Back to School Recipes to Fight Germs Part 1
Although there is a lot of summer left kids have started back to school here in CA. And when you get lots of kids together sharing space and equipment they also share germs.
We want to keep our kids healthy but unless we send them to school in a plastic bubble they will get exposed to germs (and we'd probably get some calls if we use plastic bubbles or bubble wrap). Instead we can do things to support a healthy immune system and to fight germs.
One of the best things you can do to prevent the spread of colds and flu and other germs is to wash your hands. And if soap and water is not available an essential oil hand cleaner can be a good secondary option. Today I'll share a recipe for a foaming hand soap and hand cleaner both made using essential oils.
To support the immune system eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercise can go a long way to helping parents and kids stay healthy.
Eating real, whole food provides the nutrients our bodies need. This can be a challenge but most kids enjoy fresh fruit and veggies like carrots. And if they see us as parents eating whole, healthy foods or even have a small garden they are more likely to give them a try.
When my kids were in elementary school a volunteer, Mr. Harry, built a series of raised bed garden plots for the kids along with a hydroponic greenhouse. The kids grew all kinds of plants and vegetables. Mr. Harry had the kids try all kinds of veggies and often they liked the fresh veggies they grew themselves.
Sleep is another important part of staying healthy. Kids often fight it and schedules are usually very busy with sports, activities, and homework on top of trying to spend quality family time together so getting enough sleep can be a struggle. Setting a routine can help. Blocking out time for homework and time to relax, play, and unwind in conjunction with practice can help kids get all they need to get done and still get to bed at a reasonable time vs procrastinating and having to stay up late to finish homework. Setting out school items the night before and sleeping in a little longer can be nice as well. And when kids aren't feeling well, are a bit run down sometimes some extra sleep and rest can help them (and us) from getting full blown sick.
Even when we support our immune system, there are plenty of germs around. According to the CDC hand washing is the best way to avoid the spread of germs. (1) And a foaming hand soap with essential oils smells great and some oils can support the immune system and kill germs. And if you don't have a sink, an aloe based essential oil hand gel can help. Both are easy to make and kids can enjoy helping.
Foaming hand soap:
Made with castille soap, distilled water, and essential oils there are variations sure to please any kid or adult. The recipe is for a travel size so kids or adults can take to work, school, or on the go.
What you'll need:
50 ml foaming soap dispenser
20 - 30 mls of castille soap
10 - 20 mls water
Kid and skin safe essential oils
Use about 16-24 drops of essential oils for adults and 10-12 drops for kids. Avoid irritating oils such as oregano and use caution with 1,8 cineole and camphor rich oils around young kids.
Essential Oil suggestions:
Lavender Orange Kids Soap:
Add your soap and water to the dispenser. For kids use:
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Orange
1-2 drops Tea Tree
(double amount of oils for adults if desired)
Replace cap tightly and gently shake to combine. Squirt onto damp hands and wash. Rinse well.
Walk in the Woods Kids Soap:
Add your soap and water to the dispenser. For kids use:
5 pinyon pine
4 drops cedarwood
1 drops lemon
(double amount of oils for adults if desired)
Replace cap tightly and gently shake to combine. Squirt onto damp hands and wash. Rinse well.
For an aloe based hand cleaner you can simply add essential oils to aloe gel.
What you'll need:
30 ml or 1 oz PET flip top container
30 ml thickened organic aloe gel
Kid and skin safe essential oils
Use 15-18 drops of essential oil for adults and 5 to 8 drops for kids.
No Thyme to Wash my Hands at the Sink:
Add 30 ml of aloe gel to PET flip top container.
3 drops thyme ct. linalool
2 drops orange
2 drops tea tree
Cap tightly and shake gently to mix. Shake before use and squirt a small amount onto hands and rub together to allow aloe and oils to coat the hands. Avoid eyes.
Woods You Like Clean Hands?:
Add 30 ml of aloe gel to PET flip top container.
2 White fir
2 cedarwood
2 drops Siberian fir
Cap tightly and shake gently to mix. Shake before use and squirt a small amount onto hands and rub together to allow aloe and oils to coat the hands. Avoid eyes.
So as you head into the new school year I hope these recipes and tips help you and your family to stay healthy. If you have any questions about aromatherapy or essential oils please contact me or feel free to comment below. And if you need aromatherapy items visit the store. And if you'd like a custom made soap or hand cleaner and don't have the time or inclination to make one, I can do that for you.
Aromatic blessings,
Tricia
