Whoever said, "times, they are a changing," was absolutely correct. And, with these changing times, comes new threats created by new enemies. Some of these enemies are people, like you and me, but some are not. Some of these new threats are caused by new occupational hazards, new chemical pollutants, bio-terrorism, and even environmental changes resulting in shifting weather patterns.

The number of threats has grown to such a large number that the United States Federal Government has created an agency assigned with the responsibility of monitoring and reporting on these threats in an effort to protect the health and safety of the American public. This agency is a branch of the United States Department of Health and Human Services based in Atlanta, Georgia. It is known as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The danger of these threats is so real that in 2006, the United States Federal Government budgeted $8.5 billion and dedicated 15,000 staff members to the CDC. Recognizing the wide range of possible threats, the CDC enlists an alphabet soup of staff members, including: behavioral scientists, biologists, chemists, computer scientists, economists , engineers, entomologists, epidemiologists, health care workers, health communicators, nurses, physicians, statisticians, toxicologists and veterinarians, to name a few.

Unfortunately, some of these threats go undetected and other threats, though known and watched by the CDC, continue to exist. The CDC categorizes all threats in the following six groups:
1. Bio-terrorism Emergencies
2. Chemical Emergencies
3. Radiation Emergencies
4. Mass Casualties
5. Natural Disasters & Severe Weather
6. Recent Outbreaks & Incidents

As the late, great Ben Franklin once said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." One inexpensive way to get prepared is to begin stocking your medicine cabinet with Essential Oils. Quite simply, essential oils are oils extracted from plants. Once extracted, these oils contain an extremely rich blend compounds naturally found in the plant, from which they came. When buying essential oils, be absolutely certain that quality oil is being purchased. It is common for some essential oil companies to "cut" or dilute the oil before selling it. This process increases the profit to the company and decreases the therapeutic value to the end user. High quality essential oils have an amazing ability to combat bacteria, viruses and fungus. Each essential oil may contain 80 to over 400 different chemicals. Because of this chemical complexity, an essential oil may have the aggressive ability to destroy a virus, for example, on contact. Additionally, it is this natural complexity that makes it virtually impossible for bacteria and viruses to mutate into strains resistant to certain essential oils.

After reviewing the CDC's list of categorical threats, it becomes apparent that a large number of them are driven by bacteria and viruses. Some common essential oils that may be used to fight these threats, are as follows:

1)Wild White Oregano contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-yeasts properties.

2)Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-yeast, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant, and respiratory-assisting properties.

3)Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus & Eucalyptus Radiata) contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-spasmodic, decongestant, deodorant and respiratory-assisting properties.

4)Lavender (Lavendula Vera Officinalis) contains anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, anti-toxic, deodorant and sedative properties. It may also be an excellent first aid oil, soothing cuts, bruises and insect bites.

5)Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) contains anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties.

6)Bergamont contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory properties.

7)Clove contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and immune system stimulating properties.

It should also be mentioned that essential oils may work on virtually any surface and through the air, attacking airborne threats as well. Some of them may even be swallowed to support a healthy body.