Empowerment of Herbal Hand Sanitizer from Betel (Piper bettle L.) Leaves and Lime (Citrus aurantifolia S.) During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing in several countries, including in Indonesia. The people are required to always apply health protocols. One step is washing your hands using soap and water or you can also use hand sanitizer. An innovative herbal hand sanitizer made by natural ingredients of betel leaf (Piper betle L.) and lime (Citrus aurantifolia S.) which have antiseptic and antibacterial benefits. From the results of field analysis, some of people do not apply health protocols. Under the direction of the Muhammadiyah University of Banjarmasin, KKN-M was held with a program in the form of making herbal hand sanitizers, providing education about how to make and share it. This activity was held in Pulau Telo Village, Selat District, Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan Province. The result from empowerment of hand sanitizers from betel leaves and lime, people can be helped and make it themselves at home without paying high costs. Apart from being economical, the negative effects caused by the use herbal hand sanitizers are not like the hand sanitizers that use chemicals that can dry out or irritate the skin. With this product, the people can apply some of the health protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic.