As an emergency physician, I live at the intersection of hectic shifts, long busy nights, and nonstop exposure to whatever’s going around. My home routine has to be simple, sensible, and grounded in evidence where it exists. doTERRA On Guard, a blend featuring Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary has earned a spot in my daily routine and as needed because it helps me create a clean-smelling, refreshed environment and supports daily wellness habits, caring for me as I take care of my patients and enjoy life with my family. But even more importantly it has become one of my most recommended essential oils to empower people when they need extra support.
As a resident physician I noticed that patients just didn’t know what to do and felt helpless knowing what to do to create good routines at home. For many patients the advice of “continuous care” that as a resident I was taught to give gave them no specific actions, further creating a sense of powerlessness. After using doTERRA On Guard myself and experiencing the benefits myself, I can now give specific actions that will provide supportive care.
Let’s take a look at what is in doTERRA On Guard. doTERRA On Guard combines several powerhouse oils: Wild Orange is uplifting and cleansing. Clove is rich in eugenol, a potent antioxidant. Cinnamon Bark is warm, comforting, and cleansing Eucalyptus is refreshing and respiratory-supportive. Rosemary is clarifying and invigorating. Together theses powerful essential oils creates a synergy that doesn’t just make it smell amazing, it helps create a broad spectrum of activity that can help defend your home and body that is backed by science.
Below is how I interpret key studies related to the botanicals in doTERRA On Guard, what those findings do (and don’t) mean, and the practical ways I use On Guard to support my family during seasonal challenges.
A peer-reviewed study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine tested a protective essential-oil blend. This is in vitro research: promising, but not a clinical trial. It supports the plausibility of these oils contributing to a cleaner-feeling environment.
A 2023 paper screened 16 cleansing essential oils;. Cinnamon essential oil stood out.Again, this is lab work on isolates, not a bedside outcome study, but it helps explain why spice-derived oils are frequently investigated for surface-cleansing applications.
An undergraduate, peer-reviewed project assessed doTERRA On Guard products on skin. While preliminary, it supports typical, label-directed uses for cleansing skin and high-touch surfaces.
Bottom line from the bench: These data sit at the “mechanistic/plausibility” end of the evidence spectrum. They justify everyday, non-medical uses diffusing for a fresh, invigorating aroma; topical use (properly diluted) for a cleansing sensation; and doTERRA On Guard household products for surface cleaning.
So how do I use doTERRA On Guard as part of a daily routine?
Aromatically: I use doTERRA On Guard aromatically as my first line for a refreshed environment. Each morning I like to diffuse 2-4 drops of doTERRA On Guard in a diffuser to help create a warm, spicy, citrus atmosphere helping to make my home feel fresh and aired out. I then diffuse doTERRA On Guard in my car driving home placing 2-4 drops on my car diffuser. Finally I like to diffuse 2-4 drops of doTERRA On Guard, doTERRA Breathe® and doTERRA Serenity® at night time while I sleep to create the optimal environment for the evening.
Topically: While at work or when traveling I carry with me doTERRA On Guard Touch so I can apply it over my chest and under my nose to provide as needed.
Hands & high-touch surfaces: I use my favorite hand wash; doTERRA On Guard Foaming Hand Wash, a sink side staple at my home and at work used for routine hand hygiene that leaves my hands feeling fresh and clean without harshness. I also like to use doTERRA On Guard Sanitizing Mist misting my hands after touching high touch areas in my environment as I work, travel, and shop. Finally to help clean high touch areas at home I love using doTERRA On Guard Cleaner Concentrate to clean and freshen my home wiping down counters, doorknobs, bathrooms, home gym and the kitchen.
Oral-care support: Our mouth is the gateway to our body, so we need to keep it clean. I love that with doTERRA On Guard toothpaste and mouthwash I have a powerful tool that I can use daily to help keep my mouth feeling clean and fresh while offering protection.
Dietary supplement options: Finally when I do need extra support and protection because life happens I reach for doTERRA On Guard™ Beadlets or doTERRA On Guard+™ Softgels to offer systemic protection and support for my immune system.*
As an Emergency Physician and a father I don’t expect aroma or surface-cleansing products to do the job of medical care. What I do expect is a routine that can provide protection as it supports daily hygiene, helps my spaces feel freshly cleaned, and fits easily into real life. doTERRA On Guard meets those marks for me. Science and personal experience provide all the reasons I need to keep reaching for doTERRA On Guard for my continued care, especially during busy seasons.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
