What is On Guard?
Although some studies point to potential health advantages, the FDA does not oversee or regulate the purity and quality of essential oils. It’s wise to consult a healthcare professional before starting essential oil use and to investigate the quality of any brand’s offerings. Always perform a patch test prior to trying a new essential oil.
Numerous companies sell essential oils, including doTERRA. Per the company’s site, the name doTERRA comes from Latin words meaning “gift of the Earth.”
doTERRA asserts it differentiates itself from other oil brands through sustainable sourcing practices and its Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) designation to indicate oil purity.
As noted in a National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy blog post, “CPTG” is a marketing label and the industry remains largely unregulated.
One of doTERRA’s bestselling blends is named On Guard.
Marketed as a “protective blend” to support immune health, On Guard is a mixture of five essential oils, including:
- wild orange peel (Citrus sinensis)
- clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata)
- cinnamon bark/leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
- eucalyptus leaf (Eucalyptus globulus)
- rosemary leaf/flower (Rosmarinus officinalis)
What are the benefits of On Guard?
doTERRA states that On Guard supports healthy immune and cardiovascular function.
The company also claims ingesting the blend helps healthy circulation and that diffusing it releases an invigorating aroma.
Additionally, the mixture is promoted for use as a natural household surface cleaner.
What the research says
While some studies indicate benefits associated with On Guard, the evidence is limited and not definitive.
A 2017 study funded by doTERRA and carried out by company employees reported that On Guard lowered inflammatory markers in human cells.
The research also suggested the blend might aid wound healing and bolster immune responses.
According to a , the On Guard formula may be useful in treating and controlling the influenza (flu) virus.
That study observed the oil diminished flu virus viability in in vitro infected canine kidney cells. These MDCK cells are frequently used in flu research because they’re susceptible to the virus.
The investigators also found the blend may reduce the virus’s production of viral proteins and its ability to replicate strongly.
Research on the individual oils within On Guard also points to possible benefits. A 2019 review indicated eucalyptus oil might have immune-supporting effects.
A 2016 study found cinnamon bark oil vapor exhibited antimicrobial activity against viruses and bacteria commonly implicated in respiratory infections. Clove and eucalyptus oils showed efficacy too, though in liquid form.
Further investigation is necessary to understand the uses and combinations of essential oils, particularly in human studies.
How to use On Guard
doTERRA lists four main methods for using the On Guard blend:
- ingestion
- diffusing into the air for aromatherapy
- topical application
- use as a household surface cleaner
For ingestion, doTERRA suggests placing three to four drops into a veggie capsule or soaking apple slices in water with two to three drops of the oil.
The company advises diluting by adding one drop of oil per 4 fluid ounces of water.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends against ingesting essential oils without consulting a medical professional.
To diffuse On Guard, add three or four drops to your diffuser’s water or base; the scent will then disperse into the air.
For topical use, dilute one to two drops of the blend in a carrier oil such as coconut oil.
When trying it for the first time, screen for skin sensitivity by applying diluted On Guard to a small patch for a patch test. Use a 1:30 dilution — one drop of On Guard to 30 drops of carrier oil — for the test.
If you observe irritation or inflammation, rinse the area and stop using it. If no reaction occurs after 24 hours, it’s generally safe to use on a larger area.
To employ the blend as a cleaner, mix the desired amount of oil with water and spray the solution on surfaces.
Risks and warnings
On Guard can cause skin sensitivity. Avoid direct sunlight or UV exposure for up to 12 hours after applying the product to your skin.
Using undiluted essential oils may provoke skin irritation or allergic reactions. Always dilute On Guard and test the mixture on a small skin patch before broader application.
Do not apply On Guard to sensitive areas such as the eyes, inner ears, genital regions, broken skin, or rashes.
Inhaling the oil may carry risks. A found that inhalation of eucalyptus oil, one ingredient in the On Guard blend, could be associated with seizures in some individuals.
Each person in that report was using eucalyptus oil for the first time, and further research is required to clarify its effects across the population.
Ingesting certain essential oils or consuming large quantities can also be hazardous, especially for children.
A 2019 case report noted eucalyptus oil poisoning is more frequent in children than adults; yet the report also linked eucalyptus ingestion to seizures in two adult men.
A 2018 case report additionally described liver injury in a 3-year-old boy after swallowing clove oil.
Children, older adults, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this essential oil blend without first talking to their healthcare provider.
Also consult your provider before using it if you have a serious medical condition or skin disorders such as eczema.
As with claimed benefits, more study is needed to better define the risks of these oils.
Other ways to boost your immune system
If you want additional strategies to help protect yourself or your family from illness, consider these ways to support immune health:
Get enough sleep
Adequate sleep is crucial for optimal immune function.
A 2015 review suggested sleep deprivation may impair immunity, potentially raising inflammation and susceptibility to infections.
Not getting enough sleep can significantly impact overall health. Prioritize rest for yourself and ensure children get sufficient sleep too.
Meditate
A found mindfulness meditation — focusing on present-moment awareness — may help strengthen immune responses.
It appears associated with reduced inflammation and mechanisms that guard against cellular aging, though more research is needed on meditation’s effects on immunity.
Meditation may also improve sleep, making it doubly beneficial.
Exercise
Research from 2018 suggests regular physical activity may enhance immune function and lower the risk of chronic disease and infections (source).
For extra benefits, exercise outdoors for fresh air and vitamin D, which research indicates may be important for immune health.
What you can do now
On Guard is available exclusively through doTERRA and not sold in retail stores. You can buy it online from the company or obtain it from a local distributor.
Other blends contain similar ingredients to On Guard and may be priced differently.
The blends Fighting Five from Edens Garden, Immunity Boost from REVIVE, Thieves from Young Living, and Immune Strength from Rocky Mountain Oils blend similar essential oils to On Guard. A key distinction is that many use lemon instead of orange oil.
Keep in mind that Edens Garden advises against ingesting essential oils without guidance from a qualified health professional. Thieves is also intended for external application only.
Always talk with your healthcare provider before using essential oils and disclose any alternative treatments you’re using.
They can help evaluate potential risks and benefits and check for interactions with medications you take.
We can now get through the winter seasons without constantly passing things around. If my kids do get something, they often can kick it out within 12 to 24 hours!
— Leah Outten
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