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.
Christin says
Respir-Aid for my kids colds/coughs
Christy says
I am interested in oils that will help keep my family well this winter.
Christy says
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Heidi says
Thanks for the post. :) I'm interested in oils that boost immunity and fight germs. :) Blessings!
Ana says
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Ana says
I'm interested in oils that might help my kids sleep better at night.
Nancy says
Interest in help for coughs and colds.
Kristi says
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Meg says
Newsletter - thank you.
Meg says
Cleaning gift set.
Elise Martin says
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Michelle Daouk says
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Michelle Daouk says
i am interested in oregano oil
Heather Quattrini says
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Heather Quattrini says
i am very interested in the germ destroyer. Want to make my own counter wipes. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Gina Dunn says
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Gina Dunn says
I would be interested in he germ fighter blend
Judy Garris says
germ fighter
Anne says
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Anne says
I would like to try the sleep aid synergy blend.
Amanda says
I would like to try the candy cane oil
Jolynn Lloyd says
I would like to try the eucalyptus oil
Irene says
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Irene says
i would love to make the counter wipes! Especially the lavender scent!
sue reichard says
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Bethany says
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Bethany says
The product I am most interested in checking out is the lavender lotion.
Sara Ballard says
Newsletter!
Sara Ballard says
I would love to learn more about the children's wellnes set! I am a teacher and I use essential oils in my classroom diffuser. I also use them with the 3 kids of my own.
Lisa M says
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Lisa says
The Modern-Vintage Copper Necklace looks very interesting. I would like to try it.
Christi says
I'd really like to try the germfighter in order to make the diy hand sanitizer. My husbands hands stay irritated from constantly using sanitizing wipes and harsh soaps at his jobsite.
Vera says
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Thanks for a great giveaway!
Happy Thanksgiving :)
Vera says
Immune aid :)
shawn says
I already use this hand sanitizer recipe and have given it as gifts. Love the homemade wipes idea. My kids can be messy, can`t wait to try it. Thanks flr the new idea
Amanda PK says
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Amanda PK says
I want to try the KidSafe synergy line!
karen says
I have plant therapy and would LOVE to try their Kids Safe and Respi-Aid! I've already been a subscriber too! THANKS!
Kimberly says
I would be most interested in the Germ Destroyer Wellness set! Yes please, sounds amazing!
Kelley says
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