DIY Antiviral Sanitizing Spray: When Hand Sanitizer is Not Enough

Although news of Ebola has been dominating the headlines, there is currently another nasty outbreak circulating the United States. Since August, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has caused clusters of respiratory disease in the US with over 690 people affected.  As of this writing, five children have died.

This is not something to take lightly and is reason enough to start doubling up on the frequency of hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers. This includes adults, of course, but also children who seem especially  at risk.

According to Wikipedia:

EV68 almost exclusively causes respiratory illness, and varies from mild to severe. Initial symptoms are similar to those for the common cold, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever.

As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may occur, including difficulty breathing as in pneumonia, reduced alertness, a reduction in urine production, and dehydration, and may lead to respiratory failure.

In addition to the copious use of hand sanitizers, there is something else you can do to potentially ward off a virus; you can create an easy to use anti-viral spray using readily available essential oils and witch hazel.  With assistance from contributing author Rebecca Schiffhauer, here is how to create your own DIY Antiviral Sanitizing Spray.

Nature’s Antiviral Sanitizing Spray

One of the most valuable benefits of pure essential oils is their ability to kill a virus. Yes, you heard that right KILL a virus and, without side effects mind you!  This reason alone makes essential oils universally beneficial for all mankind because our bodies battle bacterial and viral infections daily. Additionally, more virulent strains of bacterial infection like MRSA are growing increasingly resistant to antibiotics.  But here’s the kicker…

Traditional prescription antibiotics cannot kill a virus, did you know that?  However, our ever generous planet offers us a superhero solution to the complex health hazard of antibiotic resistance – essential oils.  It’s so simple it’s almost unbelievable but it’s true, spend some time with Google and learn for yourself because I love validation!

Now that school is back in full swing so are microbes that make us very nervous, namely Enterovirus D68.  Tis the season for enterovirus related illness especially contagious in schools. This virus isn’t new but the strain showing up this fall is spreading rapidly and that IS new.  Enterovirus D68 is a big worry for children with compromised respiratory systems ie: asthma, chemo patients, infants.

After reading many articles, a common preventative is to wash hands often especially in public places like schools, stores and public transportation.  “Store bought hand sanitizers are not enough”.  This comment was made on national news last night.  Not a good choice anyway, many contain triclosan which the Environmental Protection Agency has listed as a pesticide.

Let’s get serious and put pure essential oils to work instead.  They’re portable, strong enough to kill a virus and they can protect your family safely, responsibly and effectively.

In my experience, a small spray bottle is the best application to take with you or send with your kids. Glass or PET plastic spray bottles are widely available and affordable. However, you can add antiviral EOs to Naked Salve or a roller bottle if that’s your preference!

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Nature’s Antiviral Sanitizing Spray

• Witch Hazel {alcohol free}
• 3 drops Oregano
• 20 drops Shield Protection Blend
• Pinch of salt (emulsifier)
• 1 oz. glass or PET plastic spray bottle

Add essential oils to empty spray bottle, top off with alcohol free witch hazel and a pinch of salt. The salt acts as an emulsifier but this is optional. If you decide against adding salt to emulsify, shake bottle gently before each use.

Author: Camp Wander

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FYI – I made sure this blend wouldn’t be a problem for little hands that rub their eyes.  I tried rubbing my eyes after sanitizing my hands and all was well, no burn from Oregano or Shield with cinnamon and clove in it!

Good news!  Everything in Nature’s Antiviral Sanitizer can be used to fight infection should you or a loved one succumb to Enterovirus D68.  I will suggest two additional essential oils however: Melaleuca to assist Oregano (watch how) and, Respire Respiratory Blend in case an infection goes to the lungs.  Respire can be inhaled or diffused to help open up airways.

The Final Word

Over the past year, I have had some amazing results using essential oils in lieu of over the counter remedies.  My favorite uses are in a healing salve (see DIY Miracle Healing Salve) and in a roller ball bottle when combined with a bit of fractionated coconut oil.

That said, as always, seek medical attention for any sort of serious illness or when you have symptoms of a high fever, persistent cough, or unbearable pain.

For more information about the basics of hand sanitation, be sure to also read Survival Basics: Hand Sanitation For Good Hygiene.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye

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Spotlight:  If you are just getting started in using essential oils for wellness purposes, I recommend the Health and Wellness kit which includes all of my favorites or the Essential 4 Pack which includes Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca (Tea Tree) and Peppermint.  Be sure to use the discount code “BACKDOORSURVIVAL” to receive a 10% discount.

Bargain Bin: Here are some things you will need to make the DIY hand sanitizing spray plus items to make your own scrubs, salves, lotions and potions including Miracle Healing Salve and Plain Ole Salve.

Spark Naturals Essential Oils:  These are the oils you need for the DIY Sanitizing Spray:  Oregano and Shield Protection Blend.

Thayer Witch Hazel, 12 Ounce – Original: This is the witch hazel that I use.  I found that Amazon was less expensive than our local drugstore so be sure to check prices.  This is good stuff with a pleasant, but barely noticeable odor.

1 oz Cobalt Blue Boston Round Glass Bottle with Spray:  These well-priced glass spray bottles are well-priced and the perfect size for DIY sprays using essential oils.

Aromatherapy Glass Roll On Bottles, Frost Cobalt Blue-Set of 6: You are going to want some of these for your oils.  I put essential oils (singly or in combination) in a roller ball with a bit of fractionated coconut oil and use it to apply e.o.s topically.   Note that I prefer the cobalt blue roller ball containers but they are also available in clear.  These complement the custom salves I mix up and store in these 1/2 ounce ointment jars.

Diffusers:  You are definitely going to want to consider a diffuser.  I keep one in my office next to my desk and one in the bedroom.  Considering a third – yes, I am hooked!  The diffuser pictured below is this one: ZAQ Dew Aromatherapy Diffuser.

NOW Foods Essential Oils:  I use essential oils from Spark Naturals.  For healing purposes, I feel they are superior.  On the other hand, NOW Foods has decent essential oils at a budget price from Amazon.  Here are a few to get you started:  NOW Foods Rosemary Oil, NOW Foods Peppermint Oil, Now Foods Lavender Oil and Now Foods Lemon Oil.

Coconut (Fractionated) Carrier Oil:  Once you start using coconut oil, you will be hooked.  This is the fractionated coconut oil I used in my scrub (mixed with a bit of olive oil).

White Plastic Jar with Dome Lid 2 Oz (12 Per Bag):  I chose to use these small ointment jars rather than Mason jars for my salve.  I also have similar jars in the 1 ounce size and 1/2 ounce size (my favorite for mixing up various salve and e.o. concoctions).

Beeswax Organic Pastilles, Yellow, 100% Pure 16 Oz:  I ordered the white pastilles but have since learned that the natural yellow pastilles are better.  That said, the difference may not be discernable – just be sure that what you purchase is cosmetic grade.

Glass Droppers, Pack of 6: I bought a package of these and loved them.  When I went to re-order, I accidentally ordered plastic instead glass droppers.  Learn from my mistake.  The price is the same so get the glass ones.

Nutiva Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:  Amazon sells this pure-white, USDA-certified-organic, extra-virgin coconut oil that is cold-pressed from fresh coconuts within two hours of chopping. No refrigeration is required and although it solid at room temperature, it melts at 76 degrees.

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Click on the link below for more great monthly specials from Emergency Essentials.

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