By blog team member, Kiran. To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page or her blog!
The excitement of cooler weather is here, but there's also something else among us—unwelcome germs that like to rear their ugly heads! I have some germaphobe tendencies, especially this time of year. I like to keep the little buggers at bay but without the use of unwanted chemicals found in some hand sanitizers.
So I'm happy today to share a couple of germ fighter recipes from our friend and sponsor, Plant Therapy. Think of them as home remedies for staying sick-free (or trying to!) this season.
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About Plant Therapy
Plant Therapy is a family-owned and family-run essential oils company who we've enjoyed partnering with over the last few years. They work with essential oils expert Robert Tisserand and several analytical laboratories to create their essential oil formulas. All of this has led them to develop their KidSafe oils, which are, you guessed it, safe for kids (over the age of 2)!
What you'll notice about Plant Therapy is how good their prices are. Owners Chris and Amanda Jones aim to provide their products at affordable prices with the highest quality available so everyone can take advantage of the benefits. They offer great information as well, including the DIY remedies below.
Homemade Counter Wipes
Supplies
- 2 tablespoons castile soap
- Essential oils of your choice
- 2 cups warm water
- 1.9 quart airtight container (like this Oxo Round Canister)
- 1 roll select-a-size paper towels
Instructions
- Cut a roll of paper towels in half using an electric knife or serrated bread knife.
- Place one of the paper towel roll halves into the container. If you have to smash it a bit to fit, that is okay. Once wet, you will take out the core.
- In a measuring cup, combine the warm water, castile soap, and 30-40 drops of essential oils (see recipes below).
- Pour the mixture over the paper towels and let soak.
- Once soaked, you can easily remove the center tube.
- Seal with a lid and use as you would any other counter wipes.
Recipe Ideas
- Fresh Kitchen: 15 drops each lavender and lemon
- Disinfecting: 15 drops tea tree, 10 drops lemon, and 5 drops rosemary
- Fresh & Fruity: 20 drops sweet orange, 10 drops grapefruit, and 5 drops of vanilla
- Or use one of Plant Therapy's germ synergies (Germ Destroyer or Germ Fighter)
Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Who needs hand sanitizer that is full of ethyl alcohol and oftentimes even food dyes? Not to mention that they dry out your hands and are also flammable. No thanks! Here's how to easily make your own version.
Supplies
- 4 tablespoons or 2 ounces aloe gel (Plant Therapy offers plain and lavender aloe jelly)
- The following essential oils: Germ Destroyer (kid safe version), Germ Fighter (adult version), or Palmarosa & Fir Needle
Instructions
- Pour aloe gel into a flip-top bottle.
- Add 10 drops Palmarosa and 8 drops Fir Needle or 18 drops of Germ Destroyer or Germ Fighter
- Shake well to incorporate oils.
- Use a dime-size squirt of gel as needed on your hands and rub in.
You or your child can carry this gel with you to work or school. It's a perfect alternative to traditional hand sanitizer. Not only will you support your immune function, but you will fight off the germs that many of us pick up every day. Keep your family healthy and happy using a homemade hand sanitizer!
Caught Something Anyway?
If sickness or sniffles are already in your home, Plant Therapy offers a DIY sore throat solution here and solutions for coughs and congestion. They all utilize essential oils to combat the ailment at hand. Obviously, the steam solution should be used with caution for children.
Other Fun DIY Projects
- How to Make Homemade Natural Bath Bombs
- How to Make Homemade Natural Candles
- How to Make Homemade Bath Salts
Homemade Natural Counter Wipes
Equipment
- Airtight container
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
- 1 roll select-a-size paper towels
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons Castile soap
- 40 drops essential oil your favorite combination of oils
Instructions
- Cut a roll of paper towels in half using an electric knife or serrated bread knife.
- Place one of the paper towel roll halves into the container. If you have to smash it a bit to fit, that is okay. Once wet, you will take out the core.
- In a measuring cup, combine the warm water, castile soap, and 30-40 drops of essential oils.
- Pour the mixture over the paper towels and let soak.
- Once soaked, you can easily remove the center tube.
- Seal with a lid and use as you would any other counter wipes.
Notes
Essential Oil Recipe Ideas
- Fresh Kitchen: 15 drops each lavender and lemon
- Disinfecting: 15 drops tea tree, 10 drops lemon, and 5 drops rosemary
- Fresh & Fruity: 20 drops sweet orange, 10 drops grapefruit, and 5 drops of vanilla
- Or use one of Plant Therapy’s germ synergies (Germ Destroyer or Germ Fighter)
Homemade Hand Sanititzer
Equipment
- Flip-top bottle
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons aloe gel (or 2 ounces, Plant Therapy offers plain and lavender aloe jelly)
- 10 drops Palmarosa essential oil
- 8 drops Fir Needle essential oil
- 18 drops Germ Destroyer (or Germ Fighter)
Instructions
- Pour aloe gel into a flip-top bottle.
- Add 10 drops Palmarosa and 8 drops Fir Needle or 18 drops of Germ Destroyer or Germ Fighter.
- Shake well to incorporate oils.
- Use a dime-size squirt of gel as needed on your hands and rub in.
Cindy says
Would love to try the Immune Aid Synergy.
LaTanya says
the pine essential oil
Susie says
I'd love to try KidSafe Sweet Dreams on my daughter. I've noticed lately she's been talking in her sleep and tossing around. Because she likes her backed rubbed before bedtime, rubbing these oils on her would fit right into our nighttime schedule.
Arlyn says
Newsletter
Karli says
newsletter
Arlyn says
Definitely want to check out the Blues Buster!!
Karli says
Kid Safe Germ Destroyer - anyone with a kid in school needs all the help they can get destroying germs!
Karen Keegan says
newsletter
Maria says
I would enjoy trying the adult complete wellness set. I'm trying to keep my 86 year old mother as healthy as possible. Thank you!
Christine A. says
Newsletter
Leah says
I would be interested in the Germ Destroyer, especially at this time of year when all kinds of bugs are going around at school. Thanks for the chance to win!
Susie says
Newsletter! <3
Christine A. says
I would love to try the Adult Complete Wellness Set. I need to stay healthy to take care of my family!
barbara D says
Immune Aid Synergy. I'm in week 3 of a cough that just won't quit.
KathyJ says
newsletter
KathyJ says
I've used a few of PT's single essential oils, but would love to try their blues buster synergy or the clarity synergy blends.
Gina Keener says
Newsletter
Gina Keener says
I would love the opportunity to try the Adult Complete Wellness set. I just started using a couple of essential oils in a diffuser, and I would appreciate being able to try others. Thank you.
Jennifer says
Newsletter :)
Jennifer says
I would love to try anything from the organic line!!! But also the Christmas tree blend would be great for this time of year. :)
Holly P. says
Signed up for the Newsletter
Holly P. says
I'd love to try the KidSafe wellness kit!!
Tess Ladino says
Newsletter :)
Tess Ladino says
I would be most interested in trying "Munchy Stop" especially through the upcoming holidays.
Kelly says
Newsletter:) yay
Kelly says
The oils! I am an oil user but have never tried the Planet Therapy brand!
Genevieve White says
I would love to try the holidays synergy set!
Rachel Beck says
newsletter
Rachel Beck says
Ban the bugs!
Lisa says
Germ fighter and Immune Aid - health is the greatest gift - without it you can't enjoy the holidays.
Jody C says
Germ Fighter sounds very interesting
Jenny says
I would love to try the kidsafe products. I have been hesitant to try essential oils on my kids, so this is wonderful.
Holly P. says
newsletter
Deanna says
Newsletter! Love Plant Therapy.
Holly P. says
I'm most interested in checking out the Nighty Night for my daughter that struggles with insomnia. However....the Holiday blends all sound amazing too!
Deanna says
They have a ton I still want to try! Tummy all Better, Christmas Tree Blend, Ban the Bugs. . . Great giveaway!
teresa says
Healthier and cheaper...I'm in!
Christy R says
Love the idea behind the Kidsafe line! I'd probably try the top 3 set first. Especially interested in the Calming the Child products. My 4 year old has found help with essential oils and even has referred to it as her "crying medicine".
Stacey K says
Newsletter! I just subscribed.
Sarah says
Spiced orange!