Friday, October 30, 2009

How To Make Hand Sanitizer

With the flu season in full force, we are all concerned with the germs and bacteria that are present in our environment from sick people. In trying to stay healthy, many people turn to waterless hand sanitizers, thinking they are helpful in keeping the germies away. Most of them contain Triclosan, which kills bacteria. The thing they don't realize, is that they are killing the good bacteria also. Healthy bacteria actually keeps the bad bacteria in check. When you kill the good bacteria, it makes it easier for the harmful bacteria that can make you sick to flourish.

There are other risks to using Triclosan. If you are not yet aware of the potential dangers of Triclosan, you should know that this antibacterial agent has been strongly linked to the following effects on human health:
  • Abnormalities with the endocrine system, particularly with thyroid hormone signaling
  • Weakening of the immune system
  • Birth defects
  • Uncontrolled cell growth
  • Unhealthy weight loss
Essential oils on the other hand, attack and kill the bad bacteria, leaving the beneficial bacteria intact, and human tissue unaffected. These are a few of the Essential oils that have been proven to contain extremely effective antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties:
Using these oils to make your own hand sanitizer is a great way to kill the bad bacteria and germs you come in contact with. You can also add a few drops of them to a soap base and use it to wash your hands. When you can't wash your hands with soap and water, this waterless hand sanitizer is the next best thing.

You will need:
1 cup of Aloe Vera gel
10-15 drops of oil (either pick one, or a make a mixture of the oils listed above)
2 tsp. of alcohol or Witch Hazel

Mix the ingredients in a glass or metal bowl or jar, using a metal utensil. Fill empty, clean squeeze bottles (either recycle used bottles, or buy new ones HERE).

I like to use little bottles and put them in places like my purse, kid's backpacks, my car, my gym workout bag... Hand sanitizer is NOT a replacement for proper hand washing, just use it when you are someplace where you can't wash your hands. Use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way, and it can dry out your hands, due to the alcohol.

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