How I’m coping with all the heightened sanitation
A Piece by Jill Signorelli
I’m writing this week’s piece from a place of great concern. I’m not alone. I’m actually united with every other person who has a range from concern to panic, of this rapid virus, finding people all over the world.
The world suddenly seems like a combination of the Wild West meets Night Of The Living Dead. We are suspicious, unsure and inundated with information about COVID-19. I’m turning to my essential oils that are for anxiety and depression. I diffuse Wintergreen to have a fresh bright feeling in the room and a Lavender/German Chamomile to wind down at night. It’s most important, for me, to be strong of mind and emotion, especially these days because worry goes deep places.
I see folks clutching their bottles of hand sanitizer, eyes wide, as if they’re, actually, holding a bag of gold, waiting in the long checkout line of any store. Friends on my left and right are offering a drop of the goop while already dropping it into my palm.
Lots of hand washing is the absolute best route we can take right now but sometimes it isn’t available. For example if you’re crushing a list of errands and hand washing doesn’t exist from the bank to the drugstore. I know the obvious option is a hand sanitizer. What I don’t understand is why choose one that’s not only toxic but most likely isn’t even working for me? I did my research. I looked at my supply shelf for Raven Soul Shop. I wore a smile because I had everything I needed.
The hand sanitizer I created is a Witch Hazel (86%) and Aloe Vera base (certified organic) with carefully chosen essential oils, which I will cover further on. Witch Hazel is a natural alternative to alcohol. The idea of high percentage of alcohol based sanitizers has been presented to us as the only choice. I feel differently.
I do not want to have cracked hands. My hands are attached to rest of me, like most and I don’t want them susceptible to more germs and diseases. Too much alcohol will break them down and fast too. I wanted to create something safe, handy and long-lasting, so I wouldn’t feel the need to overuse it. I also wanted it to fight off viruses. Oh and I wanted it to smell delightful. I then started my research on the oils.
The oils I chose are Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lemongrass, and Cinnamon Bark. All of these oils are all naturally antiviral. That was the most important detail in addition to being antibacterial. Lemongrass and Peppermint will also soothe joint pain, so this became a double winner. The Cinnamon and Tea Tree were chosen as the fighters. They are both powerful in directly locating and combating viruses. Below is a breakdown on all of the ingredients I’m using. Ive decided to call the sanitizer A Fresh Fighter.
Witch Hazel: antibacterial, astringent, inflammation reducer
Organic Aloe Vera Gel: hydration extender (softens skin)
Lemongrass pure essential oil: antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal
Peppermint pure essential oil: antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic
Tea Tree pure essential oil: antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory Cinnamon Bark pure essential oil: antiviral, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory.
I measured everything out and am very happy with the sweet and refreshing scent. It applies on thinly and absorbs quickly but actually leaves my hands soft,rather than raw and dry. I’m really pleased with it and will confidently carry it with me starting now.
In addition to A Fresh Fighter, I made a nose stick. Yeah its about as odd as it sounds but makes sense when given some thought. I used my lotion base: coconut oil,shea butter,beeswax and added just a drop of oils(as used for A Fresh Fighter). I applied it to the rim of my nostril and a bit inside. From what I understand this specific virus can travel through a nostril, so I will use this once a day before going out. The lotion base only softens skin so there no harm in this addition.
Overall, I’m looking forward to the days when this crisis is just a memory and I know you are too. I’m just seeking the most natural route possible and still stay on course.
Please feel free to email me with any questions about this piece. ravensoulshop@gmail.com
Go ahead…have a wonderful life and please check out my products that are for sale at www.ravensoulshop.com