AMAZING FACTS ABOUT TAMANU OIL– Updated 03.03.20

FABULOUS FACTS:

Tamanu oil has become a highly prized raw material, popping up in a variety of cosmetics and hair-care products because of its ability to regenerate, strengthen and protect. Known as Calophyllum inophyllum L., Clusiaceae, it is brimming with essential fatty acids and nutrients, gaining a reputation as a ‘Miracle’ oil. You will notice Tamanu goes by many names. It is often called Foraha oil. Tamanu Oil aka ‘Green Gold’ has been a remedy trusted for centuries in the Polynesian islands. The Latin word Callophyllum means “beautiful leaf” and the oil from the Tamanu tree is called Callophyllum inophyllum.

Tamanu oil has been found to be one of the most effective natural ingredients to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating skin healing and the growth of healthy skin. It is best known for nourishing the skin, for its antibacterial properties and for its unsurpassed skin regenerating abilities.

 WHERE IS IT FOUND / HISTORY: 

The Tamanu Shrub is indigenous to tropical Southeast Asia; growing in Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, South India, Sri Lanka, the Melanesian and Polynesian islands.

This dark-barked shrub grows up to three metres tall and has shiny elliptical leaves. Twice a year Tamanu blooms, perfuming its environment with fragrant, white flowers. Later these flowers transform into clusters of yellowish green-skinned spherical fruit.

 The fruit's pulp is pleasant, tasting much like an apple but with a large nut nestled in its flesh. The nut is of primary interest for cosmetic reasons. It contains a pale kernel, called ‘punnai’ in certain areas of the Pacific.

The kernel is sun dried for several months, becoming a sticky, dark, thick and rich oil in the process. This precious oil is cold-pressed, yielding greenish-yellow oil similar to olive oil and has a nutty aroma. The oil is expensive because the trees are very slow growing. The resulting oil is deep amber green in color, nutty, pungent, and aromatic in scent and is great for problem skin. 

The color and aroma of the oil are pronounced and possible the reason that this super healing oil has taken so long to find a niche in beauty and skincare routines in the West. 

There are many traditional uses for Tamanu oil in the journals of folk healers where it grows. It is primarily utilized for critical skin care. In many places where Tamanu grows, it is recognized as an analgesic for sciatica, rheumatism and ulcers.

The Tamanu plant’s incredible properties were first discovered by the Polynesian communities many centuries ago, and have since been used to treat anything from cuts, insect bites & acne to psoriasis, sunburn and particularly scars. The real healing power of this traditional oil is its unique ability to promote the formation of new tissue. This balm increases microcirculation which helps reduce the appearance of bruises.

In Indonesia, its dark leaves are soaked in water and the resulting infusion is a blue brew that is applied to irritated eyes or used for heatstroke. In the Philippines, its rich elixir soothes hemorrhoids.

Some groups of Filipinos also use Tamanu sap as an ointment for boils, open sores and wounds. The Manus people of Papua New Guinea infuse the leaves over an open fire. Once they are softened, they are applied to a number of skin disorders including boils, cuts, sores ulcers and acne or other skin breakouts. On Dobu Island the leaves are used to make a tea, which cleanses skin rashes.

Centuries ago, Jamaicans used a type of Tamanu species to treat wounds and sores. Fijians use Tamanu oil for joint pains, arthritis, bruises, oozing wounds, chapped lips and preventing diaper rash. Pacific islanders also apply Tamanu oil topically to scrapes, cuts, burns, insect bites and stings, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, anal fissures, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, diaper rash and herpes sores. The oil is used for several foot disorders, cracking skin and foot odour. Polynesian women apply Tamanu oil topically to promote healthy, clear, blemish-free skin, and massage it onto babies to prevent nappy rash and skin eruptions.

Europeans use it on an array of skin disorders including mucous membrane lesions, chapped skin, surgical wounds, skin allergies, cracked skin, bedsores, wounds, rashes, abrasions, athlete’s foot, boils, and infected nails. It is also used as a treatment for puffy, wrinkled eyes with dark circles underneath.

Since the 1930s Tamanu oil has been studied by researchers in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The unique chemistry of the oil is what gives it such a unique healing effect. Each drop of this precious oil contains at least 10 types of different active molecules that gently urge skin to rebuild. These include friedelin, canopyllic acid and canophyllol, xanthones and coumarins as well as moisturizing omega-6 and 9 fatty acids. The properties of these various compounds are antibacterial, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even pain relieving.

After acne breakouts have begun to heal scarring is a major concern, with formation of new, healthy tissue being crucial to return the skin to its healthy appearance. Tamanu has been found to minimize scarring and speed growth of healthy new cells. 

Tamanu oil is an antioxidant that can help prevent UV related cell damage and ageing. Tamanu oil offers more than just healing for after you’ve had too many rays, though. The xanthones and coumarins in the oil are also potent antioxidants and inhibit the breakdown of cell membranes from free radicals. One of the most common sources of free radicals in our daily lives is exposure to UV rays from the sun. Tamanu can help to counteract aging caused by UV related free radicals.

BENEFITS TO SKIN:

Our award-winning Tamanu Healing Balm is a must-have skin saviour for anyone who wants to improve the appearance of scars and damaged skin, want to soothe dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, or needs an effective treatment they can rely on if they get bitten, stung or sunburnt. It’s even safe enough to use on babies and has the same antibacterial effect as Amoxicillin. Can be purchased in two sizes large Tamanu Balm 60 ml or a mini Tamanu balm 20ml. 

This gorgeous green balm has a rich texture while still being easily spreadable on the skin and helps to improve the appearance of scarred, damaged and sore skin in need of nourishment and repair. Suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin as it contains no essential oils.

Made naturally with: Monoi Butter this luxurious butter – a blend of coconut oil infused with Tiare flower from the island of Tahiti, deeply softens and soothes, and gives long lasting protection;  Blackcurrant & Raspberry Seed Oils which improves the natural elasticity of the skin and helps alleviate the feeling of tightness to damaged skin; Shea Butter is a rich, nourishing butter that promotes healthy healing thanks to its anti-inflammatory and conditioning properties; Cranberry Seed Oil – this versatile fruit oil, rich in vitamin A, C, E & K nurtures skin back to good health, while deeply moisturising and helping to restructure damaged skin.

Tropic’s Award Winning Tamanu Balm is great for: Acne (it reduces inflammation and kills germs); After hair removal (waxing, laser and plucking); After Tattoos; Bites; Bruises; Burns (sunburn, oven burns, scalds, friction); Chicken pox scabs; Cold sores; Cracked heels; Cracked skin on hands (builders, decorators); Eczema; Episiotomy scars; Grazes (magic cream for kiddies!); Itchy varicose veins; Minor Surgery sites; Nappy rash; Piles!; Psoriasis; Radiation burns from Radiotherapy; Rosacea; Scars (old and new); Sore nipples (joggers, breast feeding mums); Splinters; Stings (nettles), Mosquito bites, wasps, midges); Stretch marks (Award winning); Sun damage (pigmentation) and much more!!! 

Our award winning SUPER GREENS Nutrient Boost Oil has also been formulated using Tamanu Oils and Green Coffee which help to accelerate skin repair.

It's a shot of healthy greens that boosts your skin's natural defences and nutrient levels. With Chlorophyll, kale and maca root extracts to deliver essential vitamins to the deeper layers of your skin, and lightweight, fast-absorbing marula and kendi oils to calm skin irritation and redness.

• You can order your Tamanu Balm and Super Greens today at: www.lynnepreece.com 

? Lynne Preece – Updated 03.03.20