Over the past few years, we’ve all gained plenty of practice with the basics of disease prevention, such as frequent hand washing, keeping household surfaces free of germs, and so on. But during cold and flu season, you may want to consider shoring up your internal defenses (AKA your immune system) as well.
One way to boost your immunity is by practicing healthy habits, such as:
- Getting enough sleep. Sleep allows our bodies to rest and recharge, and many of our bodily functions are compromised when we don’t get enough of it. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule is one easy way to ensure you’re getting enough rest.
- Eating a balanced diet. Make sure you’re eating lots of fruits and vegetables and getting a good balance of protein, carbs, and other essential nutrients.
- Exercising regularly. Whether you prefer to walk, jog, or do an activity like yoga, regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy (and it improves circulation, too!)
In this post, we’ll be exploring another valuable tool for immune support: using essential oils. Many essential oils are known to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, including several in the blend I turn to most often during the cold winter months: Defend!
What Is Defend?
Defend is a blend of cinnamon, lemon, clove bud, lime, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, spearmint, and oregano essential oils. It’s based on the centuries-old Thieves essential oil blend. Some historians believe it originated in early 1400s France during the bubonic plague outbreak. Legend has it that a group of four thieves was able to avoid the deadly effects of the plague by applying the blend all over their bodies.
Iโm fairly certain that story has never been substantiated, and I would absolutely never recommend walking into a room full of bubonic plague victims with nothing but essential oils for protection. But many of the oils in Defend (like peppermint and eucalyptus, for starters) are known to have antiviral properties, making it a useful addition to your immunity support toolkit.
Below, I’ve put together a list of 8 different ways to put Defend to good use. In addition to health guidelines, common sense practices, and good habits, it’s one more useful tool worth having at your disposal!
Note: When I originally wrote this post, Defend was available in both an undiluted bottle and a ready-to-apply roll-on. Over time, it became clear that most of you loved the convenience of the roll-on, so we decided to discontinue the undiluted version. Youโll still see photos of that original bottle throughout this post, but donโt worry โ you can simply pop the top off the roll-on and use it in exactly the same way.
8 Ways To Use Defend Blend
1. Diffuse It
Use Defend in your diffuser to spread those antimicrobial oils into the air and around your house! As an added bonus, the aromas of clove, cinnamon, peppermint, and other oils in this blend are reminiscent of the holidays, so it’s perfect for diffusing during wintertime.
2. Roll It On
Applying Defend topically is another quick and easy option. The Defend Blend Ready-To-Apply Roll-On comes pre-diluted with fractionated coconut, so you can swipe it on anytime! Keep your Defend Roll-On close at hand at home, school, or work, and swipe it on the back of your neck or onto your wrists throughout your day.
3. Add To Soap
As we all know, frequent hand washing is one of the best things we can do to keep ourselves healthy and prevent illness. You can add a drop of Defend to your handful of soap before washing for added peace of mind, or add it to a squirt of hand sanitizer when you’re out and about!
4. Soak It In
Nothing beats a warm soak in the tub for warming up and relaxing your muscles, and it’s also a great opportunity to use Defend! Just a few drops to the running water while you fill your bathtub. Soak in the warm water for 20-30 minutes to ease tight or sore muscles and open your airways.
5. Make A Warm Compress
Suffering from sinus pressure? Using a warm compress can help alleviate sinus pressure and pain without the need for additional medication. Add a couple of drops of Defend to a cotton ball, place it on your warm compress, and wrap them together with a thin towel. Apply the compress to your sinus area to help alleviate pain and open your airways.
6. Sleep On It
Donโt want to run a diffuser all night, every night during the winter? Using a cotton ball is a great low-tech alternative. Add a couple of drops of Defend to a cotton ball, then stow it away in your pillowcase. The oils will permeate the pillowcase while you sleep for a diffuser-free aromatherapy experience!
7. Steam Treatment
Another useful way to alleviate sinus pressure and stubborn congestion is with a simple steam treatment! Add a few drops of Defend to a bowl of hot, steamy water, then lean over the bowl and take several slow, deep breaths. Youโll be breathing easier in no time!
8. Make An โInhalerโ
You can experience the benefits of Defend just by breathing it in through your nose! Making your own simple aromatherapy inhaler with Defend is a great way to keep it close at hand without carrying around the whole bottle.
What Are OGT Readers Saying About Defend?
Iโve been delighted by the reviews Iโve received from OGT readers who have given Defend a try for themselves, including these ones!
โThis is my go-to product when I feel like I’m getting a sore throat. Before I go to bed, I roll it on my neck and behind my ears. The next morning, no more sore throat. It works for me. I never want to be without!!โ – Barb
โIโm a cashier in a very busy store and come in contact with all sorts of people. I roll it on my wrists at the beginning of my shift and then again 4 hours later. It has helped so much to keep me from getting so many colds. I swear by this product!โ – Debbie
โLove this oil! If I could only have one essential oil, this would be it! It has often kept me from getting sick, or if I do get sick, it is much milder, and I get better faster.โ – Jodi F.
โI use the Defend roll-on when I travel, especially on airplanes. I love the scent. I roll it on the palm of my hands and breathe it in. I feel that it keeps me healthy when in enclosed spaces.โ – Carolyn B.
“I love this product! I have been diffusing Defend in my kitchen for over a year. My family of 6 made it through last school year with very little sickness. I work with preschoolers who love spreading germs and have stayed healthy. Highly recommend Defend!” – Sue H.
Going outside during cold and flu season can feel like playing a game of Russian roulette! You just never know what kind of germs you’re going to run into. But when you use Defend along with other healthy habits, you can feel confident when you step outside your door each and every day.
And the good news doesnโt stop there!
Defend is 30% off right now during my Wellness Sale! Itโs a great time to stock up, so youโre never without a bottle when you really need it.
Still a little skeptical? Defend is backed by my 100% money-back guarantee. If youโre not completely satisfied for any reason, just contact me within 90 days to receive a full refund. Thereโs no risk in trying it out!































I’ve been wearing homemade face masks. You can put a drop or two on the outside of the mask.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great ideas. I recently made a Thieves blend since I didnโt have any On-guard and just couldnโt justify spending buying it on a tight budget. One thing that I always die is to drink Emergen-C when I feel like Iโm starting to get sick. You can also drink it up to 3 glasses a day when you have colds and flu. It really helps.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How can I get rid of a dry hacky tickle cough.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try drinking pineapple juice! The bromelain in pineapple is a very effective in helping with a cough. There are also many other health benefits as well.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The only thing I might have added was to wash your hands frequently with or without the Defend. I have also taught my children and myself to keep your hands off and away from your face. Your article was a great help for keeping germs at bay. It was wonderful for making living easier if you do feel under the weather. And thank you very much.
You are first on my email each morning. I like to start my day positive and having help makes it even better. I think I have enjoyed your pages since the beginning and it’s been a pleasure every day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you
Jeri… Thanks for the added advice and thank you for your kind words! I am so happy that you love our website and tips! We are here to make peopleโs lives easier with solutions to everyday homekeeping, beauty routines, recipes, natural products and more.
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