The essential oil Tea Tree Oil (TTO) has been used in Australia for over 100 years. A significant body of research has demonstrated its capabilities as an antimicrobial. It is commonly used in the treatment of eyelid issues. TTO can be used in many other medical applications. But 4-terpineol (T4O) performs all of these just as well as TTO and is better for Blepharitis and other eyelid diseases.
The Active Ingredient
The native Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia is the source of TTO. It contains several helpful ingredients but the primary active substance, terpineol is also found in T4O products such as Cliradex. This compound has the ability to fight microbes thus helping to cure and prevent several medical issues.
1. It Can Fight Acne and Skin Conditions
T4O is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and so can be useful in treating eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. It can kill the microbes that cause these problems and help prevent them from coming back. Research found that using T4O two times a day for 12 weeks lessened the incidence of facial blemishes. It can thus be helpful in the fight against acne.
2. Skin Irritations
T4O is also effective in fighting rashes and irritations of the skin. By reducing inflammation, it can improve the health of the skin. More research is needed, but some studies have found that the anti-inflammatory capabilities of T4O may help heal wounds. It may also be useful in treating sunburn and insect bites.
3. It Fights Microbial Infections
T4O has demonstrated a solid ability to fight fungus, bacteria and viruses. Studies show that products containing T4O can effectively kill harmful microbes and thus fight their related infections. The terpineol in T40 can inhibit the growth of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, streptococcus pneumonia and streptococcus pyongenes. This helps to prevent and cure infections of the sinuses, bloodstream, urinary tract as well as strep throat. Pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses can also be treated with T4O.
Research has shown that T4O can also be effective in fighting several types of viral infections including influenza and herpes. One study found that it can eliminate and prevent warts, especially in children.
T4O is also an excellent anti-fungal. It works well in treating athlete’s foot and jock itch as well as clearing up toenail fungus and candida. Research subjects found relief within two weeks.
4. Dry Scalp
T4O is effective in fighting Seborrheic dermatitis commonly known as dry scalp. This affliction causes dry and scaly areas on the scalp. A persistent itch is a dominant symptom. It is irritating as well as unhealthy. Research has discovered that T4O can relieve these symptoms.
5. Treatment of Head Lice
Many parents know the horror of head lice. Parasites that live in human hair, feed on blood and transfer easily from one person to another, lice can infest large numbers of students at the same school. T4O can be effective at preventing lice eggs from hatching as well as killing the adults. Keeping future generations of pests from hatching is key to ending the infestation.
Researchers found that using T4O as a treatment killed 100% of head lice within 30 minutes. When used for a period of five days, it prevented eggs from hatching.
6. Congestion and Respiratory Tract Infections
Since the beginnings of its medicinal use, melaleuca leaves have been ground and inhaled as a treatment for colds and coughing due to congestion. The leaves were also placed in solutions for use in relieving sore throats. As an antimicrobial, T4O can fight bacteria that cause infections of the respiratory system. In addition to helping to heal these infections, T4O is also a useful preventative for them as well as coughs and colds.
7. Prevention of Antibiotic Resistance
Conventional antibiotics have long been used effectively to fight bacteria. One potential problem is that a patient can develop a resistance to the medication after prolonged use. A study published in “The Open MIcrobiology Journal” discovered a synergistic connection between antibiotics and terpineol. T4O when used together with a traditional antibiotic can help prevent resistance.
8. Scabies Treatment
Scabies is also known as the seven-year itch and is caused by the Sarcoptes scabei mite infesting the skin. With symptoms of a rash and constant and severe itching, this condition is irritating and highly contagious. Flinders University in Australia conducted research that found that terpineol reduced the population of scabies mites significantly in test subjects. T4O is a completely natural treatment that kills mites both above and below the skin.
9. Bad Breath Elimination
Bad breath is an embarrassing condition that can also be harmful. When bacteria collects on the tongue and tonsils and in the throat it can cause gingivitis or bad breath. Some people use a breath spray or chew gum but these just cover the odor without addressing the root of the problem. A good mouthwash can kill bacteria, but terpineol has been shown to be more effective. When the bacteria are eliminated, so is bad breath. T4O can also kill the fungus that sometimes grows after a root canal or other oral procedure. Take care not to swallow T4O when using it to treat bad breath. It should be spat out completely after rinsing.
T4O Is Best For Eyelid Issues
Anything that TTO can treat can also be treated by T40, but there is one medical issue in which T4O has been found superior. Demodex-associated blepharitis (DAB) is caused by an infestation of the eyelash follicles by the Demodex folliculorum mite. Research involving the T4O product Cliradex and two others found that the Clirdex killed the demodex in an average time of 40 minutes. This was twice as fast as the closest competition. When it comes to treating eyelid issues, T4O may be the best.
For over a century, TTO has been used to treat many ailments. Science has backed its capabilities as an antimicrobial. T4O which also contains the effective ingredient terpineol treats these ailments just as effectively but is much better for DAB and eyelid problems.
