Say NO to Fragrance - Make Your Own Natural Hand Sanitizer

This week, we've been talking about artificial, man-made fragrance and how it's harmful for our bodies and the environment.  If you didn't read Sunday's post, I go a little more in-depth here.  Hand sanitizers can contribute to antibiotic resistance and most of them use artificial fragrance - two no-no's.  But.....who hasn't had a kid grab a toy from a kid with a snotty nose or put their hands in the mouth of a sheep at a petting zoo?  There are times when there isn't running water anywhere to be seen and you need something to wipe the goo and get rid of the germs, right?  (If you don't agree, just remember that I'm a germ-o-phobe.)  I like EO hand sanitizer, it's from the big natural food store.  It uses essential oils and alcohol and mostly organic ingredients.  But, can I make my own?  Of course!  I did some research on the the Internet and eHow and came up with a great, effective recipe.  What I really like about this is that it has witch hazel and pure aloe vera so you can also use it on cuts, scrapes and burns.  It's a perfect boo-boo balm.  You could make two bottles and keep one with the band-aids and one in the car or your purse.

Here's the recipe:

1 cup PURE aloe vera gel (not the green stuff)

1-4 teaspoons of Witch Hazel (amount depends on desired consistency)

5-10 drops of essential oil – I like orange - but tea tree and peppermint also have natural antibacterial
properties (please make sure you are using safe for your family essential oils).

Put aloe vera gel in a bowl and stir a bit. Slowly add the witch hazel or alcohol to your desired consistency. Add desired amount of essential oils and stir to combine. Carefully pour into clean storage container(s).  Add cute label from Clean Mama and you are set!  Use one to two squirts per use to naturally sanitize your hands or soothe boo-boos.  

*TOMORROW IS THE LABELS AND NATURAL RECIPE PRINTABLES FREEBIE SO COME ON BACK!*

I'm linking this up to some of my favorite parties, check them out!