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.
Vicky says
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Keri says
I would like more info on the Germ Destroyer
Vicky says
I definition want to try the germ fighter oil!
Caitlin Luccio says
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Caitlin Luccio says
I have been eyeing one of the top 14 sets for about a year now but just can't settle on one.
Tara Tayy says
Newsletter :)
Tara Tayy says
Frankincense, So interested that they have so many types; I want to learn more.
Wendy says
Newsletter!
Wendy says
Peppermint because I hear it works wonders for headaches and I need that.
Amy says
I love Plant Therapy oils! I would love to try palmarosa
Salina says
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Salina says
I would like to try germ fighter and the holiday blends! I love plant therapy!
Anne says
Romance set!
Jessica Montville says
I would love to try out the sniffle stopper. My daughter has many allergies so I've been researching EO's as a way to help her through all this colds.
Erin says
I'd love to try immune aid. With a toddler running around and a little one on the way we can all use an immunity boost!!
ramona says
Germ fighter and other kid friendly essential oils.
Jennifer M says
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Valerie W. says
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Valerie W. says
The holiday blends sound great (along with a diffuser). Also the KidSafe nighty nighty for one of my children who sometimes has trouble relaxing at night.
Thanks for the chance.
Michelle says
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Michelle says
I have been using some of the kid-safe essential oils from Plant Therapy and love them! I'm really interested in trying the blues buster.
Amy Brawn says
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Trina says
I've tried other essential oils before, but I'm always interested in trying new blends. The holiday blends look really fun, and Brain Aid sounds interesting. I'd also really love one of the wooden storage boxes.
Jennifer M says
I would like to try the SpaScenter Aromatherapy Diffuser.
Liz D. says
Just ordered some roll ins for my son! Can't wait to try it out! Great prices!
Mindy says
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Vanessa says
I would love to learn about the hand sanitizer and how to use essential oils to keep my home clean
Amy Brawn says
I'd love to try the germ destroyer as we are all fighting off colds!!
Conni says
The Blue's Buster is something I'd love to dry. Living in the north can make for a long, dark winter.
Mindy says
I would love to try the calming the child synergy before bedtime on my son.
Amy Lowea says
I would love to try the adult set. Thank you very much!
Krislen says
Newsletter :)
Kristin says
I would like to try the germ fighter!
Krislen says
I'm brand new to essential oils, real food, and the natural way of living, but am 100% convicted that this route is the very best path for my family. So in an effort to re-direct the trajectory of my family's health and wellness, I would love to try the products included in your kids wellness pack. This mommy of 4 littles can't wait to re-do our medicine cabinet!
Kristin says
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tami says
I want to try the hand sanitizer recipe
Glenda says
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Glenda says
Any of the kidsafe oils-specifically the eczema one, adult oils the organic peppermint, and the one for energy. Also heard great things about Frankincense.
Beth Johns says
The aloe jelly to make hand sanitizer.
Beth says
I'm most interested in learning/trying the children's EO for health and cleaning products