Benefits of Tamanu Oil

Calophyllum inophyllum, the scientific name of tamanu oil, is extracted from a herbal tree, that originated in South East Asia and Polynesia. This tree stands 30 meters tall, with long, spread limbs. The trunk of the tree is endowed with a thick, dark, and cracked bark. Tamanu tree produces fruits that are the size of an apricot.

They have a thin fleshy layer on the outer side, which is inedible. Inside this fruit is a nut. These nuts are cracked for the nut kernel. The kernel is where the oil comes from. These kernels secrete oil and become sticky exuding a pleasant aroma when they are completely dried.

The oil contains three kinds of lipids; neutral lipids, glycolipids and phospholipids. It also contains a significant percent of anti-inflammatory coumarins. Being aware of tamanu oil benefits, ancient Polynesians have always used it to cure various health ailments. Here are some of its benefits, that can be useful in day-to-day concerns.

"Tamanu oil possesses a unique capacity to promote the formation of new tissues, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. This process is known as cicatrization." - Chris Kilham

Tamanu oil helps in nourishing, moisturizing and regenerating the cells of the epidermis. It has excellent effects over the skin, promoting healthy skin growth. This oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory healing properties.

The oil fights acne and acne scars. It also works as an anti-aging solution, reducing wrinkles and lines, keeping the skin firm.

Apart from beautifying, tamanu oil also heals wounds, rashes, insect bites, dry or flaky skin, abrasions, herpes sores, blisters, diabetic sores, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, athletes foot, arthritis, shingles, rheumatism, neuritis and neuralgia, sciatica, stretch marks, and sunburns.

It also works as an antiperspirant, and a solution for body and foot odor due to its long-lasting fragrance. The oil cures severe burns that are caused due to radiation, chemicals and boiling water. It reduces swelling and pain caused due to any reason, lubricates joints, calms itchy skin, and helps with stiffness.

Tamanu oil gets absorbed into the skin immediately after an application, and is non-greasy. It softens the skin, soothing blemishes and scars. This oil basically penetrates through the skin filtrating all the three layers. It hydrates the cells, encouraging the growth of new cells and eliminating dead cells, thus rectifying many skin disorders.

Everyone desires thick, long and lustrous hair. Tamanu oil promotes hair growth. It nourishes and moisturizes the scalp and prevents hair loss. It removes dandruff and fights dandruff-related problems. Sometimes, you have to resort to various products to achieve the desired result. However, tamanu oil serves as a solution to all the hair problems, alone.

Women from Polynesia and Fiji are known to have good hair, because of the regular use of this oil. It keeps their hair healthy and helps in killing the lice and repairing damaged hair and scalp.

Tamanu oil can also be massaged onto the scalp after washing the hair. It can be used as a pre-wash moisturizing agent as well. It is completely safe to apply this oil to the scalp and hair on a regular basis, directly or diluted with some other oil.

The use of tamanu oil is completely safe and no adverse effects regarding the usage of this oil has been reported yet. However, it is important that you do a patch test before applying the oil on the affected area. People allergic to nuts, should use the oil only after performing this allergic test.

Disclaimer: The information presented here is only meant for reference purpose and must not be used as a substitute for medical practitioner's advice.