If you're an essential oil user I'm pretty sure you have a favorite immunity or protection blend in your collection that is loosely based on the legend of the Four Thieves. If you don't, you must, because no other blend is as all purpose as this one! Write down this DIY Extra Strength Immunity Blend for future use. Most mainstream EO companies have their own version but in my experience it's handy to also have a DIY formula to adapt to your needs (ie: strengthen or weaken) or, blend in large or small quantities. Sometimes I want more CW Cinnamon Bark in my blend, sometimes I add CW Black Pepper and lately, I've fallen for CW Oregano for it's added robust anti-viral properties when there's a threat of cold and flu virus at home, work or in the classroom. And sometimes, I omit the extras for a more basic blend to add to DIY cleaning formulas and diffuse in the air because even the basic immunity blend of Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Lemon, Rosemary, and Eucalyptus is anti-microbial all on its own. For the record, I am not germaphobe when it comes to cleaning, I know how important exposure to a variety of bacteria is to build immunity and encourage gut bug health. Let's just say I'm grateful I have pure, therapeutic essential oils as an alternative to commercial sanitizers when needed because more often than not, commercial sanitizers can include a cocktail of chemicals that can contribute to anti-biotic resistance. Remember, our biochemistry is very similar to plant based medicinals, the body recognizes nature's multi-faceted chemistry. Use pure essential oils wisely and in moderation, always honor their potency.
In contrast to synthetic pharmaceuticals based upon single chemicals, many phytomedicines exert their beneficial effects through the additive or synergistic action of several chemical compounds acting at single or multiple target sites associated with a physiological process. As pointed out by Tyler (1999), this synergistic or additive pharmacological effect can be beneficial by eliminating the problematic side effects associated with the predominance of a single xenobiotic compound in the body. In this respect, Kaufman et al. (1999) extensively documented how synergistic interactions underlie the effectiveness of a number of phytomedicines. This theme of multiple chemicals acting in an additive or synergistic manner likely has its origin in the functional role of secondary products in promoting plant survival. For example, in the role of secondary products as defense chemicals, a mixture of chemicals having additive or synergistic effects at multiple target sites would not only ensure effectiveness against a wide range of herbivores or pathogens but would also decrease the chances of these organisms developing resistance or adaptive responses (Kaufman et al., 1999; Wink, 1999)."
