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.
Stacey K says
I'm interested in the Oregano oil... I've read a lot about it, but my local health food store doesn't carry it.
Sarah says
Joined the newsletter
Lisa says
germ fighter
Alexandra says
I would love to try the Cleaning Gift Set!
Lisa Dixon says
I'd like to try Immune-Aid.
Robin New says
Newsletter!
Taryn W. says
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Robin New says
The Germ Destroyer would be awesome; so many co-workers getting sick and I don't want to!!!
Also, the holiday blends look lovely. They would help me relax and get into the spirit of the season!
Ivette says
I would like try both.
Cassandra Payton says
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Taryn W. says
I'd love one of the diffusers!
Cassandra Payton says
I am interested in trying Plant Therapy's germ destroyer and using it to make homemade hand sanitizer. It's about time someone marketed a gentle product with cleansing power without the harsh effects of ethyl alcohol!
Carrie says
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Anne g says
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Diedre Page says
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Anne g says
What great products! I am very interested in the immune-aid, especially at this time of year!
Tina says
KidSafe Complete Wellness Set
Diedre Page says
Would definitely like to try the germ fighter and the KidSafe products.
Carrie says
I would definitely be interested in the germ destroyer and immune defense. I have two boys who are germ magnets and I have a chronic illness that wreaks havoc on immune system.
Keri says
kidssafe complete wellness set
Breeanna says
Definitely interested in the kidssafe products!
Heather says
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Heather says
The kids safe wellness set!
Erin W says
Germ destroyer. I'm a home child care provider. Germs are my enemy this time of year. Got to keep all the kids well.
Lauren says
Germ destroyer! We need it!
Sarah says
id love to try the adult wellness kit
Jane Shoppell says
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Jane Shoppell says
I want to try the adult wellness set
Alena Sarzoza says
I very interested in trying your germ destroyer as I have a toddler who is constantly picking up those nasty cold germs. I'd love trying to make the DIY hand sanitizer.
Jen says
Would definitely like to try the germ fighter and the KidSafe products.
Marie Robbins says
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Marie Robbins says
Since I have a little one at home I would love to get some of the blends from their kids line.
Kory says
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Kory says
I really want to try the Christmas Tree holiday blend.
Lexi says
I would love the KidSafe kit!!
Megan says
I'm dying to try the kidsafe line, as I have 2 kids with eczema and 1 with adhd! I've also been eyeing the holiday blends, I want it all!
charlene says
I want to try making the sanitizer. My kids go through sanitizer like crazy! Knowing what goes into it will male me feel a whole lot better now. Especially if my 3 year old uses it by himself.
Sarah Rose says
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Sarah Rose says
I would love to try the new Christmas Tree Holiday Blend!
Jennifer Wear says
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