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.
Melissa Evans says
I'd love the kid safe wellness line. I know essential oils work and I always get concerned about using certain things on my little guys.
Marina says
Sensual. :)
Jenn Hennessey says
Newsletter!!
Jenn Hennessey says
I'd love to try the kid safe germ destroyer! I have a newborn and would love to protect her from all the germs her 3 older sisters bring home from school this season!
Heather Walker says
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Heather Walker says
I am very interested in their kids line...particularly the ones that help with colds and coughs (Respir-aid, Germ Fighter, Immune-aid, and Oregano) since we've already had our fair share and winter has barely even started. Honestly though, I'm interested in it all. I love essential oils and have heard of, but not tried, the Plant Therapy line yet.
Kellie says
newsletter :-)
Kellie says
Any of the KidSafe Blends...
Katie S. says
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Katie S. says
I didn't know the company had a kid safe line! That is what I would be most interested in. I've been buying their other oils for a few months now and am very pleased.
Alyssa says
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Alyssa says
I am in love with this company! I haven't pulled the trigger on my first set but am leaning towards their 7&7 set or the wellness set because my son is only 4 months old. I can't wait to eventually get the kid set!!!
Paula Steele says
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Paula Steele says
Sniffle stopper
Leslie says
I'm very interested in the Blues Buster. I'm struggling through chronic fatigue and would love a natural solution!
Diane says
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Nichole says
I just ordered some PT oils (including Germ Destroyer), but an entire set would be amazing!!
Diane says
Germ Fighter - winter is here and Vitamin D is scarce.
Stephanie says
I'd love a set but I'm definitely interested in the mood lifter. I have depression but since I just had surgery I can't exercise to help it
Sherri says
the kidssafe line! I like eo's but always worry about them with my kids !
Sharayah Arnold says
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Sharayah Arnold says
Would love to try the germ fighter or immune aid!
Jo says
Definitely the Adult Wellness set--I'm a healthcare worker and hospital-grade hand sanitizer is stripping my hands :/
Aarika says
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Aarika says
I keep reading about Plant Therapy lately & am getting increasingly curious. Since I adore essential oils I pretty much want to try their entire catalog but I'm especially interested in their KidSafe line. I love the idea of taking the guess-work (well research work) out of deciphering which essential oils are safe for little ones. I use essential oils pretty extensively but am always extra careful of formulations for my kids. The KidSafe oils sound wonderful to me.
Jackie says
I am very much interested in trying these solutions! I am the biggest hand sanitizer user, ever! I love alternatives to hazardous cleaning products too!
Jackie says
The Adult Complete Wellness Set would be great for our household!
Lindsay says
Need that adult complete wellness set ... I don't know what it is but we have picked up every bug possible already this year.
JULIE says
definitely the germ fighter oils! I work in a day care!
Tiffany says
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Tiffany says
I'd love to try the germ fighter kids combo. I work in Healthcare and I'm always looking for natural and alternative ways to keep kids healthy instead of using medications all the time.
Cyndy says
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Cyndy says
I'd love the Kidsafe set. With 4 kids, and one of whom experiences eczema, I would be able to use every oil in the set. I love essential oils!
JULIE says
I'd love to win the adult complete wellness set of essential oils from Plant Therapy to give to my niece. She has just started work in a hospital and I know this would be a welcome gift for her at Christmas. We might share though because working in a daycare as I do, I need all the germ busting oils I can get right now! LOL!
Angie says
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Angie says
The kid safe complete wellness kit would be a wonderful addition for our four children! Thank you.
Tammy Westfahl says
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Claudia Waggoner says
Love Plant Therapy. Want to try palmarosa
Amanda says
Interested in the essential oils.
Tammy Westfahl says
I'm interested in all of them. I have a son with chronic health issues and I would like to start trying essential oils with him.
Keri says
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