at as they bloom white, purple or pink tinted flowers.

Catnip oil is extracted from Catnip herb has many medical properties. Catnip oil with its leaves and flowers is used by many in their herbal bath. Soaking in water which has Catnip oil will help in reducing skin irritation. Also, if Catnip oil is poured in hot water it provides refreshing mint scent which helps in revitalizing the senses.

There are many organic insect repellent that contain Catnip oil. Some popular products that contain Catnip oil claim to be effective against black files, ticks, gnats and chiggers. Catnip oil by itself may not be effective in repelling mosquito. However, when used in combination with other essential oils like geranium, lemon grass, citronella, rosemary, eucalyptus or peppermint, it is effective in repelling mosquito.

Catnip oil is used at many places tenderize meat pieces. Catnip oil is commonly used when preparation for wild game of cooking is made. Many people apply Catnip oil of the meat surface by either working the Catnip oil slowly into the ground meat or pounding the Catnip oil into the meat body. When Catnip oil is pounded into the meat body it breaks the cartilage which makes it easy to chew the meat.

Termites are one of the biggest problems which most homeowners are facing. Most homeowners use poisonous insecticides to keep termites at bay. However, in research conducted in 2003 researchers found that Catnip oil not only stopped the progress of ants but also kills them. One the biggest problem of using Catnip oil is that it breaks down rapidly in the environment, sometimes within a few weeks. When you use conventional insecticides they are known to last for up to five years. Hopefully some solution can be found which will help in making the effect of Catnip oil last longer.

If you are planning to make Catnip oil at your home you will need Catnip twine, Olive Oil, Strainer and Mason jar. To start, you need to hang several cuttings of catnip twine upside-down. Now mix dried Catnip and Olive oil in the Mason jar and close the lid. You need to use about 2 cups of olive oil for ½ oz. of dried catnip. Leave the Mason jar in a sunny window for several weeks. Now strain the catnip from the combination and throw away dried catnip. Now store the strained Catnip Oil in a fresh clean jar. If you find the process difficult you can buy Catnip oil from any of the online or offline retailers. For best results use the Catnip oil made at home within 6 months.

Some people use homemade Catnip oil to make insect repellent spray. To make a spray you will need one cup water, one cup isopropyl alcohol and half-teaspoon Catnip oil. Mix all the three ingredients and shake well. Spray the mixture on Clothes, legs and arms as it will help to repel insects. However avoid using the spray on pets, children and on people who are sensitive to catnip oil.

Today many households use Catnip oil as an effective natural insect repellent. However, Catnip oil is expensive when compared to other naturally occurring oils in the market. Many homeowners reduce their cost by using an ounce of Catnip oil for several purposes during the course of the year.