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.
JenniferHogue says
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JenniferHogue says
We'd love to try the kids wellness kit thanks!
Tina Comroe says
This sounded fun, up until I looked at the website for the Essential Oils company...Plant Therapy, just like Young Living are not Guaranteed Organic like the Aura Cacia company, and therefore do not have anything I would spray, or use in my home or my body. I do love your website and all of the great information you give here, but Aura Cacia is the only public company I will buy essential oils from. Thank you.
Lori says
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Lori says
Like to try the organic frankenense
Dawn says
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Suzanne says
Any essential oil that would relax my dd
Dawn says
I've been hearing a lot about Plant Therapy oils lately and I'm very interested in trying them out. I have a weakened immune system due to an autoimmune disease, I'd love to try Immune-Aid.
Heather says
Um. Is it against the rules to just say that I want to try them all? Because I so do!!
Jen says
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S says
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Kristin says
Would love to try the Germ Fighter!
Gina Pullen says
I'd like to try all the Kidsafe oils, especially Germ Fighter, Sniffle Stopper and Nighty Night!
Jen says
Germ Fighter sounds great!
S says
I'd like to know more about germ fighting and skin care
Heather says
newsletter!
Stacy says
What size bottle of essential oils do you suggest buying in order to make a few containers of wipes for holiday gifts?
Heather says
Germ Destroyer for sure! We have the adult ones, but I would LOVE to try some of the kidsafe line!
Megan says
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Cristy says
The Insect Shield! The mosquitos are awful where we live!
Kiyono says
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Kiyono says
Our family LOVES plants therapy! I want to get one of their necklaces! :)
Caitlyn says
I love Plant Therapy! I'm really excited for their Christmas sale coming up. I'd love to try more of the kid safe ones, like better than kisses, the excema one, etc.
Kristi Daugherty says
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Deb says
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Deb says
I would love to try the Pain Aid Synergy for my knee arthritis.
Kristi Daugherty says
I'd like to try the Germ Fighter and really any of the kid safe oils.
Lisa says
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Lisa says
Placed my first order today! Can't wait to try Germ Fighter!
Alissa says
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Corinne says
Germ fighter!
Alissa says
I would love to try the holiday essential oils!
Amber says
I would love to try the kid safe products! I am always looking for ways to have a safer healthier life for my family!
amy says
Germ destroyer or buster would be great to have. I hate all the chemical laden sanitizers.
Kelli says
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Kelli says
I'd like to try the Immune-Aid and Tranquil synergy blends.
Jackie Novitsky says
Would love to try oregano and respir-aid!!!!
Lindsey A says
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Stephanie says
I would love to try the germ fighter and immune aid!! I love natural ways to keep my family healthy especially through the winter.
Shauna says
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