We reformulated this already effective blend in the summer of 2011 after reading more and more research about the immunostimulant properties of quite a few of the essential oils we already love and use in this and other blends. We will soon be adding links to some of the best articles for those who want to know the why's of this blend and the proof that the chemical constituents in this blend have been researched and shown to be very effective. The predominant chemical constituent in some of these oils have studies showing they activate white blood cell activity (basically your immune system's army), are able to inhibit airborne germs, and general immunostimulants. The perfect blend to use if you're going to be traveling, in a conference with lots of people stuck in the room for hours at a time, shopping on busy holidays, a childcare setting, a hospital hallway or nurses' station or just being exposed to potentially dangerous colds and flu's. We've detailed below the properties of each oil:

Petitgrain - contains a high percentage of Linalool and Linalyl acetate known to be immunostimulants

Dill Weed, certified organic - contains Carvone which has been studied and shown to increase white blood cell counts, and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Clary Sage - also contains about 50 to 60% Linalyl acetate and is believed to be an effective immunostimulant

Oregano - contains Carvacrol, which is a well-known to have highly effective antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, plus it is suggested that Carvacrol might have some of the strongest antioxidant properties.

Basil, ct linalool - this particular chemotype contains approximately 92% linalool, and as stated previously, is believed to be a very effective immunostimulant.

Tea Tree, certified organic - this oil is one of only a few essential oils used in aromatherapy that contains a fairly large percentage of Terpinen-4-ol and though well-known for its germ fighting abilities, it is believed to be an effective immunostimulant and plays a part in activating white blood cell activity (our front-line germ fighters)

Lemon, certified organic - contains d-limonene a powerful helper for our immune systems as studies have shown that it contributes to the activity of some of the most important aspects of our bodies ability to fight off infections, including increasing the total white blood cell count, antibody production and enhancing our natural killer cell activity. 

Cinnamon leaf - contains Eugenol which has been studied and found to be a very effective germ fighting constituent

Black Pepper, certified organic - contains Caryophyllene-b, shown in studies to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

Clove leaf - also contains Eugenol and has the properties as stated above has been shown to be highly antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory

Bergamot - contains Linalool and as stated previously has been shown to be an effective immunostimulant  

SEE OUR SAFETY AND USE CAUTIONS FOR THIS BLEND

Melaleuca leucadendron = cajeputi – would be the another name for this oil. Cajeput, or Caju-puti, as it is called in Malaysia means white wood, since it’s wood is – well – white. This particular oil is steam distilled from fresh leaves and twigs of the paperbark tree. This oil is penetrating, a bit camphorous with a slightly medicinal odor, not unlike and related to other members of the Melaleuca group, such as eucaplytus, clove, niaouli and the familiar tea tree. Valued for is medicinal properties, the leaves of this tree are used by the indigenous population for respiratory and muscular problems. In Europe the oil is used in herbal medicines for its warming properties. This oil is occasionally used as a flavor component in food products and soft drinks. It has also been used as a freshening fragrance in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and some perfumes.

A lot of research and testing went into the formulating of this blend. We have quite a few customers with allergy and asthma issues. Asthma, in particular, requires a more gentle touch so that the automatic strong cough reflex is not elicited, which can happen with some cold and flu type blends. We believe and have found that this blend works effectively to calm the cough reflex and the tight feeling of inflamed and irritated lungs. I remember quite clearly my experience with this blend after running what seemed like forever in the Denver airport to catch a short connection. We ran from one gate to another and we were both out of shape. By the time we made it to our seats, the flight had been waiting on us (surprisingly enough) and the air was stagnant in the cabin of the plane. My chest hurt from the over-exertion and I truly could not take a deep breath. I was coughing uncontrollably and was seriously about to grab for the oxygen bag. I remembered that I had the Breathe Easy in my purse and grabbed for it, just opened the bottle and felt immediate relief. True story. If you are familiar with Young Living blends - this is much like their RC blend, but much more reasonably priced with unadulterated or undiluted oils.