With the recent pandemic occupying nearly every headline each day, we are instructed continuously by medical personal to either wash our hands as frequently as possible or use a hand sanitizer often. As one of the means of spreading the coronavirus is believed to be through contact, that is reason enough to make sure you either wash your hands or increase the use of hand sanitizers.
Although there are numerous commercial hand sanitizers on the market, many are turning to making their own DIY hand sanitizers at home. As is often the case when using commercial sanitizers, there tends to be a burning sensation in and around ones nose and eyes, as well as the drying out of your hands if used often.
With this DIY formula, you will not experience a burning sensation, and this formula will not dry your hands out. The method is also non-chemical and scented naturally. With the use of powerful essential oils that boats the most beneficial properties of being antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, you will get all the same benefits of the store-bought brands.
DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe
The following recipes will yield approximately 4 ounces. The ingredients you will need are:
- 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 30 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 3 ounces of either ethyl alcohol (180+proof) or 91% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
- 1 ounce of pure aloe vera gel
- ¼ teaspoon of Vitamin E oil
The instructions for combining are as follows:
- Add both the essential oils and the Vitamin E oil into a small glass container or bowl and swirl them around the mix.
- Add the alcohol into the oil mixture, and again swirl around to mix.
- Pour this mixture into a small, clean squirt bottle and combine it with the aloe vera gel. Mix well.
- Make sure you shake the bottle gently before each use.
If you prefer to use a hand sanitizer spray, substitute the aloe vera gel in the third step with witch hazel.
It is worth noting that the lavender used in this recipe is primarily to aid in the rounding out of the stronger scent of the tea tree oil. If you find that you are not a big fan of the lavender scent, you may substitute it for one of the other antibacterial essential oils such as sage, sandalwood, rosemary, and peppermint.
Some Things To Remember
When handling the essential oils in this recipe, make sure to take great care. The oils are potent extracts and very concentrated. If you are a beginner with essential oils and their personal use, you may want to take precautions and test a small area to check for any possible allergic reactions.
To do a simple small area test, mix one drop of any essential oil with one tablespoon of olive oil. Proceed to rub this mixture on the inside of your elbow, cover the area with a bandage, and recheck it in twenty-four hours to see if there was any unusual reaction.
There are times when it is in our best interest to come into contact with germs, as this is how our immune system becomes stronger. However, at other times, it is a good idea to have some hand sanitizer available. You never know when the need might arise for its use, and making it yourself will allow you to understand the ingredients involved.
