Tamanu Oil

Is It Safe for Your Sensitive Skin?

Tamanu oil is native to Tahiti, but it is slowly making its way across the world because of its incredible healing benefits for the skin and the whole body.   Although it is quite amazing, there are some important cautions you need to be aware of.

The oil comes from the nut of the Tamanu tree, which is found not only in Tahiti, but also in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Polynesian Islands, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, South India, and the Melanesian Islands.

How is Oil of Tamanu Harvested?

The Tamanu tree sports fragrant blooms twice a year. The blooms produce yellow fruit that resemble an apple at first glance, but grow in clusters of 4-5 fruits.

Inside the pulp is a large nut and inside the nut is a punnai, or kernel. It is from this kernel that Tamanu oil is extracted.

Please be aware that you should NOT use Tamanu oil if you are allergic to nuts!

The kernel must dry out in the sun for at least two months so that the oil inside the kernel will gradually emerge from the kernel.

The oil in its most natural form is sticky and dark in color. The oil is then put through a cold press procedure, changing the color of the oil to a greenish-colored oil. Some people think it looks like olive oil.

This amazing oil is a bit expensive because of the time it takes to extract the oil from the kernels and because of the number of kernels it takes to make a significant amount of oil. For example, in order to produce 11 pounds of oil, nearly 220 pounds of nuts must be picked, dried, and processed.

Health Benefits of Tamanu Oil

The oil from the Tamanu tree is becoming more and more popular as people discover its amazing healing properties.

People across the world use it as a healing agent, an anti-inflammatory, and even as a powerful antibiotic. Here are some of the ways Tamanu oil can be used:

  • It penetrates deeply into the skin and acts as a healing agent for burns, scrapes, cuts, abrasions, fissures, sciatica
  • Helps to reduce the pain and swelling from insect bites and stings
  • Can help speed the healing of skin rashes
  • Promotes healing of dry skin and helps with eczema
  • Some people find it eliminates existing acne and prevents further breakouts
  • Can provide pain relief for neuralgia - nerve pain that causes pain when the surface of the skin is touched
  • Can improve the appearance of scars
  • Has been used to treat shingles
  • Even reduces foot and body odor 
  • Can be used as a healing balm by applying to joints to reduce the pain of Arthritis
  • Reduces the appearance of stretch marks following pregnancy
  • Used to heal psoriasis, athlete's foot and fungal infections
  • Reduces general swelling
  • Can be used for diaper rash prevention

Oil of Tamanu for Sensitive Skincare

Will oil of Tamanu work for sensitive skin?  Polynesian women have used it as a natural skincare agent for many years and have had no adverse affects. They have beautiful, blemish-free skin!

Now, that doesn't mean it will work for YOUR sensitive skin, but it certainly is something you may want to consider testing for yourself.

Research conducted so far indicates that Tamanu can be directly applied to the surface of the skin with no dilution needed. It's an excellent potential ingredient for skin care and cosmetics. It helps to make your the skin soft and supple without leaving behind an oily residue.

Many people find that it can be used on sensitive skin with no apparent adverse affects, BUT it is always a good idea to do a patch test when trying anything new on your skin.

Be sure to read the label of the bottle to make sure you're purchasing 100% pure oil of Tamanu and not a watered down version of it. Some brands dilute it with olive oil or other types of oils!

I use Mountain Rose Tamanu oil which is made lovingly and organically, with all of it's full strength and natural healing properties intact.  Plus, it is very affordable which I appreciate.

Drawbacks to Using Tamanu

Tamanu oil should not be used if you are pregnant or lactating.

Some people find the scent is too intense for them, although I find it to be a mild, nutty aroma that is pleasant.

Like any potent natural substance, tamanu may not be right for you.  Some people develop allergic contact dermatitis after using it.

Those people with existing allergies to the Clusiaceae family of plants may have a hypersensitivity reaction to the oil.

Always do a skin test first, by dabbing a little on the inside of your wrist and waiting a few days to see how your body responds.

IMPORTANT Caution!

People allergic to nuts of any kind should never use tamanu! Because tamanu is a nut, it may provoke an allergic reaction. Please consult your doctor or health care practitioner.

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