OnGuard Essential Oil:
A Protective Blend

OnGuard essential oil is a proprietary blend from our favorite company, doTERRA. (We love this company and their products so much we've become distributors of their oils.)

The oil is a blend of five potent oils that have been studied for their antiviral essential oil abilities to fight bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It's a superb oil for immunity, for cold and flu season, to fight infection and for cleaning. (Read below for an expanded list of possible uses.)

Although these oils can be purchased and used separately it's their unique ratios and the strength of doTERRA's oil that have made this a favorite in our home. Read more about how to choose the best essential oils possible here.

Even though essential oils are natural and safe, they are also potent. Be sure to read the precautions below for information on how to use OnGuard essential oil more effectively.

The Oils of OnGuard

OnGuard essential oil contains five single oils:

1. Wild Orange: It has been shown to be antibacterial, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, disinfectant, digestive, anticancer, antispamodic and sedative. Wild Orange is often used for fear, nervousness or anxiety; heart palpitations; sluggish digestion; insomnia; menopause; withdrawal; and is uplifting emotionally and mentally.
2. Clove Bud: It is known to be antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral and stimulates the immune system. It may help in healing and to create a sense of security and courage. It's commonly used for addictions, blood clots, candida, cataracts, fever, fungal infection, herpes simplex, liver cleansing, lupus, mold, balancing the metabolism, aches and pains of many kinds, viral infection, wounds, termites and more.
3. Cinnamon Bark: Cinnamon is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, purifying, warming and is said to enhance the use of other oils. It's commonly used for airborne bacteria, bacterial infections, bites/stings, fungal infections, stimulating the immune system, general infections, mols, pancreatic issues, viral infections and much more.
4. Eucalyptus Radiata: It's been found to be analgesic, antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and insecticidal and is commonly used for asthma, bronchitis, congestion, coughs, inflammation of many kinds, emphysema, fever, flu, life, measles, pain, shingles, tuberculosis and more.
5. Rosemary: Rosemary is analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and more. It's commonly used for heart function, fatigue, addictions, chemical stress, cholera, worms, viral infections, vaginal infections, diabetes, flu, headaches, inflammation, kidney infection, lice, and much more.

With so many incredible, protective, antiviral essential oil properties, OnGuard essential oil takes a lot of the guess work out of "which oil to use". Below I've outlined how to use this oil for numerous things.

How to Use OnGuard Essential Oil

The best use for this antiviral essential oil blend is for your and your family's immunity, to stop the spread of illness through the home, increase health and well-being and prevent sickness when used regularly during the times you most need it (such as starting school, cold and flu season, etc.) Here are some ideas to get you started:

Traditionally, you can use OnGuard can be used in three ways. Use these suggestions unless otherwise noted below:
Aromatically - Can be diffused in the air or inhaled directly.
Topically - Can be applied directly to the skin or within a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, for young or sensitive skin. Start with one drop to 1-3 tsp of carrier oil and increase as needed.
Internally - Generally recognized as safe by the FDA (21CFR182.20) to be used in cooking, adding a drop to purified water or taken as a dietary supplement, diluting 1 drop in 1 tsp. honey or 4 oz of non-acidic, non-dairy beverage (not for children under 6 years old and in greater dilution for older children).
Sensitive - "Sensitive" means tha although some can apply the oil without any dilution, directly to the skin, those with sensitive skin should do a patch test or dilute before use.

Read more about these uses with this application guide.

Precautions: Essential oils are not generally recommended for very young children, except possibly through diffusing the oils through the home. Always test your skin for sensitivity to these very potent oils. Repeated or overuse can lead to sensitivity. For some, the oils in this blend can cause irritation, so dilute well and test first. Use with caution during pregnancy.

OnGuard for Cleaning

You can add 2 drops of the oil blend to your dishwater, or several drops to every load of laundry, especially cloth diapers. I like to make our own homemade cleaners and add as many drops as I feel necessary. Create a spray with purified water and OnGuard essential oil to spritz your toilet brush after cleaning the toilet (trap the brush between the seat and lid to allow it to dry before putting it away).

Using OnGuard Aromatically

Diffuse the blend of oils as often as desired on the onset of acute illnesses. Adding 2 drops to a pan of hot water and breathing in the vapors may also be indicated. For a very sick and congested child, plug the tub and shut all the doors and vents. Turn the water on hot, drop several drops in the water as it fills and sit in the bathroom as it fills with steam. Add 1-3 drops to a cloth or hankerchief and inhale directly. Or place a cloth with several drops near a fan or even in the vent of your vehicle. If you work in a school or daycare you might even prevent getting sick by using a small dab as perfume.

Using OnGuard Topically

It's important to dilute this oil. Mix 1 drop of OnGuard essential oil to 10-15 drops of coconut oil, depending on your skin sensitivity (more for elderly or children). You can then massage this oil into the soles of your feet for fast absorption into the blood stream, or massage into the throat, stomach, intestinal area, thymus, etc. Always massage toward the heart to increase lymphatic flow and avoid and circulation issues.

Taking OnGuard Internally

Adults can take OnGuard essential oils internally, such as in a capsule, placing 1 drop in rice/almond milk or honey, or by using in cooking. Other internal uses include vaginal or rectal insertion when indicated, although it's important to be familiar with how your body responds to the oils in this blend first. That is one way you don't want to find out you're sensitive to the oils!

Other possible uses include: homemade mouthwash, adding a drop to your toothbrush before and after brushing, adding to smelly shoes, teething (just 1 drop on a slightly frosty cloth), toothache, homemade hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, cleaning lunchboxes, adding to a cotton ball and placing inside the bag that holds possible lice infected items for two weeks, adding to baking soda and using as a carpet deodorizer to deter fleas, adding 1-2 drops to a dog's bath and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

In which ways can you use on gaurd with a young infant (2 months) or would you stay away?

Personally, I would only diffuse the oil in the room for a child that small. Being one of the more potent oils it would almost certainly cause irritation to the skin otherwise (you'll want to make sure you even wash your hands after using the oil so it doesn't come in contact with his/her skin). Diffusing it would still be very effective against any bug and will help purity the air as well. If you're breastfeeding you might want to discuss with your doctor the possibility of using the oil personally (not around the breast) to benefit his or her tiny body.

Where to Buy OnGuard Essential Oil

Remember, quality is everything when it comes to using essential oils. The stuff at the grocery store just doesn't cut it. We love these oils from doTERRA so much we actively promote them as an affiliate/distributor here on Sustainable Baby Steps.

There are several ways to get your hands on OnGuard essential oil: retail, discounted, or wholesale.

But retail sucks.

So we recommend purchasing a discounted or wholesale account (similar to something like Costco) to get the best prices on this or other oils. Which is the best fit for you will depend on your needs.

Retail (International)

Ready To Take More Sustainable Baby Steps?

Switching to an all-natural resource such as OnGuard essential oil for your health and wellness is one great step in going green.

When you're ready for a few more steps check out the articles below.

Whatever step you take, remember to have fun!