Antonio Mcgowan
Catnip is a popular herb that is well-known for its calming effects on cats. But did you know that it can also be used to make incense? Incense-making is an ancient art that has been practised for thousands of years, and it's relatively easy to do at home. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make your own catnip incense, so you can fill your home with a refreshing, faint mint aroma that is known to promote peace and relaxation.
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What You'll Learn
Catnip's calming effect on cats and humans
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a plant related to the mint family that is often used to create incense. Forming your own incense is a relatively simple process, and it involves gathering your ingredients, grinding the herbs into a fine powder, mixing and binding the ingredients, forming the incense into a desired shape, drying it for 24 hours, storing it in an airtight container, and finally, burning it on a charcoal disk. Catnip is a popular herb to use for incense due to its calming scent, which promotes peace and relaxation.
The calming effect of catnip is also observed in cats, which experience a range of reactions to the herb. The active ingredient in catnip, nepetalactone, is a pheromone-like chemical that induces euphoric or hallucinogenic feelings in cats. These feelings can manifest as rolling, rubbing, running, chewing, and general playfulness. However, it is important to note that not all cats react to catnip, as the response is hereditary and some cats lack the necessary gene. Additionally, catnip's effectiveness is influenced by its freshness, and it should be offered in moderation to ensure a positive experience for cats.
While catnip typically energizes cats initially, it can also have a calming effect after the initial burst of energy. One cat owner observed that after their cat exhibited hyperactivity and focus on the catnip, it eventually became calm and slept for a long period. This calming effect may be attributed to the fatigue that sets in after the initial excitement, as the cat's brain becomes worn out from the release of feel-good hormones.
In addition to its impact on cats, catnip is believed to have a calming effect on humans as well. Catnip is often used in sleep, stress relief, and positive energy-attracting rituals. The scent of catnip is thought to promote peace and relaxation, making it a popular choice for incense and natural remedies. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of catnip may vary among individuals, and it is always advisable to use non-toxic and safe herbs for burning.
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Gathering ingredients: herbs, flowers, resins, woods, essential oils
When making catnip incense, you can gather a variety of ingredients, including herbs, flowers, resins, woods, and essential oils. Here are some options for each category:
Herbs
Herbs are a popular choice for incense due to their fragrant and aromatic properties. Catnip is the star herb in this case, but you can also use other herbs such as lavender, eucalyptus, or even rosemary. These herbs can add a refreshing and relaxing aroma to your incense.
Flowers
Flowers bring a delicate and pleasant fragrance to your incense. Rose, peony blossoms, and neroli flowers are popular choices for their aromatic and therapeutic benefits. The rose has fruity, spicy, mossy, and honey-like notes, while neroli flowers offer a fresh and slightly spicy scent with hints of cinnamon, orange, and eucalyptus.
Resins
Resins are essential in incense-making as they are the sticky substances produced by trees and plants that, when burned, release a rich and aromatic smoke. Common resins used in incense include frankincense and myrrh, but you can also explore other options like honey resin or tree resins such as pine or spruce.
Woods
Aromatic woods are another key ingredient in incense, providing a natural and earthy base note. Sandalwood is a popular choice for its delicate and delightful scent, but you can also consider cedar, juniper, pine, hickory, or sassafras. These woods, when burned, release a pleasant aroma that blends well with other ingredients.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that offer a wide range of scents. Some popular choices include lavender oil, rose oil, coconut oil, and vanilla oil. Floral essential oils, such as rose, can boost your mood and relax the mind and body. Coconut oil, with its buttery top notes and creamy base, provides a strong and long-lasting aroma.
Remember, when gathering ingredients, it's important to source them ethically and ensure they are suitable for burning. Always research the properties of each ingredient to create a safe and enjoyable incense-making experience.
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Mixing and binding ingredients
To make catnip incense, you'll need to gather your ingredients, which can include a variety of herbs and other natural materials such as flowers, resins, woods, and essential oils. Catnip, of course, will be your primary ingredient, but you can also include other herbs such as basil, hyssop, lavender, rosemary, and thyme.
Once you have your ingredients, you'll need to grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. This step is important to ensure that your incense burns evenly.
Now, you're ready to mix and bind your ingredients. The basic incense recipe is 2 parts herbs to 1 part binding agent, such as makko powder or marshmallow root powder. You can use any blend of herbs, but most people prefer to create blends rather than using just one herb.
To mix and bind your ingredients, start by placing your herbs and binding agent in a bowl. Add a small amount of water—just enough to turn the mixture into a dough-like consistency. First, use a spoon to mix all the ingredients until they are incorporated. Then, use your hands to continue mixing and blending, similar to how you would knead bread dough. Make sure to knead for a few minutes to ensure that the herbs are thoroughly blended and incorporated with the water.
At this point, you can also add a few drops of essential oils to enhance the fragrance of your incense. However, be cautious about adding too much liquid, as it can affect the burning quality of your incense.
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Forming incense: balls, moulds, sticks
Once you've prepared your catnip incense mixture, you can form it into balls, moulds, or sticks.
Balls
To form incense balls, simply roll a small piece of the mixture into a ball using your hands. Place the balls on a firm board covered with wax paper to dry. You can also form pea-sized balls and spread them out to dry. Drying time can take between 24 hours and four weeks, depending on the climate and humidity.
Moulds
You can form small, flat incense disks and press imprints into them using objects such as buttons. You can also use moulds to form incense sticks and cones. The Incense Dragon offers an incense stick mould that creates masala incense sticks in 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm diameters. This type of mould doesn't require hand strength—simply press the mixture into the mould, and your incense will be rounded and adhered to a bamboo split.
Sticks
To form incense sticks by hand, roll a small piece of the mixture into a long rope, then roll it with the palm of your hand, first away from you and then back towards you. Next, switch to using the flat bottom part of a small box to create straighter sticks. Roll the box back and forth over the stick until it reaches your desired size and thickness. The thinner the sticks, the more difficult they are to keep straight during drying, and the thicker they are, the longer they will take to dry.
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Drying and storing incense
Drying and storing your catnip incense correctly is crucial to ensure its longevity and potency. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
The drying process:
When making catnip incense, the drying process is essential to remove any moisture from the plant material. This step helps to ensure your incense burns effectively and also prolongs its shelf life. Start by harvesting your catnip leaves and flowers, choosing a dry, sunny day to ensure the plant material is also dry. Cut the stems, leaving a few sets of leaves on each, and remove any diseased or damaged foliage. Then, spread the catnip out on a drying rack or a flat surface covered with paper towels or a thin cloth. Ensure the leaves are not overcrowded and have some space around them for airflow. Place the drying rack in a warm, dry room out of direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for drying catnip is between 68–86°F (20–30°C). Turn the leaves daily to ensure even drying, and check for any signs of mold or discolouration, which could indicate the presence of moisture. The drying process can take several days to a week, depending on the humidity and temperature. Your catnip is sufficiently dry when the leaves and flowers crumble easily when rubbed between your fingers.
Storing your incense:
Once your catnip is completely dry, it's time to store it correctly to maintain its quality. First, crumble the leaves and flowers gently with your fingers to break them up into smaller pieces suitable for incense. You can then place the crumbled catnip into airtight glass jars or containers. Ensure the storage container is dry and clean before adding the incense. Add a moisture absorber, such as a silica gel packet, to the jar to help keep the incense dry. Label your container with the date and contents, and store it in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry. Avoid exposing the stored incense to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause the catnip to lose potency and fragrance over time.
Maintaining quality:
To ensure your catnip incense remains potent and fresh, follow these simple tips. Check your incense regularly for any signs of mold or discolouration, especially if you live in a humid environment. If you notice any issues, discard the affected batch to prevent the problem from spreading. Keep the storage container tightly sealed when not in use to prevent moisture ingress and ensure the lid is properly secured after each use. If you plan to store your incense for an extended period, consider vacuum sealing it in bags to remove all air and moisture. You can then place the sealed bags inside a jar or container for added protection.
Using your catnip incense:
When you're ready to use your catnip incense, simply take out the desired amount and place it in an incense burner or heat-proof dish. You can burn it as-is or mix it with other dried herbs and resins to create your own unique blends. Store the rest of your incense following the guidelines above, and it should last for several months to a year, depending on the storage conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Catnip incense is a natural way to deter mosquitoes and other flying pests. It can also be used to calm and relax both humans and cats.
To make catnip incense at home, you will need dried catnip, a spice grinder, a bowl, a binder such as honey or essential oil, and a rolling pin. Grind the dried catnip into a fine powder, bind the powder together, and roll out the mixture to create thin, small incense sticks.
It can take up to 48 hours to dry catnip in an oven or food dehydrator. The leaves should be crispy and easily crumble when fully dried.
There are several ways to dry catnip, including air-drying, oven-drying, and using a food dehydrator. Air-drying is the simplest method, but it can take several weeks. Oven-drying and food dehydrators speed up the process significantly.
