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.
Sunny B. says
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Sunny B. says
Interested in the Germ Fighter
Amy Mackey says
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Amy Mackey says
I would love to try the Balance Synergy (for women) roll-on.
Ash says
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Rachel says
I think I would try germ fighter.
Ash says
Blues Buster!
Crystal Carter says
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angie says
I would love to try the Kidsafe Wellness!
Sally says
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Sally says
Blues Buster
Marlena says
Kidsafe Complete wellness kit
Kathy R says
There were quite a few products I'd consider buying.
For me, the oregano essential oil has been recommended in the past by my naturopath for topical used on skin (diluted) for drawing out an infection.
Then I saw the inhalers - espeicaly the portable ones - my sister and nephew have asthma and besides RX inhalers, often buy pre-made ones just to have for soothing if needed. I like that you can make your own and the colors are cool.
Michela Hugo says
Germ fighter!
Tamara says
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Tamara says
Thanks for more ideas on how to use oils. I have some and often forget to use them, but if I made up some counter wipes or hand sanitizer...I'll use them everyday!!
Jodi says
the kidsafe line looks amazing!!
Kim says
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Jaime S says
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Kim says
Immune-aid synergy blend!
Jaime S says
Kid safe Complete Wellness
ren says
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ren says
I can't wait to try the A+ Attention for my kids (and myself!)
Jennifer Garlinski says
Germ destroyer!
Robyn says
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Brandi says
Newsletter!
Chandra says
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Brandi says
Either set would be awesome to win! I am most intersted in oils that help children with ADHD as I have two of them. :)
Chandra says
I have a couple of KidSafe oils and would like to add the regular versions as well. My DH had a long-lasting cold-cough recently that I would have loved to help him out with more.
Heather T. says
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Kelly Marshall says
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Heather T. says
Would love to try the Christmas Tree Synergy blend. We have an artificial tree and it would be nice to have the real tree smell.
Kelly says
I would love to try any of the Kidsafe Wellness line :)
Kari Hageman says
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Kari Hageman says
Would love to try the Germ Destroyer and the KidSafe Products as my daughters and my niece have very sensitive skin. Would love to make my own hand sanitizer.
Thank you!!
Kim says
Germ Destroyer (kid safe version)
Katrina says
I love to try Kids Safe Complete Wellness Set!
Cate says
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Cate says
Kidsafe Starter Set looks awesome!
Heidi Hollenbach says
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