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.
Alison Olson says
I'd love to check out the KidSafe Roll-Ons... and all the other KidSafe products!
Shalimar says
Newsletter
Shalimar says
Hey, I'd love to use anything to get my husband to stop snoring!!
Heidi Lucero says
Lavender! I love lavender!!
Margaret J. says
Newsletter! Thank you for the giveaway!
Margaret J. says
Immune Aid would be my first choice. Good to see that you can get these in large bottles, as well as small.
Robin says
The kids wellness ones look great for the winter!
Rebecca says
I really want to try the gegermm destroyer as I know the unnatural sanitizers aren't safe to use frequently. But given I've also started researching making my own lotions and soaps, I'm sure all the essential oils are worth trying!
Christina says
In kid safe ones, especially bug sheild!
Christina says
So many neat option to check into, hard to chose just one, very intested
Maggie says
Wellness kit :)
Tamara says
Kids wellness kit!
Erin says
Calming the child
Lara Hamilton-Halford says
Newsletter
Lara Hamilton-Halford says
KidSafe Complete Wellness Set
Christina says
newsletter
Christina says
With this germ-filled season upon us I would love either the Germ-fighter or Immune-aid. Tough choices--I have always wanted to try Plant Therapy oils. Thanks for the giveaway.
Shelley Wade says
I am very interested in immune boom and the bug rollers.
Toby Breuch says
Newsletter
Leah bouquard says
The wellness kit
Toby Breuch says
I'm really interested in the Germ Fighter Synergy Blend - I've got a 2 year old and we're encountering all sorts of new ick this season!
Tina says
The Blues Buster would be great to have around for dark winter days.
Rose says
Interested in the Kidsafe products, German Chamomile, and your Hydrosals!
Marcia Brysh says
I would love to try Immune Aid!
beth says
newsletter
beth says
Respir-aid
Kathy Lamm says
I'd like to try the germ fighter, peppermint & clove essential oils!
shawn says
Newsletter
Ashley Linhardt says
Newsletter
shawn says
Interested in kid safe products
Michelle c says
Newsletter!
Ashley Linhardt says
I'd like to try the sniffle stopper
Michelle c says
I'd like to try immune-aid!
Lisa says
I signed up for the newsletter
Lisa says
germ fighter for sure!
Laura says
Would love to try Germ Fighter!
Erika says
Would love to try the germ fighter!
Kara says
Germ fighter!!
Benjamin S says
Newsletter
Benjamin S says
I would like to try Let It Go!!!