What Is Catnip?

Oil isolated from catnip by steam distillation is a repellent against insects, in particular mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites. Research suggests that in a test tube, distilled Nepetalactoner, the active ingredient in catnip, repels mosquitoes ten times more effectively than DEET, the active ingredient in most insect repellents, but that it is not as effective as a repellent on skin.
◄pic of catnip blossom
Catnip and catmints are mainly known for the behavioral effects they have on cats, particularly domestic cats.  When cats sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip, they may roll over it, paw at it, chew it, lick it, leap about and purr, often salivating copiously. Some cats will also growl and meow. This reaction only lasts for a few minutes before the cat loses interest. It takes up to two hours for the cat to "reset" after which it can come back to the catnip and have the same response as before. Young kittens and older cats are less likely to react to catnip.

It is a plant that grows well, and seems to cater to the tastebuds of cats, giving them a sense of happiness and playfulness. When dried and given to the cat, they also like to roll in it as well as eat it.

Cats seem to really like it, it seems to stimulate their senses. The oils from it can also be used for bug repellent. It is east to grow as well.

A plant in the mint family (Nepeta cataria) that contains the volatile terpenoid, nepetalactone. It has distinctive aromatic qualities that are particularly attractive to cats, inducing behavior that is variously described as sexual, playful, and sometimes as hallucinatory. Often included in stuffed toys marketed for the domestic cat. Used as a tea in Western herbal medicine.

Catnip, also known at catmint, is a herb belonging to the mint family.  As both its common names suggest, catnip is a particular favourite of cats.  Catnip leaves and stems are fuzzy, similar to sage.

Like mint, catnip is easy to cultivate and will spread surprisingly rapidly.  The plant’s aromatic volatile oil is released when the leaves are crushed or bruised.  This action will very quickly attract any cats in the area because they love to eat the bruised catnip plant.  Growing catnip in a garden will likely necessitate putting some form of fence or wire mesh around the plant to protect it from neighbourhood cats.

As a herbal remedy, catnip has long been used to treat bronchitis, colds, and insomnia.  To use catnip for these ailments, an infusion can be prepared by steeping the herb in water that has been boiled.  The active ingredients in catnip are highly volatile and will dissipate quickly so it is important not to boil the water while the catnip is in it.  The lid should be on to retain the steam.  Catnip is mild enough to be given to children and is also used as a treatment for diarrhea, cramps, and colic due to its antispasmodic effects.

Many people will add catnip to salads for flavour.  In order to grow this plant and dry it for home use, the top of the plant should be taken when in full flower and hung up-side-down in bunches to dry.  If there are any cats in the house, it should be hung from the ceiling or tops of doorframes.  This herb is good for repelling insects including mosquitoes so is often a popular addition to private gardens.  Catnip oil is even said to deter termites from wood that has been treated, but this volatile oil unfortunately needs to be regularly re-applied.

Cats are so excited by catnip that they have been known to go to extraordinary measures to get to it.  They can easily smell it though thick plastic and many enterprising cats have opened cupboard doors or scaled shelves to reach this herb.  Many cat owners delight in hiding bits of catnip for their cats to find or putting a small amount tied in an old rag only to watch their cat destroy the vessel to get to the contents.