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.
Heidi Hollenbach says
I would love to try out the Germ Destroyer. I have four kids, who bring plenty of germs into the house!
Tricia Russell says
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Jennifer Spencer says
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Tricia Russell says
The adult wellness kit! Or lavender to be more specific!
Jennifer Spencer says
Self Esteem Synergy roll on
Amanda Fleming says
I think I need the Brain Aid roll-on! Really cool stuff; hadn't heard about this company yet!
Joanna says
Would love to try Kids Safe Complete Wellness Set!
Angie says
the wellness sets caught my eye...thank you for having this giveaway!
Maria C. says
newsletter
Matt K says
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Heather says
I love the congestion blend recipe! Easy & nontoxic.
Heather says
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Matt K says
All of the holiday blends.
Maria C. says
Hello, I would really love to try the Immune-Aid. I like the blend of the combination of oils that create this unique blend.
Kristin says
I subscribed.
Kristin says
I'm interested and in trying the germ fighter!
Alison D. says
Newsletter. I would also like to try frankincense.
Misty says
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Misty says
The adult wellness kit! I've never used plant therapy, but love essential oils!
Rochelle says
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Rochelle says
I think the kidsafe set looks wonderful!
Allie says
I want to try the blues buster
Jennifer Palmer says
Newsletter :)
Allison L says
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Jennifer Palmer says
I would love to try the Kid Safe line, especially Immune Boom!
Allison L says
I would love to try the sore throat remedies!
nicole m says
germ destroyer!
Kimberly L says
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Kimberly L says
I live in Costa Rica and the cleansers here are very harsh and honestly, smelly. I'd like to try anything from this line and can pick some up when I'm in the States next.
Amanda B says
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Nicole says
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Nicole says
Inerested in the germ fighter.
Angel says
I would love to try the Adult Wellness Set!! I've been slowly building my inventory of essential oils since my daughter was born a year and a half ago because it's been an amazing way to keep us healthy without all the unsafe medication. Cheers!!!
Amy says
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Sara says
newsletter!
A says
everything!! :)
Sara says
I would absolutely love to try the kid safe line! It's tough to find recipes that are safe for the kiddos and yet they are the ones that could use it the most!
Amanda B says
I would be interested in trying the Germ Fighter oils. That sounds like a great alternative to hand sanitizer.
Kathy says
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Barb says
I'm with you - a gentle tendency toward germophobe :) I would be interested in the Germ Destroyer.
Kathy says
I LOVE, LOVE Plant Therapy! They are my go-to for everything essential oil related! Pretty high on my list right now is the coffee EO just because I want to smell it! For health-related purposes, my wishlist is focused on Melissa Hydrosol and Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil (to just name a few things!) Thanks for the giveaway!
LaTanya says
I signed up for their newsletter