Natural Hand Sanitizer
Updated: Jul 22, 2020
No doubt you have been among those who've stormed the stores in search of hand sanitizer. I am sure you quite quickly found out, at this time in the world of retail, hand sanitizer is running in short supply, along with toilet paper, garlic, and vitamin C supplements! Working in a hospital, I always have my sanitizer on hand (pun intended). I make it from my basic apothecary supplies of these 3 to 4 items: essential oils, alcohol (100+ Proof), aloe and/or vitamin E. Here is the super simple yet effective recipe to make your own, along with a few links for ingredient options:
NATURAL HAND SANITIZER
You will need a clean bottle that holds 8 oz. I prefer glass spray bottles. Add all the ingredients into a shaker bottle, shake to blend, & fill up your 8 oz. bottle.
5 oz. 100+ proof vodka. If you do not have vodka, you can use another clear alcohol, but it must be at least 100 proof (50% alcohol). Typical rubbing alcohol is 70% or you can find isopropyl rubbing alcohol that is 90-99% by volume.
10 - 15 drops of tea tree essential oil
10 drops clove bud essential oil (you can sub cinnamon or ginger essential oil).
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 - 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
5 - 10 drops rosemary essential oil
2 - 3 oz. aloe vera gel OR vitamin E oil (this adds a moisturizing property).
Notes:
* The oil to alcohol ratio is 5 to 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of the base (alcohol + vitamin E or aloe).
* If you don't have all of these oils on hand, simply adjust the recipe. Example: If you only have lavender and lemon essential oils, use 30- 40 drops of lavender and 30 - 40 drops of lemon essential oil in the blend.
* SHAKE! You will need to shake the bottle with each use of the sanitizer in order to blend all the ingredients with each application for optimal efficacy.
Ingredient Resources:
Germ Fighter Essential Oil Blend from Plant Therapy https://amzn.to/39Zl5Ug
Clove Bud Essential Oil, Organic https://amzn.to/38VzJu6
Ginger Essential Oil, Organic https://amzn.to/33m1dYO
Lemon Essential Oil, Organic https://amzn.to/3aZ774Q
Rosemary Essential Oil, Organic from Plant Therapy https://amzn.to/2INdrjH
Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Organic https://amzn.to/39TIzKk
Aloe Vera Gel, Organic cold-pressed https://amzn.to/2wWpqc0
100% Vitamin E Oil https://amzn.to/3d3culi
Holding hands and warm hugs are a beautiful thing, but not when we run the risk of passing on our ills to another. Therefore, practice smart hygiene, regular holistic self-care, get your rest (7 to 10 hours a night), drink plenty of water daily, take vitamin C, nourish with whole foods, release stress and worry, do not let fear conquer you, and keep those hands CLEAN!
In Grace,
Cara