The outbreak of influenza and coronavirus has left all of us worried. With the demand of hand sanitizer increasing nationwide, we should learn ourselves how to make natural hand sanitizer in case the supply of the item runs short. Here is a simple recipe of how to make one. Try it now!

Ingredients:

1. 95% alcohol - kills bacteria

2. Aloe vera gel - moisturizing purpose

3. Essential oil - kills bacteria 

How to make it:

Step 1: Use 2 parts alcohol to 1 part of aloe vera gel. Eg. if you want to make 100ml of hand sanitizer, mix 75ml of alcohol with 25ml of aloe vera gel. But if you want your hand sanitizer to be more moisture, you may increase the proportion of aloe vera.

Step 2: Add 10 to 20 drops of essential oil. Use your favorite essential oil, it could be tea tree oil, ravensara oil, Eucalyptus oil, bergamot oil or clove oil.

Step 3: Combine all 3 ingredients in a small jar.

Tip: If you wish to use fresh aloe vera instead, scoop a sufficient amount of natural aloe vera gel from the plant. Be careful to not include any aloe vera skin. Blend the gel and filter it.

Due to the lack of thickener, your handmade hand sanitizer will not be as thick as those you see in the market, especially when you make it using fresh aloe vera.

For double protection, you can also make your own disinfectant spray using the above steps. But note that you will only be needing a 75% alcohol and essential oil for that.

A hand sanitizer can kill most of the germs on your hands when there is no soap or water. It is effective in decreasing the infectious agents that could harm you. However, the best way to prevent deadly infection is to strengthen your immune system. Sleep well, keep a healthy diet and live a healthy lifestyle. And most importantly, avoid visiting crowded places. 

**Written based on a Sinchew Daily article