I found this article in a Babyfit’s Natural Mother e-newsletter. I haven’t tried it, but it looks pretty easy.
Besides driving your cat crazy, catnip has another more practical (but less entertaining) use. It also drives away the mosquitoes. According to a study at Iowa State University Department of Entomology, an essential oil found in catnip is 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than potent chemicals such as DEET. If you grow catnip in your yard, you’ll get moderate protection from the pests, but for greater benefit, you can try making your own skin potion from your fall harvest. Here’s how to make your own herbal insect repellant:
What you’ll need:
2 cups catnip, stemmed
1 cup dried peppermint
1 cup rosemary, cut into 6-inch sprigs
2 cups grape seed oil or almond oil
Directions:
Place herbs on a cutting board or counter, and lightly crush them with a rolling pin. Place them into a clean glass jar with a screw-on lid. Pour in the oil, seal the jar and place in a cool, dark cupboard for two weeks. Lightly shake the jar once a day for two weeks. Strain into a clean jar, seal and refrigerate (it will keep for up to 8 months). To use, rub on exposed skin.
QUICK TIP :
Check your local nursery for catnip plants, or simply order seeds online.
Really? That’s so cool. We had a catnip plant for awhile, but since our cats are immune, we pulled it out.
Now, I’ll have to replant some!