Protect Yourself with a Protective Blend

Back to my "series" on profiling my favorite oils. I love the protective blends. This one is a little harder to profile, since most are proprietary blends - a mixture of oils with a top secret recipe. Hopefully, this gives you enough general information.

What is a protective blend: A protective blend is a mixture of several essential oils that, when combined, help protect you from germs - harmful bacteria, mold and viruses. 
These blends can be diffused into the air or used to clean around your home. They may also be used topically, with a carrier oil. 
Protective blends typically affect your immune system, to boost it and help your body protect itself. 

The Essential Oil Gym Bag

For the first time in my life, I joined a gym. Although, when I was in college, I took step and weight classes...but that's not the same, because they were for credit. 

Like most people, I have struggled with my weight and the idea of looking and feeling a certain way. Three years ago, I got the motivation to make a life change. I refused to say that I was going on a diet. Instead, I told everyone the change was my "healthy living concept." Eating better and working out.  So, for the past three years I have been working out 6 days a week for 20-25 minutes a day at home on the elliptical or doing aerobic videos (I'm a Denise Austin fanatic). 

Recently my "healthy living concept" needed a jump start - so my friend Victoria encouraged me (for months) to join the gym. She teaches step aerobics and attends Zumba classes. To start August off right, I finally joined. 

After my first class, I realized I need to get my gym bag set up.  

Magical Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

In the spotlight this week - magical melaleuca, often call tea tree. 

Scientific name: Melaleuca alternifolia
(Not to be confused with Melaleuca quinquenervia.)

Common extraction method: steam distillation from its leaves

Properties: anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, immune stimulant, decongestant, digestive, expectorant, insecticidal, stimulate and analgesic (pain management).