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.
Brandy says
Newsletter
amy g says
Kidsafe wellness set
Brandy says
I would love to try the calming child for my son and any of the Holiday blends, just cause they all sound yummy.
Megan says
I'm curious about the germ busters. If been wanting to use essentials oils with my family.
Christi says
newsletter
Christi says
I would like to try Respir-Aid. We get lots of sinus and chest infections. I have been using Young Living, but am open to trying another brand.
Jennifer Wear says
Interested in KidSafe Germ Fighter as alternative to traditional sanitizers.
Andrea trevino says
Newsletter .
Andrea trevino says
I like how cost effective these idols are ! I had no idea . I'd love to try to the calming blend for children and the attention blend .
Batavia Russell says
Trying to use essential oils more safely and would love to try the kids safe collection
Kristie says
newsletter
Kristie says
Holiday Synergys
Sarah says
I would love to try the kidsafe germ destroyer in my classroom!
Courtney Koenig says
I would love to try immune-aid. They all look wonderful.
Grace says
Newsletter
Grace says
Aloe muscle soothing cream
Andrea Katolin says
Newsletter too!
Andrea Katolin says
My three kids are finally getting over some yucky crud so I would love the germ destroyer to keep the germs away!
julie says
I"m new to essential oils, but I love the sound of Brain-Aid.
Stacey says
Rose Absolute!
Juanita says
Adult wellness
Newsletter
Cynthia says
Would love to try the germ fighter, especially after two bouts of bronchitis this year!
Vandi says
Newsletter
Vandi says
Germ destroyer!
Tina says
Newsletter
Tina says
KidSafe options!
Julie Chapel says
Newsletter
Julie Chapel says
No more warts. :-D
Kathy bracken says
Immune aid synergy interests me because of all the germs around my grandkids and because I travel a lot. I think essential oils must be very helpful.
carol says
Germ Destroyer
Amy Bradsher says
I'd love to try the Kids Complete Wellness set. It sounds great!
RachelJ says
The EOs to make the wipes...and maybe I'll try cotton cloths.
Kate says
Newsletter
Dawn says
Newsletter.
Geneva says
I'd love to try the Germ Destroyer from plant therapy. I have a big bottle of aloe gel and can't wait to use it and the germ destroyer to make my own hand sanitizer.
Nic says
Newsletter. Thanks for pointing us there!
Dawn says
The blend I'd be most interested in checking out is germ fighter. After that immune-blend to keep healthy. With 4 kids, its always a battle against germs, especially in the winter.
Kate says
I really would love a nice diffuser!
Nic says
I'd love to try the Lavender or Lemon! I like to clean with vinegar and a little essential oil, but I'm looking to start diffusing.
Liz says
Is like to try the germ fighter blend! My 5 year old keeps coming home from school with a cold!