| Whoever said, "times, they are a changing," was | | | | common for some essential oil companies to "cut" or |
| absolutely correct. And, with these changing times, | | | | dilute the oil before selling it. This process increases |
| comes new threats created by new enemies. Some | | | | the profit to the company and decreases the |
| of these enemies are people, like you and me, but | | | | therapeutic value to the end user. High quality |
| some are not. Some of these new threats are | | | | essential oils have an amazing ability to combat |
| caused by new occupational hazards, new chemical | | | | bacteria, viruses and fungus. Each essential oil may |
| pollutants, bio-terrorism, and even environmental | | | | contain 80 to over 400 different chemicals. Because |
| changes resulting in shifting weather patterns. | | | | of this chemical complexity, an essential oil may have |
| The number of threats has grown to such a large | | | | the aggressive ability to destroy a virus, for example, |
| number that the United States Federal Government | | | | on contact. Additionally, it is this natural complexity |
| has created an agency assigned with the | | | | that makes it virtually impossible for bacteria and |
| responsibility of monitoring and reporting on these | | | | viruses to mutate into strains resistant to certain |
| threats in an effort to protect the health and safety | | | | essential oils. |
| of the American public. This agency is a branch of | | | | After reviewing the CDC's list of categorical threats, |
| the United States Department of Health and Human | | | | it becomes apparent that a large number of them |
| Services based in Atlanta, Georgia. It is known as the | | | | are driven by bacteria and viruses. Some common |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). | | | | essential oils that may be used to fight these threats, |
| The danger of these threats is so real that in 2006, | | | | are as follows: |
| the United States Federal Government budgeted $8.5 | | | | 1) Wild White Oreganocontains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, |
| billion and dedicated 15,000 staff members to the | | | | anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-yeasts properties. |
| CDC. Recognizing the wide range of possible threats, | | | | 2) Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) contains anti-viral, |
| the CDC enlists an alphabet soup of staff members, | | | | anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-yeast, |
| including: behavioral scientists, biologists, chemists, | | | | anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant, and |
| computer scientists, economists , engineers, | | | | respiratory-assisting properties. |
| entomologists, epidemiologists, health care workers, | | | | 3) Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus & Eucalyptus |
| health communicators, nurses, physicians, statisticians, | | | | Radiata) contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, |
| toxicologists and veterinarians, to name a few. | | | | anti-spasmodic, decongestant, deodorant and |
| Unfortunately, some of these threats go undetected | | | | respiratory-assisting properties. |
| and other threats, though known and watched by | | | | 4) Lavender (Lavendula Vera Officinalis) contains |
| the CDC, continue to exist. The CDC categorizes all | | | | anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-depressant, |
| threats in the following six groups: | | | | anti-spasmodic, anti-toxic, deodorant and sedative |
| 1. Bio-terrorism Emergencies | | | | properties. It may also be an excellent first aid oil, |
| 2. Chemical Emergencies | | | | soothing cuts, bruises and insect bites. |
| 3. Radiation Emergencies | | | | 5) Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) contains |
| 4. Mass Casualties | | | | anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant |
| 5. Natural Disasters & Severe Weather | | | | properties. |
| 6. Recent Outbreaks & Incidents | | | | 6) Bergamont contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, |
| As the late, great Ben Franklin once said, "An ounce | | | | anti-parasitic, anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory |
| of prevention is worth a pound of cure." One | | | | properties. |
| inexpensive way to get prepared is to begin stocking | | | | 7) Clove contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, |
| your medicine cabinet with Essential Oils. Quite simply, | | | | anti-inflammatory and immune system stimulating |
| essential oils are oils extracted from plants. Once | | | | properties. |
| extracted, these oils contain an extremely rich blend | | | | It should also be mentioned that essential oils may |
| compounds naturally found in the plant, from which | | | | work on virtually any surface and through the air, |
| they came. When buying essential oils, be absolutely | | | | attacking airborne threats as well. Some of them |
| certain that quality oil is being purchased. It is | | | | may even be swallowed to support a healthy body. |