So......
I decided to dig a bit deeper and found a recipe on Mountain Rose Herb's blog. Less messy, and easier to tote along for possible camping trips. They posted one using catnip, other essential oils, and witch hazel extract.
I had all of the ingredients but a few, and even found catnip to make the tincture for it.
Tiger was standing by and meowed until I handed over some catnip, ha ha!
Jasper soon showed up for some too.
Then I made my tincture. I used directions from both Mountain Rose Herbs blogspot (and Susan Weed's). I used a pint jar. I also did some research on catnip tinctures. I figured if I was making it for one thing, it must be good for other uses.
Of course, I ordered more books from the library too. The tincture needed to sit for 6 weeks. I prefer this method than heating it over the stove, or in a crock pot.
I mixed the tincture into the recipe I found (Mountain Rose Herbs) and gave it a try, considering we would like to go camping, and we will need a good bug spray for working outdoors.
I just wish I would have tried this much earlier in the year, but in finding it, I have now started learning about tinctures.
I'll be using this in the garden this next week, and I'll let you know how effective it is. I see that Mountain Rose Herbs also has a few more different spray recipes. that use different oils/amounts too.
UPDATE: This not only worked great, but smells great.
I've been cleaning more cupboards lately, but today I think it will outdoor work. Hopefully the humidity has lifted.
7 comments:
Here's hoping you've hit on a really good bug spray. Our mosquitoes weren't bad this year but we sure went through a nasty spell of the no see'ums and black flies. Now we're nearly bug-free which is WONDERFUL! With all the rain you had, it was no doubt ideal breeding grounds for the mosquitoes.
Mama Pea, one of the girls just put laundry on the line and said the mosquitoes are bad again. We'll be trying it today for sure.
This sounds promising! I'll have to get the full recipe and make some. Where can you get catnip? Does it grow wild or did you plant it?
I wonder if i could find some at a local nursery here.
or... if need be, maybe LOWES, in the garden center?
I hope the humidity lets up for you. I sure don't like it when it's humid here!
Let us know how it works for you.
cute kitty pictures.
Patricia, there is a link in the post to Mountain Rose Herb's blogpost with the recipe. I used it today and it not only works, but smells wonderful!
Patricia, I forgot to answer your question - I picked the catnip that grows wild here, but I may buy some seeds to plant some in pots too.
Have had a HUGE pot of catnip in the garden for years. Am definitely going to try this. I wonder if it works on gnats. We have those nasty things by the millions each summer.
I also have to ask, when you spray the mixture with the catnip tincture in it on yourself, do you then notice droves of neighborhood cats following you afterwards? ;o)
LOL
God bless.
RB
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RB, ha ha! No, but when I opened my canning jar and drained the catnip tincture, Tiger was at my feet instantly meowing.
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