Tamanu Oil

Plant description

Tamanu oil is a remarkable natural nut oil. It’s renowned for its powerful healing properties. This ancient oil promotes healthy skin regeneration. Its unique benefits make it a skincare powerhouse.

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What is Tamanu Oil?

Tamanu oil is a traditional topical oil. It’s extracted from the kernels of the Tamanu Tree. This tree is scientifically named Calophyllum inophyllum. It’s an evergreen member of the Mangosteen Family. The oil is also known by other names. In Vietnam, it’s called “Dầu Mù U.” In Vanuatu, it’s “Nabagura.” In Tahiti, it’s “Dilo” or “Dolno.” The oil is often referred to as “Green Gold” due to its color and value.

Plant Description and Origin

The Tree is indigenous to tropical regions. It thrives in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Its trunk is typically covered in dark, cracked bark. Leaves are elongated and glossy. The tree produces small, sweet-smelling white flowers. These flowers have a yellow center. They bloom twice yearly.

These flowers then yield clusters of fruit. Fruits start green and turn yellowish as they mature. Inside this thin, inedible fleshy fruit is the Tamanu Nut. These nuts contain the valuable oil.

The Unique Healing Power

The true healing power of Tamanu oil is its ability. It promotes the formation of new tissue. This accelerates wound healing significantly. It also fosters the growth of healthy skin. This process is scientifically termed “cicatrization.” Scientists are still fully deciphering its complex chemistry. However, studies confirm its potent healing actions. It generates new skin tissue effectively.

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The Science and Production of Tamanu Oil

The unique properties of this oil are backed by scientific findings. Its production follows a specific, careful process.

Complex Chemical Profile and Properties

The oil possesses a highly complex chemistry. This makes its healing properties difficult to fully explain. However, scientific studies clearly show its efficacy. It acts as a significant healing agent. Beyond new tissue generation, it has other benefits. It boasts anti-inflammatory properties. It is also anti-neuralgic and antibiotic. Furthermore, it acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Additionally, its oil contains Sc Glucan. This compound offers natural UV protection. It prevents 85% of DNA damage. It also reduces oxidative stress. This is induced by UV radiation. At a 1% concentration, it acts as a biological UV filter. It provides an SPF of 18-22. (Eur J Pharm. Sci 2007 Mar;30(3-4):203-10).

How Tamanu Oil is Produced

The Tamanu Nut Tree is native to tropical Vietnam. It is also indigenous to other Southeast Asian areas. The production process is meticulous. The Tamanu Nut must fall naturally from the tree. Pale-colored nut kernels are then collected. They are laid out on racks to cure. This curing process takes 1-2 months. During this time, kernels change color. They turn brownish-red. This process also releases a strong, rich oil. This valuable oil is then extracted. It is obtained through cold-pressing. Finally, it undergoes filtration.

The production flow is precise:

Raw nut ⇒ Breaking shell/seed nut ⇒ Drying nut (Sun dry) ⇒ Cutting nuts and grind to powder ⇒ Cold press ⇒ Filter Oil ⇒ Virgin Tamanu Oil.

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Diverse Uses and Applications of Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is highly versatile. Its applications span skincare, hair care, and medicinal uses.

Skincare Benefits

Used topically, Tamanu Carrier Oil promotes skin renewal. It leaves the skin feeling smoother and softer. It effectively soothes and repairs skin. It diminishes redness, scars, and stretch marks. Irritation, itchiness, dryness, and peeling are reduced. It helps prevent blemishes from forming. It also protects against harsh environmental elements. The oil works to reduce age spots. It diminishes the appearance of cellulite and dryness. Its “cicatrization” effect helps new, healthy skin to grow.

Hair Care Advantages

When applied to hair, Tamanu oil encourages growth. It promotes stronger, longer, and healthier hair. It effectively addresses hair loss concerns. The oil deeply hydrates hair strands. It brings out hair’s natural sheen. It also makes hair easier to manage. Furthermore, it works to soothe scalp inflammation. It can help eliminate fungal infections on the scalp. This promotes overall scalp health.

Medicinal Applications

Medicinally, Tamanu Carrier Oil is very beneficial. It works to reduce acne and dermatitis. It helps with eczema, psoriasis, and scarring. It soothes ulcers, itchiness, and scaly skin. It can reduce body odor and fungal infections. Rashes, sores, swelling, and sunburn also respond well. It may alleviate sciatica and rosacea symptoms. Foot odor can also be addressed. Shorten with AI

Tamanu oil is also reputed to soothe fissures and chilblains. It can help with rheumatism and shingles. It’s effective for Athlete’s Foot, scrapes, and cuts. It aids in healing sores, boils, insect bites, and stings. Severe burns and neuralgia may find relief. Gout and dermatophytosis of the beard or scalp are also targets. It is ideal for massage oils. These oils address various types of pain.Shorten with AI

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Storage and Precautions for Tamanu Oil

Proper storage is essential to maintain Tamanu oil’s quality. Users should also observe important precautions.

Storage Guidelines

Tamanu oil should be stored at room temperature. It can also be kept hotter. However, extreme heat should always be avoided. Precipitation can occur in cool to cold temperatures. This happens as fatty acids tend to separate out. Consequently, always shake well before use. Keep the oil at room temperature to prevent separation.

Authenticity and Purity

Always look for 100% pure Tamanu oil. Avoid yellow-colored or lightly colored oil. Be wary of claims about special extraction processes. These might explain a lighter color. It’s more likely that the oil has been mixed. It could be blended with cheaper carrier oils, like olive oil. Or it might have undergone chemical deodorization. It could also come from inland or inferior trees. The dark green color is a key indicator of quality.

Important Precautions

Possible skin sensitivity can occur. Always perform a patch test first. Keep Tamanu oil out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid direct contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas. Use with caution and follow guidelines.

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