a safe alternative to hand sanitizer

For those of us who do not home school, back to school means back to the cesspool of germs that our children are exposed to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Our teachers instruct us to bring Costco size containers of hand sanitizer to help combat those pesky germs.  What does hand sanitizer have in it?

Triclosan.  Learn it.  Know it.  Avoid it.  It’s everywhere.

Triclosan is scary stuff.  A recent study of triclosan at U.C. Davis found that it attaches itself to the receptor molecules on the surface of brain cells and causes the calcium levels inside the cell to rise, so that the cells become overexcited, resulting in cellular death. This over excitation can impact mental development and behavior, particularly among those most vulnerable—children with developmental delays and children on the autism spectrum.

Studies have also shown triclosan to depress the central nervous system.  There are a multitude of studies going on right now that are correlating the use of triclosan containing soaps and waterless sanitizers to autism.  Dr. Isaac Pessah named triclosan as a prime suspect among environmental factors that might cause autism.

Worried about hormone disruption with the use of hand sanitizer?  Not something you had thought of previously, right?  You should.  Triclosan has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor. Triclosan can bind to receptor sites in the body and block normal thyroid function. Endocrine disruptors have been correlated to childhood obesity, type II diabetes and a many other chronic health problems. Triclocarban, another form of that nasty stuff,  has been found to have a new type of hormone altering action. It acts synergistically  with the effects of testosterone and estrogen already being produced in the body. Just one bath with soaps containing these chemicals provides the same body weight dose of chemicals given to rats in experiments that demonstrated significant hormonal changes.  Holy cow people!!  Our kids are using the stuff 6-10 times a day on average!

What can you use to replace Triclosan?

Thieves oil!  Thieves hand sanitzer!  Not only all natural, but actually boosts your immunity, boosts your body’s ability to fight germs, no ill side effects!

This is what Thieves contains.

• Clove oil – Contains high concentrations of eugenol, which is what your dentist uses as an analgesic and antiseptic. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, oil of clove is ideal for treating wound, bruises, scabies, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, prickly heat, insect bites and other types of injuries. This oil is a natural aphrodisiac (true story), and can be used as an effective stress reliever. Its stimulating effect can combat mental exhaustion and fatigue. Clove oil can be warm on the skin though, so it should be diluted before use, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Lemon oil – Known for its  amazing cleaning capabilities, lemon oil is an incredibly strong antioxident. Additionally, this oil is believed to provide boost to the immune system, treat neurological disorders, ease pain, and help with weight loss.  (who doesn’t love that side effect??)
• Cinnamon oil – Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, has antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties. Researchers have discovered that specific type of cinnamon, known as cassia cinnamon oil can stabilize the blood sugar of people with diabetes.
• Eucalyptus oil – Useful for treating respiratory problems such as colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis. It has antiseptic properties that are effective for healing wounds, burns, ulcers, abrasions and sores. A stimulant, eucalyptus can also be effective in relieving stress and anxieties thanks to its cooling and refreshing effect. This essential oil has been known to possess anti-microbial properties, which helps prevent different symptoms and diseases.
• Rosemary oil – Boosts circulatory and digestive functions. This essential oil also has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that make it effective in getting rid of eczema, dermatitis, and acne. When inhaled, Rosemary oil it can restore mental alertness as well as clear the respiratory tract.

Rub a drop of this super powered oil diluted with coconut oil or another carrier, on  the bottom of your kid’s feet before school.  Send them with Thieves hand sanitizer (which you can purchase or make in a mix in a little spray bottle).  Teach your teachers about it!  When they get home, diffuse it in the house for 30 minutes.  Just 30 minutes of diffusing kills 99.6% of germs in the air.

There is always a more natural, safe alternative to chemicals.  Research, ask questions, do what is best for your family.

Want to order Thieves for your family? Here’s how.

~Jennifer