The Anti Corona Virus Cocktail Mix; Aloe Vera & Rubbing Alcohol DIY hand sanitizer.

Besides Purell, Do-it-yourself mixes of hand sanitizer are flying off shelves in America as well as in high demand in ecommerce. Of considerable demand are Aloe Vera and rubbing alcohol as health experts recommend DIY solutions in the face of anti-bacterial shortages.  

“Our hands and fingertips carry the infection, so if we use hand sanitizer that will pretty much control the disease,” Dr. Sanjay Maggirwar, a professor of microbiology at George Washington University, told CBS MoneyWatch.

As per a CBS News article states, Isopropyl alcohol that’s at least 60% alcohol by volume is about as effective as any hand sanitizer product when mixed with other ingredients, such as aloe vera for its soothing properties, and essential oils to mask the alcohol’s smell, CBS News contributor Dr. David Agus said. He also quelled concerns that using pure aloe vera might dilute the mixture, resulting in a formula that contains less than the CDC’s recommended 60% alcohol content. According to Agus, “It’s like mixing vodka with orange juice — it still gets you drunk.”

For consumers who do want to try their hand at making hand sanitizer, here’s the recipe:

2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol (60% minimum alcohol content)

1/3 cup pure aloe vera

5-10 drops of essential oil (optional)

Mixing bowl

Spoon

Funnel

Two-ounce empty spray bottle or liquid soap container

Masking tape and pen or marker for labeling the container (or adhesive labels)

What to Avoid:

Avoid shaking hands, rubbing your face and instances where you are touching an object like an elevator push button or door knob without being able to clean your hands immediately. The idea is to keep your space as bacteria free as possible. Exercise mindfulness. If you don’t feel well, stay home. In a public bathroom, wash your hands before exiting and use a paper towel to open the door. These little extra efforts are normally common sense but in these times, especially important.

Be well and stay healthy.

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