What is Tamanu Oil?

There’s nothing like going back to nature for medical or beauty treatments. Natural substances not only have long-lasting benefits, but they have lesser side effects than chemicals. One such natural oil that is gaining a lot of popularity for its skin-rejuvenating properties is tamanu oil.

Calophyllum inophyllum, otherwise locally known as, tamanu is an evergreen tropical flowering tree that blooms twice a year. Tamanu oil is extracted from the seeds of this tree’s fruits. The oil is thick, dark green in color and has a fatty odor.

Tamanu fruits that naturally fall to the ground are collected and the nut kernels are extracted and laid out on racks to dry. This curing process may take a couple of months. When the kernels have completely turned brownish red, they are cold pressed to extract the oil.

In most Asian, African and Pacific Rim countries, tamanu has been used as a local medicine. The seeds, leaves and bark of the tree have been traditionally used as astringents, purgatives, expectorants and diuretics. In traditional Chinese medical practices, Tahoma oil was used to treat wounds, leprosy, skin infections, eye diseases and more. This natural oil was used in treatment of acne scars, scrapes, burns and insect bites.

Tamanu oil contains fatty acids such as stearic, linolenic, oleic, palmitic and linoleic. It also contains an anti-cancer agent, 4-phenylcoumarins from Calophyllum as well as other anti-wrinkle and anti-aging components. The oil has Xanthones and lactone, which are known for their anti-bacterial activity.

Here’s a comprehensive list o the various benefits of this natural oil:

• It is a natural exfoliant, and can be used to remove dead facial cells to leave your skin looking healthy and glowing
• Treatment of psoriasis, acne, diabetic ulcers, scabies, scars, cuts, athlete’s foot
• Relieve pain due to rheumatism, sciatica and shingles
• Increases blood circulation
• Has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties
• Dries acne scabs and scars
• Protects the skin from sun burn, inflammation and insect bites
• Also believed to have anti-aging properties

Apply few drops of oil directly to the acne, scar or mark. You could also mix it with any other oil like apricot, carrot seed and apply.

Stores that specialize in organic medicines stock up on tamana oil. You can also buy it from popular shopping sites. This oil has a shelf life of up to two years.

Tahoma oil is derived from the seeds of the Calophyllum inophyllum

This natural oil has anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties

It can be used in the treatment of acne scars, rheumatism, wounds and other skin problems

The good effects of this oil are plenty, but it could be allergic for some. So, test the oil on a small patch of skin before you use it on your face.