Loving Terpinen-4-ol

by Andrea on August 12, 2010

terpinen-4-ol-1Don’t be scared by a name that sounds like a chemical!

Essential oil chemicals are naturally found within the plants. These chemical components give the oils their natural therapeutic effects. Terpinen-4-ol is a great example.

Oils rich in terpinen-4-ol are great for dealing with infection and supporting the immune system.

Northeastern Plai (Zingiber cassumunar), Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) and Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) have significant amounts of terpinen-4-ol.


And now for the nitty gritty scientific facts about this component!

Terpinen-4-ol suppresses inflammatory mediator production by activating human monocytes. Monocytes are a type of white blood cell–part of the human body’s immune system. Monocytes have two main functions in the immune system:

  • Monocytes replenish resident macrophages and dendritic cells under normal states.
  • In response to inflammation signals, monocytes can move quickly to sites of infection in the tissues, where they divide or “differentiate” into macrophages and dendritic cells to elicit an immune response.

What does this mean exactly?  Basically, terpinen-4-ol gives your body a boost when it comes to fighting infections and illnesses.  Oils rich in this component amplify blends for the flu, colds, and even digestive issues.  Keep it in your back pocket as we approach the cold and flu season!

Andrea is an essential oil educator and consultant. She teaches aromatherapy classes to both beginners and professionals, consults with aromatherapy companies, and imports essential oils from distillers around the world. She continues to travel internationally to personally visit with small farmers and distillers of essential oils. She has participated and taught at international aromatherapy conferences, and developed essential oil courses for spas and massage schools.

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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Laura August 14, 2010 at 9:07 am

Love this helpful info! It is nice to have it written like this in a small, digestible portion. Thank you.

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Admin August 23, 2010 at 2:03 pm

Thanks Laura, I appreciate your comment!

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Holly November 1, 2010 at 11:57 am

Hi Andrea. You have such a wonderful way of explaining the chemistry of the oils. Can you speak to the antioxidant aspect of oils, terpenes in particular. Thanks for your expertise and generosity.

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