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Cold and flu season is just around the corner, and all signs point to a renewed abundance of the “Rona” (COVID-19) as well. And, as a family that managed to get infected not once but twice, we’re pretty serious about never catching it again.
Even though washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to kill germs and stay healthy, sometimes that’s not possible. If you find yourself without a way to wash your hands, hand sanitizer is the next best thing. But the store-bought version always comes with a whole bunch of unpronounceable ingredients. So, we created this recipe for a simple-to-make herbal infused hand sanitizer that you’ll want to keep around all winter. If you’re having trouble finding the ingredients, or if you’re not feeling ready to make this on your own, you can always hop over to our Apothecary Shop and grab a bottle ready-made!
A Quick Disclaimer
Just because something is “natural” does not always mean that it is safe for every person. When it comes to herbal medicine, there are many plants that should be avoided when pregnant or nursing, and some that can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine. Before using herbal preparations, always do your research, speak to a professional regarding any significant concerns, and never fail to seek medical advice when needed.
Making the Infusion, an Overview
The process for the infusion will be the same as it is for any tincture, with the exception that we will be using a 50/50 blend of rubbing alcohol and vodka. As such, it is very important to note that this infusion will be for external use only (and you will want to mark your bottle with that information).
The infusion process is simple. All you need to do is place your herbal material in a mason jar or other sealable bottle and cover the plant matter with alcohol until all material is fully submerged. Once your jar is full, place it in a cool, dark place to macerate for 4-6 weeks, giving the jar a shake every few days. Once the desired time has passed, simply strain the plant matter out, and what you are left with will be a powerful infusion of plant power.
Herbal Infused Hand Sanitizer Spray
Making this hand sanitizer spray is a simple process requiring only a few ingredients and basic supplies. As a side note, this hand sanitizer recipe follows the CDC guidelines for hand sanitizer, as it contains above 60% alcohol.
INGREDIENTS:
1 hand full of fresh Pine Needles (or 2 tbls of dried)
1 sprig fresh Thyme (or 2 tbls of dried)
1 sprig of fresh Rosemary
2 tbls Dried Juniper Berries
3 oz vodka
3 oz Isopropyl Alcohol (min 70% alcohol)
2 oz liquid Aloe Vera
15 drops of Vitamin E Oil
Optional Essential Oils - Tea Tree, Pine, Spruce, Juniper, Cedar, or Thyme
DIRECTIONS:
To a small jar, add Pine Needles, Oregano, Thyme, and Juniper Berries. Top with vodka and Isopropyl alcohol. If more liquid is needed to cover plant matter, you can add as much as you need so long as you keep the 50/50 ratio. Keep the solution in a cool, dark place to macerate for 4-6 weeks, giving the jar a shake every few days.
Once the solution has set for the desired length of time, strain out the solid plant matter, reserving the infused alcohol solution.
To an 8 oz jar, add 6 oz of your infused alcohol solution, 2 oz of liquid aloe vera, your vitamin E oil, and essential oils if using, and shake to combine.
If you make this spray this season, tell us all about it in the comments below, and as always, until next time,
