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.
Lindsey A says
Love to try the respir aid or the kids germ destroyer!
Shauna says
I would like the aloe gel to make my own hand sanitizer!
Jenette Conde says
I would be interested in the roll ons for kids especially the eczema one.
Karla h says
Newsletter and I would love kid safe complete wellness set and the adult wellness set too : )
Mandy says
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Dawn Harmon says
newsletter
Lauren says
Kidsafe Ban the Bugs!!!
Jen E says
Would love the kids set of oils!
Amanda W says
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Mandy says
Respir-Aid and the kid safe line
Dawn Harmon says
Anything dealing with immunity!
Amanda says
I love Plant Therapy! I would love to expand my Kid Safe oils.
Patty Andrew says
My little granddaughter suffers with eczema. Would love to try the eczema helper.
Courtney says
Newsletter
Jess says
Newsletter sign up completed!
Courtney says
Always looking for good quality essential oils are a reasonable price. I need more tea tree oil
Jess says
Would love to try the germ buster or immune aid! Especially for the upcoming winter!
Livia says
Newsletter
Tara says
wow great advice for alternative to conventional wipes!
Debbie says
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Rebecca says
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Livia says
Interested in all oils but mainly would like to try the sniffle stopper for kids!
Sima says
I love the germ destroyer and sniffle stopper! I would love to try the tummy all better for my kiddo.
Jennifer says
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Jennifer says
I've been wanting to try Plant Therapy's oils for a while now. I have used another MLM company and I love the oils, but I am looking to support a company that is structured in a different way. I love the new Holiday Scents line and hope to be able to try all of their different oils!
Debbie says
Adult Wellness Set
Rachel says
I'm already a big fan of their oils and I'm running low on Sniffle Stopper, so Id like to check it out again haha
Jacque Ibarra says
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Jacque Ibarra says
I would love to try Germ destroyer or lavender oils!
Jennifer Stuart says
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Jennifer Stuart says
I'm looking forward to trying all of their products!
Rachel says
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Rachel says
I would love to have the kidsafe kit, it would be really awesome to have oils I know are safe for my child.
Stacie Altz says
Newsletter.
Stacie Altz says
I love Plant Therapy! I haven't got to try their kid safe blends yet but would love to. Or the newer hydrosols.
Samantha says
I've been a customer of Plant Therapy for a short time now and love everything I've gotten so far. I'd love to try immune-aid or germ-fighter too!
Michelle says
newsletter!
Michelle says
germ fighter -kid safe I would love to try making the hand sanitizer. My guy's hands get too dry with the store bought stuff in the winter.
Maggie says
Blues buster and the kidsafe set I'm very curious about!!
Tracye says
I am a huge fan of plant therapy due to their integrity, customer service, education, and AFFORDABILITY! I buy oils and supplies from no one else!