What to do with information overload and not enough hand sanitizer?

Are hand sanitizers impossible to find where you live? Or are they ridiculously, insanely expensive?

I think this will help!

As I mentioned in my last post about stocking up on essentials in Peace, Love & Peanut Butter, much of the same practicality applies here.

Let’s not panic.

Let’s do wash our hands. Because we know that handwashing is best.

What you need to look for is an ALCOHOL % of OVER 60. This means that the product must contain at least 50% alcohol in order to be effective.

But we’re out of wipes and sanitizing gels all over the place, and those who are carrying them are charging an arm and a leg.

So here’s my solution: Make your own! It’s that easy. And what I love about this recipe is that it’s moisturizing to combat the effects of the alcohol. The essential oils add an aromatherapeutic quality.

This stuff is AMAZING!

REALLY!

You can make this in a big batch, I actually prefer to make it in small batches, directly into the 2 or 3 ounce bottles.

But wait! I can’t find isopropyl alcohol anywhere!

You can use Witch Hazel as long as it contains enough alcohol. Do not use the alcohol-free as a replacement.

But…

What else can you use?

Vodka!

And get the cheap stuff. Save the Tito’s for drinking.

Especially if you’re on a single mom budget like I am.

Ok, here goes.

It can’t get any simpler.

RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE HAND SANITIZER WITH AROMATHERAPEUTIC QUALITIES

Here’s what you’ll need:

3-4 (or however many you wish) 2-3 oz plastic bottles with caps that close tightly or pop up.
1 medium to large bottle of Aloe. Look over by the sunscreens
1 bottle of rubbing alcohol OR Witch Hazel not alcohol free OR vodka
1 small bottle of tea tree oil OR
1 small bottle of Vitamin E, Almond, or Jojoba oil
Essential oils such as lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint…
Optional: 1 bottle of NON alcohol Witch Hazel. I love Thayers (This is great to add to thin the solution for spray bottles)
A small funnel
A small spoon

Directions:
4 tablespoons Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol OR 4 tablespoons Witch Hazel OR vodka
2 tablespoons aloe vera
1 tablespoon non alcohol Witch Hazel (optional)
*1 tablespoon Tea Tree oil OR
*1 tablespoon Vitamin e, jojoboa, apricot kernel or olive oil and 3-6 of your favorite essential oil

The essential oils are essential here as an added moisturizer. Hand sanitizers are very drying, and we will likely be using them more than we normally do. It’s important to keep hands from getting dry and cracked, especially while the weather is still cold.

All of the ingredients listed can be found at your local grocery store, pharmacy, or Whole Foods. If you are having a hard time sourcing the items, you can order them all online .

We happen to love the Tea Tree Oil, but it is a strong smell and some prefer something milder which is why I suggest using the Vitamin E oil as well as an essential oil to mask the smell of the alcohol.

Fill as many small containers as you can and made sure you have them in your bags, your car as well as with your kids backpacks. It’s important to remember that these will not replace handwashing, but heck, every bit counts, right?

So now we’ve got what we need for our clean hands, what other precautions can we take?

Well, we can make sure that we are doing everything it takes to keep our immune systems healthy and strong.

1. Try to keep your stress levels to a minimum. Find activities and things to do that are relaxing, such as reading, watching a movie, taking a bath.

2. Exercise! Now is the time. Mindful, and vigorous movements - from yoga to pilates to running will help keep the body’s cortisol levels in check. (Cortisol is the body’s stress producing hormone.)

3. Eat well! Reduce sugar and processed foods intake, eat warming and nourishing foods. Be sure your meals are well rounded to include plenty of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

4. Start taking or increase your vitamin consumption. Especially important at the moment are Vitamins C and D. Take Zinc lozenges such as Airborne that are anti-viral, as well as Elderberry which is available in liquid and chewable form.

5. Medicinal roots and herbs like ginger, turmeric and echinacea are also proven to stave off certain viruses.

6. Try aromatherapy. I have essential oils added to my homemade hand sanitizers, but consider getting an aromatherapy diffuser for the home. They are very inexpensive and a much healthier way to make your home smell wonderful than those fragrant candles, many of which send carcinogens into the air. Some of my favorite oils are from Aura Cacia. They make the most wonderful scents and you can find them everywhere from your local pharmacy, grocery store, Whole Foods and online.
   
   Below you can find links to everything to make ordering a breeze!

   Rubbing Alcohol

   OR, Witch Hazel
   Aloe Vera
   Vitamin E oil or
   Jojoba Oil
   Tea Tree Oil

   Witch Hazel facial Toner (for diluting purposes. I love Thayer’s it’s soothing and it’s locally made)
   Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil

   Aura Cacia Rosemary Essential Oil

   Aura Cacia “Chill Pill” Essential Oil (Chill Pill has a sweet, fresh aroma that, along with its calming capacities, diffuses beautifully and works well in body care products such as lotions and creams)
   Aura Cacia Relaxation multi pack

   2.5 oz spray mister bottles