Herbs and Disinfection in the time of Coronavirus (COVID-19) weekend recipes

I have begun to feel some intense pressure as a result of the CoVid-19 situation.  I worry that I stay healthy as I work directly with members of the public.  I am concerned that the places that I teach are clean and that people will feel comfortable enough in them to actually put aside their worries and learn.  I have had programs cancelled as events, organizations and institutions do hard and soft shutdowns.

Disinfecting herbs rosemary, oregano, sage (clockwise from top)

This Chicago Flower and Garden Show has been cancelled, so my book launch will not be happening quite as I envisioned it.  I am working on what I can do instead.

Community Education in District 128 and District 214 has been cancelled/postponed until at least April 2020.  That is a shame as I had a nice sized class for Mocktails that would have happened last night, had the district not shut down all extra activities effective Thursday at 1:00 pm. The Garden Club has to cancel the March meeting at the request of the library where we meet.

So I can sit around and worry, or I can share some of the things I have been doing to make sure I stay healthy and that the areas I function in stay clean and sanitary.

Since disinfectants, hand sanitizer and other items are selling out in stores, my main weapon is an herbal vinegar I made myself specifically to clean with.  We have been using it on our kitchen counter since last summer and we love it.  The herbs were chosen for their disinfecting qualities.  You should be able to get fresh herbs and distilled white vinegar in the store as other things sell out.


Vinegar is a great germ fighter

Vinegar can be used as a safer bleach alternative for some applications, such as cleaning, and research has shown it can be affective against some bacteria and viruses, including the flu. It is also biodegradable. Vinegar is not a registered disinfectant, however, and does not kill dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus. We do not know how it works against CoVid-19, but its effectiveness against flu makes it a good choice as a disinfectant.

Cleaning Vinegar

Thyme or lemon thyme
Rosemary
Sage
Lemon Balm
Distilled white vinegar (5% acidity)

Use one or all of these herbs and add 1 cup of fresh leaves or branches to 2 cups of vinegar in a glass jar.  Bruise the herbs in the jar and then allow the vinegar and herbs to steep for 1 to 2 weeks before straining to use. To speed the steep, warm the vinegar after you place in the herbs.  Pop in the microwave for 2 minutes on high, then let steep. When warmed the vinegar will be ready in a week.




Kitchen Disinfectant

Create a 50/50 blend of cleaning vinegar and filtered water in a spray bottle.  More than 50% and the room smells like vinegar.


Counter and Appliance Cleaner

3 cups water
1 cup herb vinegar (cleaning vinegar or any single disinfecting herb vinegar)
2 tsp lemon juice
10 drop lemon essential oil


This is an all-purpose cleaner, much more diluted than a disinfectant.  You can use it to wipe down counters, walls, tables, toys, appliance surfaces and shelves.


Floor Cleaner

½ cup vinegar
½ gallon warm water

Combine in a large bucket and soak a mop or sponge, wring out the excess and wipe the floor.  Allow to air dry.


Alcohol is a great disinfectant

Alcohol has long been used as an antiseptic. Ethyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) in particular is effective against a wide range of bacteria, and also some viruses, namely those known as "enveloped viruses." These viruses — including influenza and coronaviruses — are enveloped in a lipid membrane that can be disrupted by alcohol and other disinfectants, thus inactivating the virus. Alcohol may not be helpful, however, against viruses that lack this envelope, such as norovirus.

For disinfecting surfaces, the CDC advises using an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol. For hand sanitizers, it suggests using one with at least 60% alcohol, although it notes washing your hands with soap and water is preferable. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the makers of some hand sanitizers against claiming their products can prevent infections like the flu, citing inadequate evidence. If you buy hand sanitizer, avoid products that contain triclosan. As an alternative to buying it, you could also make your own hand sanitizer at home.

Here is the recipe to make your own hand sanitizer, however I have not had to go to the store to buy these ingredients as I have them on hand.  I have heard that getting Aloe Vera Gel might prove to be a challenge.

Handmade Hand Sanitizer

6 Tablespoons rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), at least 60% alcohol by volume 
2 Tablespoons aloe vera gel 
3 to 4 drops essential oil (optional) 

Simply mix the alcohol and aloe vera together well and pour it into a bottle using a funnel. You can double, triple or quadruple the recipe as needed.  You can use a squeeze bottle or a spray bottle.  Then carry in your purse or pocket.

Note that you shouldn't use fresh aloe vera but should use a commercial gel because fresh won't remain stable for long-term use.  Essential oils should be tested for irritation before being used. So they can be an optional in this mixture.  If you want more germ fighting, try rosemary, tea tree or thyme oil.  If you want something to soothe your worry, try lavender or lemon balm or geranium.

I used thyme and lemon grass oil in my hand sanitizer, because they smell good and will add to the germ fighting.

Bleach can disinfect the best, but...
Bleach is a relatively cheap and highly effective disinfectant. It kills some of the most dangerous bacteria, including staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli and salmonella — as well as many viruses, including the flu and the common cold. It should also work on the novel coronavirus, according to the CDC, which notes that "unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted."

In its guidance for COVID-19, the CDC advises using a bleach solution with 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water, and following manufacturer's instructions for application and ventilation.

While bleach can be an important disinfectant in some situations, though, it's also a potential hazard to human health, capable of not only irritating sensitive tissue in the eyes, skin, mouth and throat, but also contributing to long-term respiratory problems like asthma. Bleach can also be hazardous to pets, wildlife and ecological health. There are some safer alternatives in disinfecting wipes and cleaning sprays, although these eco-friendly choices may not be as effective in killing bacteria and viruses.

So I hope that you are keeping yourself well. And that these recipes can help you lower the amount of worry in your circle so that we keep panic at bay and enjoy the upcoming growing season.