Homemade Hand Sanitizer
In Part 2 of my blog series, Cleaning Out Toxins, I discussed how we are surrounded by toxins on a daily basis. Reducing our exposure to these toxins is the first step in living a cleaner and healthier lifestyle. Antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers are something that many people use on a daily basis, however many commercially available products contain a myriad of potentially harmful chemicals. In September of 2016, the FDA banned 19 of these potentially harmful antibacterial additives.
Here is a recipe for Homemade Hand Sanitizer using the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties of tea tree oil, astringent properties of witch hazel and the soothing quality of aloe vera gel. Use this product and know you are cutting down on your toxic load!
Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients
- 5-10 drops lavender essential oil
- 30 drops tea tree essential oil (need this many drops to be effective)
- 1 Tablespoon witch hazel extract or high-proof vodka
- 8 ounces 100% pure aloe vera gel
- ¼ teaspoon Vitamin E oil – a natural preservative to increase shelf life (It will also help soften hands!)
Method
Add essential oils and Vitamin E oil to a small glass bowl or container and swirl to mix. Add witch hazel (or alcohol) to the oils and swirl again. Combine this mixture with the aloe vera gel and mix well. Shake gently before each use. (Sanitizer should last several months with the addition of Vitamin E and alcohol to help preserve.)
Recipe from DIY Natural