Your home will smell like the freshness of summer when you use this DIY natural lavender herbal disinfectant. Lavender has antimicrobial properties killing viruses, bacterial and funguses. In addition, making your own safe disinfectant protects you and your family from toxic scents and chemicals.

In my herbal apprenticeship course, I learned that the medicinal properties in plants can be extracted by using different substances like alcohol, vinegar, honey and water. Each substance extracts different properties. When making a disinfectant, alcohol is used to extract the antimicrobial properties from the plants. The alcohol itself will kill germs. Soaking herbs in alcohol for 4 weeks will also infuse it with the plant’s antimicrobial properties making a powerful disinfectant. I use isopropyl alcohol for my disinfectant because it’s inexpensive. You could also use vodka or any other higher proof alcohol.

Typically we use herbs for culinary purposes. Oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme possess medicinal properties that kill bacteria, funguses and viruses both internally and externally. Anthony William in his book “Life Changing Foods” describes the power of these herbs and encourages including them in your daily cooking. These herbs are easy to grow in your garden or in pots. Once established, you will have an abundance of these plants to use for many herbal recipes.

I was drawn to the smell of lavender before I was aware of its healing properties. In addition to being antimicrobial, lavender helps reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind. Adding lavender to my herbal disinfectant creates a fresh scent throughout my home as it kills germs.

This article goes into detail on the CDC’s recommendations in making your own lavender hand sanitizer. Information about harmful chemicals in store bought products and the higher alcoholic content needed to protect against COVID-19 is detailed here. Their process involves using alcohol and essential oils, which is a terrific option if you don’t have plants available or you don’t want to wait the four weeks to process your herbs in the alcohol.

When making your own disinfectant or cleaner, look around to see what’s available. Do you have a neighbor or family member with herbs in their yard?  I’m a strong proponent in making the most of what you have and adapting to what has already been provided. Nature is abundant.

Lavender Herbal Disinfectant

Credit: Cedar Mountain Herb School

Ingredients

Lavender flowers, chopped
Herbs (oregano, sage, rosemary or thyme), chopped
70% or 99% isopropyl alcohol
Glass jar with lid

Directions

1. Gather fresh lavender flower and herbs
   2. Chop flower and herbs filling a glass jar 3/4 full
   3. Add isopropyl alcohol to the top of the jar.
   4. Leave herbs in alcohol for 4 weeks.
   5. Strain out herbs using a strainer or nutbag.
   6. Pour herbal disinfectant into a spray bottle. You are ready to disinfect your home.