Students are back in school, people are awaiting the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes, and many are putting up Halloween décor. Although the heat is still soaring in my Los Angeles suburban town (and the humidity apparently didn’t get the memo either), I know it’s time to make sure my home is prepared for autumn. My sweaters, boots, and scarves are still packed away. I’m definitely not ready for those yet! But I have started preparing my home and my routines for the change of season, and one of the first things I check is my supply of dōTERRA On Guard products.

I actually use On Guard throughout the year, but there’s something about the transition into autumn that makes me pay a little more attention to what I have on hand. School is back in session, we begin spending more time indoors, holiday gatherings and travel aren’t far away, and we’re around more people. It’s a good time to take a look at the simple wellness, hygiene, and home-care habits we practice every day.

What Is dōTERRA On Guard Used For?

Whenever I hear the words On Guard, I picture one of those medieval guards standing watch in a suit of armor. He’s alert, prepared, and protecting what has been entrusted to him. That’s how I think about dōTERRA On Guard. It isn’t a promise that I’ll never get sick, and I don’t use it as a replacement for healthy habits or appropriate medical care. Instead, On Guard is one of the tools I’ve chosen to incorporate into my family’s everyday wellness, hygiene, and home-care routines.

The original dōTERRA On Guard Protective Blend combines Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils. The larger On Guard family includes products for aromatic, topical, and internal use, along with products for personal hygiene and household cleaning. After having On Guard in our home for about 12 years, the aroma has become very familiar to my family. How would I describe it? Somewhere between autumn and Christmas. The Wild Orange, Clove, and Cinnamon give me that warm, spicy feeling I associate with the cooler months, while the Eucalyptus and Rosemary add something fresh and herbal. It’s not quite a Christmas scent, but it certainly lets me know the seasons are changing.

How Can You Use dōTERRA On Guard? Aromatic, Topical & Internal Uses

One of the things I want women to understand about essential oils is that there isn’t just one way to use them. Depending on the particular oil and its directions, essential oils may be used aromatically, topically, or internally. Aromatic use includes things like adding an essential oil to a diffuser. Topical use means applying an oil to the skin according to its directions and appropriate dilution. Internal use refers to oils and products specifically labeled and intended to be consumed.

That last point is important because not every essential oil or essential-oil product is intended for every type of use. Always read and follow the individual product label, including its directions and cautions. The On Guard family gives you several options, so let me show you how some of them fit into my life.

How I Use dōTERRA On Guard Protective Blend

The original On Guard Protective Blend is probably the product most people think about when they hear the name. I love putting it in my diffuser, especially as we move into autumn. That warm, spicy, citrusy aroma makes the house feel like the season is changing even when Southern California temperatures insist otherwise. The Protective Blend is also labeled for internal use, and I sometimes add a drop to water, following the product directions. I like that one little bottle can fit into different parts of my routine.

On Guard Touch: An Easy Topical Option

On Guard Touch is the roll-on version I keep on hand for topical use. It’s pre-diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil and ready to apply, which makes it a convenient option. This is one reason I like teaching women about the different formats available. You don’t necessarily have to buy an essential oil and then wonder what you’re supposed to do with it. Sometimes there’s a ready-to-use version that fits your lifestyle better.

Can dōTERRA On Guard Be Used Internally?

Yes, certain On Guard products are specifically labeled for internal use, including the original Protective Blend and dietary supplement options in the On Guard family. The important thing is to use only products labeled for internal use and follow their individual directions. My personal choice is the On Guard+ Chewable Tablets, which contain the On Guard Protective Blend along with micronutrients including vitamins C and D and zinc.

dōTERRA also offers On Guard+ Softgels. They’re a popular option, but I don’t personally use them because I have difficulty swallowing pills, so chewables simply work better for me. I mention that because what works well for me may not be what works well for you. Part of creating a sustainable wellness routine is finding options you’ll actually use.

My September-to-May On Guard Switch

Here’s one of the little seasonal changes I make at home: out comes the On Guard Foaming Hand Wash. Although many of my On Guard products stay in rotation all year, I tend to use the Foaming Hand Wash from about September through May. With school back in session and cold and flu season approaching, I’m especially mindful of everyday habits like good handwashing.

It’s a simple change, and that’s something I want you to notice. Taking care of yourself and your household doesn’t always require making dramatic changes. Sometimes it’s simply looking at what you already do and becoming a little more intentional about it.

More On Guard Products in My Everyday Routine

A couple of other On Guard products have found their way into ordinary parts of my day. I use On Guard Natural Whitening Toothpaste as part of my oral-care routine, and I keep On Guard Protecting Throat Drops on hand. The throat drops are another convenient way to use the On Guard blend and are especially nice to have available during seasonal transitions.

There are other products in the On Guard family, including Mouth Rinse, Sanitizing Hand Wipes, Beadlets, and Softgels, that I don’t personally use. That’s okay. I don’t believe you need every product in a collection simply because it’s available. I’d much rather help you figure out what makes sense for your household.

Why On Guard Sanitizing Mist Travels With Me

There is one On Guard product I especially appreciate when I’m away from home: On Guard Hand Sanitizing Mist. When I’m traveling, I make sure I have it with me. When I arrive at a hotel, one of the first things I like to do is spray and wipe frequently touched surfaces. I also spray the bed linen.

I’ve even used my Sanitizing Mist on a movie theater seat before sitting down, but I’m careful about doing that when other people are nearby. Essential oils have aromas, and I want to be respectful of people who may be sensitive to them or simply don’t want something sprayed near them. Using essential oils intentionally also means using them considerately.

How I Use On Guard Around My Home

On Guard isn’t limited to personal-care products. On Guard Cleaner Concentrate is one of the products I use throughout my home. I use it for mopping floors, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, and wiping household surfaces. I appreciate having a concentrated, plant-based cleaning option that fits the choices I’ve made for my home.

This is another reason the On Guard line has become so useful to me. I can incorporate it into several routines I already have — from diffusing an essential oil to washing my hands, cleaning my home, and preparing for travel.

Does Your Family Need Every On Guard Product?

No, and I want to make that very clear. I’ve been using On Guard for years, so I’ve gradually discovered which products make sense for my household. If you’re just learning about dōTERRA On Guard, you don’t need to duplicate my collection. Instead, ask yourself: Where would On Guard fit naturally into something I’m already doing?

Maybe you enjoy diffusing essential oils and want to begin with the Protective Blend. Maybe you’re frequently on the go and the Hand Sanitizing Mist would be useful in your bag. Perhaps you’re looking at the products you use to clean your home, or maybe you’re interested in learning about one of the On Guard products intended for internal use. Start with your need, learn about your options, and choose from there.

My Autumn On Guard Check

So yes, the sweaters are still packed away, my boots aren’t coming out anytime soon, and there’s a good chance I’ll still be wearing summer clothes while somebody somewhere is sipping a pumpkin spice latte in a cozy sweater. But autumn is coming, and for me, preparing for a new season isn’t only about changing clothes or decorating the house. It’s also an opportunity to look at the little routines that help me care for myself, my family, and my home. That’s why I do my On Guard check.

If you’re curious about dōTERRA On Guard but aren’t sure which product would make sense for you or your family, reach out and let’s figure it out together. You can send me a quick message through my contact page, or, if you’re comfortable, text me directly. I’ll be happy to help you understand the options so you can decide what fits your lifestyle. You don’t need everything. You just need a good place to begin.

Always follow individual product labels for directions, intended method of use, and cautions. If you are pregnant, nursing, under a doctor’s care, or have questions about whether an essential oil or dietary supplement is appropriate for you, consult an appropriate healthcare professional. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About Evelyn

Hi, I’m Evelyn!

For more than 26 years, I’ve been helping women over 40 care for their skin with confidence. Through Purple Essence By Evelyn, I share practical skincare education, healthy wellness habits, and intentional self-care to help women age well with grace, confidence, and purpose.

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