Category: Healthy Living

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.

Eating disorders can happen to anyone. It can be so deceptive that it’s possible you don’t notice it affecting your close family and friends already. There are, however, certain warning signs that can tip you off if someone close to you may be in danger of suffering from it. 

Knowing the signs is just one part of the battle, though. What you do with the information you get is what’s going to be more crucial. You can refer to a rehab facility like Ocean Recovery (http://oceansrecovery.com/) for them to consider getting help from. If the situation is much more dire, you can also consider staging an intervention to help them get back on track to wellness. 

Meanwhile, here are some of the signs of an eating disorder you should look out for. Do note, though, that you don’t necessarily need to wait for all signs to show before you take action. Eating disorders may manifest differently from person to person, so it may show in several different ways or just a few couple ones.

Behavioral Signs

The foremost telling signs of an eating disorder is one’s attitude towards food. You may notice a certain discomfort or awkwardness during meal times, or they may keep making excuses to skip out on it. 

They may also refuse to eat certain types of foods on account of perceived negative effects on their body, specifically their weight. There is this seemingly obsessive need to hit and maintain a specific target weight, which is usually way below what is considered to be what is in the healthy range. 

Keep in mind, too, that those suffering from eating disorders would go to great lengths to try and keep their condition a secret. Therefore, it’s possible that they will appear to eat like normal along with everyone else, but then proceed to purge as soon as they are left on their own. 

Psychological Symptoms

This obsession to maintain a certain weight, unhealthy though it may be, may be rooted in this distorted view of their body. To their eyes, they are flawed and maybe even unworthy to be loved because they do not fit the perceived standards of beauty in society. 

Because of this extreme dissatisfaction with their physical appearance, they may suffer from depression and anxiety. Mood swings become frequent and drastic too, which may result in isolation and withdrawal from friends. They may also lose interest in activities that are used to keep them interested and productive. 

Physical Symptoms

Even with the most intense denial, it’s going to be virtually impossible for them to hide the physical symptoms of their eating disorder. There’s going to be a very obvious fluctuation in weight quite often. Because they are not getting the sufficient nutrition they need, it’s also likely that they would be very susceptible to fainting spells and dizziness. 

They may also appear sluggish and weak, because they’re not getting enough sleep, and may complain a lot about feeling cold. 

Eating disorders can also be spotted with a sudden onset of dental issues, such as teeth discoloration, enamel erosion, and dental sensitivity. For those who induce vomiting, their fingers joints may have cuts and calluses.

Other physical symptoms include dry hair and skin, brittle nails, mottled hands or swollen feet, and yellow skin.

Keeping yourself healthy is as much a matter of consistency as is the specific diet or exercise program you choose. You’ll notice increased energy, resistance to illness, and a more positive attitude overall. Your gains will be cumulative; you’ll set up a strong foundation for healthy habits for the rest of your life. Here are a few main areas to focus on. 

1. Keep Your Medical Appointments

Don’t forget to make regular appointments for well-woman care, vision care, and dental care. Doing so will ensure that you have a strong ongoing relationship with a clinician, head off any potential problems, and keep those key parts of your body system functioning well. Sometimes, the unexpected can happen. Not sure where to turn? Search using terms such as free pregnancy tests in Illinois to find assistance and support. 

2. Stay Well-Connected

Identify your most supportive family and friends, and stay in touch with them regularly. Though texts and video chat are great, don’t underestimate the power of IRL contact. Get active in your community, too — it might involve volunteering or joining an interest group. Pick things that suit your personality. Whether you’re extroverted or introverted, research shows that the health-giving power of social bonds is an antidote to stress and overwhelm. 

3. Minimize Your Stress

Speaking of stress, do your best to minimize it. While it’s impossible to eliminate all stress (and some stress is healthy!), you undoubtedly have activities, relationships, and routines that drain you. Either change them so they’re less stressful or eliminate them. 

4. Prioritize Your Spirituality

Your spirituality is connected to the deepest part of you. Cultivate and nurture it. If you’re inclined, regular church attendance and prayer groups might be a good fit. Or, you might prefer groups that meet and discuss a spiritual theme. Remember to prioritize your solo spirituality, too. Meditation and prayer are constructive practices to help you stay grounded and calm. 

5. Exercise Regularly

Get moving! In this screen-saturated culture, it’s easy to stay on the couch all day. Don’t give in to this temptation. Even if your job requires a lot of computer work, take regular breaks to move; dance breaks are a fun way to do it. Put together a simple exercise plan that addresses cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and agility training. 

6. Eat Wisely

Especially when you’re young, it’s easy to reach for packaged foods and not feel any consequences. Over time though, you’ll notice the effects: decreased energy, increased cravings, changes in body composition, decreased muscle mass, and mood instability. Counteract that by including as many whole foods in your diet as possible. Go out to a weekend farmer’s market and pick up some fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat (if you’re not a vegetarian). Including a few nutritious items in your diet will make you feel stronger and more vital. Don’t forget to hydrate; carry a water bottle with you at all times. 

Developing healthy routines early in life will help you in the long run. Keep these tips in mind to feel and look your best.