Tamanu Oil, Calophyllum inophyllum, grows plentifully in the coastal regions of the South Pacific. Its scientific name means "beautiful leaf." The oil, cold-pressed from the nuts of the Tamanu tree, has been used for centuries to heal wounds and skin damage.
The oil is collected from the fruit seeds of the tree. These light colored seeds are removed from the cracked nuts and dried in the sun for 1 to 2 months. As they dry the seeds turn a deep dark brown and become sticky as the oil accumulates in the seeds. The seeds are then de-shelled and pressed to extract the luxurious oil.
Tamanu is a thick green oil, rich in fatty acids, that often solidifies at cooler temperatures.
Although tamanu oil is thick and rich, it is non-greasy, readily absorbs into the skin, and is non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging). Tamanu is safe for use on oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. It has a rich, earthy, sweet, nutty scent.
Its ability to heal damaged skin has been demonstrated in clinical studies.
- has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties
- penetrates deep into the skin and helps calm inflamed skin
- helps fade stretch marks
- helps improve the appearance of scars
- promotes new tissue formation
- encourages healthy skin growth to aid in healing minor cuts, burns, rashes, acne, eczema, rosacea, and other skin conditions
It also helps with itching due to irritated skin problems such as eczema, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Since the oil is so effective, a little goes a long way.
Tamanu contains a high content of calophyllic fatty acid, an anti-inflammatory that is said to reduce signs of aging and relieve puffiness around the eyes. The oil can be used directly onto the skin for fast, effective results for a myriad of everyday skin conditions.
When massaged into the skin, Tamanu has demonstrated some relief from neuralgia, rheumatism, and sciatica.
In hair care, tamanu oil is a great conditioning treatment. It nourishes the scalp, moisturizes the hair shaft, and helps manage dandruff to promote luxuriant and beautiful hair.
I love adding Tamanu Oil to skincare recipes because its therapeutic healing capacity is amazing. Tamanu oil is quite expensive. It takes 220 pounds (100 kg) of Tamanu fruit to make 11 pounds (5 kg) of oil.
We use virgin, unrefined, organic tamanu oil. Unrefined oils have not gone through a refining, bleaching, or deodorization process and retain their natural color, characteristic scent, and nutritional benefits.
Please Note: Although tamanu oil comes from the seeds of the tree, it is classified as a nut tree. So be mindful if you are allergic to tree nuts. The oil is meant for EXTERNAL use only.
Learn More Blog: The Wonders of Tamanu Oil
