It has long been known that essential oils act as antiseptics. What exactly is an antiseptic?
Antiseptics are agents that suppress the growth or activity of microorganisms, either by preventing their action or by destroying them, or agents that reduce the amount of microorganisms to a level that is not dangerous to health. The name antiseptics is used most often for preparations that are applied to the skin and “living” tissue.
Given the current shortage of disinfectants, you can usually make your own hand sanitizer, gel, and spray at home in a few simple ways. You will need alcohol from a pharmacy, a glass or bowl, a spoon, and a few essential oils. Depending on which gel you choose, look for xanthan and Simulgel in online shops.
1. Method
- Simulgel 1.5%
- Ethanol 70% (buy at a pharmacy) 75%
- Purified water 23%
- Niauli (or ravensara) essential oil 0.5%
Weigh Simulgel in a glass beaker and gradually add alcohol, with constant stirring. At first it will seem as if nothing is happening, but be persistent. No mixer needed, just a spoon or spatula.
After the alcohol, add the water in the same way, and finally the essential oil.
2. Method
- Xanthan 0.6 g
- Glycerol 5 g
- Ethanol 70% (pharmacy) 60 g
- Ravensara essential oil 0.5 g
- Water 33.9 g
Weigh the xanthan gum into a cup, add the glycerol, mix and add the water. Leave for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the xanthan gum has completely swollen and a gel has formed. Add the alcohol, mix and add the water. Finally, add the essential oil.
It’s not sticky, it doesn’t dry out your hands, and it’s really cheap! You can also get xanthan gum in health food stores!
If you can’t find ravensara, you can substitute niuali, saro, or ho essential oil.
Space spray
- Alcohol 70% (from the pharmacy) 100 ml
- Ravensara essential oil 20 drops
- Tea tree essential oil 20 drops
- Lemon essential oil 10 drops
Very simple, drop essential oils into alcohol, shake and pack into a bottle with a spray pump. Shake before spraying! You can spray your space, work surfaces and clothes with this.
In addition to the essential oils we’ve listed, you can also use niaouli essential oil, saro, or ho essential oil in a room spray. All of them have strong antiviral effects.
Antiseptics are agents that suppress the growth or activity of microorganisms, either by preventing their action or by destroying them.
Don’t forget that we still don’t have enough precise information about the current type of virus, but these suggested combinations will certainly not be harmful or unnecessary for you. Wash your hands regularly, avoid centers and places with large crowds, and be sure to take something to boost your immunity.
