I think the biggest risk we have right now is from the stress of worrying about the possibility of getting sick with the flu. So, being proactive is always a way to beat stress
Commercial hand sanitizers contain high levels of alcohol, and many young children have been poisoned by consuming the product, and six teenagers were hospitalized in 2012 after drinking hand sanitizer. https://www.pharmacytoday.org/article/S1042-0991(17)30602-3/pdf For any of us the alcohol is very drying. Non-alcohol based hand sanitizers contain triclosan, which is considered to be a hormone disruptor, meaning that it can interfere with normal hormonal communication in the body when it is absorbed through the skin of the hands. https://www.thestreet.com/markets/5-hidden-dangers-of-hand-sanitizers-12966410
There is also a risk of creating super-bugs when chemicals are used against bacteria.
Washing the hands with soap and water, the good old-fashioned way, is still the best way to remove surface dirt and anything picked up by contact. However, it is not possible to wash your hands every time you come in contact with someone or something.
The good news is that you can make your own hand sanitizer at home with safe, natural ingredients that won’t harm you or your children, won’t dry out your hands, and will still handle bad bugs. Essential oils have anti-microbial qualities, so both Tea Tree and Lavender are good choices. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612361/
You need a small bottle and a few ingredients that you can purchase online or at a health food store and drug store. Here is a recipe from https://livesimply.me/diy-hand-sanitizer/
Ingredients
· 3 TB aloe vera
· 2 TB witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, if using rubbing alcohol reduce amount to 1 TB
· 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
· 20 drops tea tree essential oil
· 10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. To use the hand sanitizer store in a small jar or a squeeze tube. Note: This recipe will make 2 fl oz (one tube.)
The small amount of alcohol used here will not dry out your hands, but I do suggest using witch hazel. An old plant-based remedy, witch hazel has some amazing properties
“Some studies indicate that witch hazel may be beneficial in fighting certain types of viral infections. One test-tube study, for example, found that the tannins in witch hazel exhibited antiviral effects against both influenza A and human papillomavirus. Another test-tube study showed that witch hazel extract inhibited the activity of herpes simplex virus 1, which is often the culprit behind cold sores. For this reason, witch hazel is often applied topically as a natural remedy to help fight cold sores and relieve symptoms.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/witch-hazel-benefits-uses#section7
A few companies like Honest and Dr. Bronner’s make essential oil hand sanitizers, but stores may be currently sold out.
And there are other recipes for homemade hand sanitizer if you look online but I wanted to make it easy to take some measures that will keep you safer, just in case. Unfortunately, I can’t really give you any suggestions for DIY toilet paper!
Please feel free to message me with any questions or regarding any immune support you might like to have around. I am giving a 15% discount on any orders you place on immune support while there is still a flu concern. Immuplex, Congaplex, Cataplex ACP, Thymex, Andographis, Echinacea, Licorice Root, Golden Seal, and Pneumotrophin are all very supportive for prevention or treatment.
For homeopathic support consider Oscillococcinum, Cold Calm, Chestal, Rhinallergy, ThroatCalm, all by Boiron. Click here for some coupons https://www.boironusa.com/coupons-download/
Wishing you and your family the best of health!