TAMANU OIL FACT SHEET

Vanuatu is home to the Tamanu tree. The fruit (nuts) are hand gathered from the coastal Tamanu trees, as they are said to yield the highest quality oil. Tamanu Oil is a 100% pure and natural extract from the 'sacred' Tamanu tree, and does not contain any artificial chemicals, additives or preservatives.

Following traditional practices, the nut kernels are hand-cracked and then sun-dried until golden brown. The nut kernels are cold pressed, without heat or chemicals which results in the finest, pure, rich, dark green, luxurious Tamanu oil.

Traditionally the islanders and local healers (klevas) use Tamanu Oil to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin.

It is applied liberally to cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, anal fissures, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, herpes sores, athletes foot, and the reduction of foot and body odour (makes for a fantastic, natural underarm deodorant).

Research shows that Oil of Tamanu contains three basic classes of lipids; neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. The oil also contains a unique fatty acid called calophyllic acid, and a novel antibiotic lactone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent called calophyllolide. These and other components of Tamanu oil, including anti-inflammatory coumarins, account for some of the oil's beneficial activity. Based on the known activity of known constituents, it is clear that oil of Tamanu possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The unique cicatrising properties of Tamanu Oil are not yet explained in existing scientific literature, though this activity is established and accepted. The same is true for Tamanu's anti-neuralgic properties. Tamanu Oil is well documented for its relief of neuritis, but the constituents responsible and their modes of activity are not yet known.

Main Beneficial Uses for Tamanu Oil

• anti-inflammatory
• antibacterial
• assists in formation of new tissue
• scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings
• abrasions, acne and acne scars
• sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema
• reduction of foot odor and body odor
• a wonderfully, natural underarm deodorant
• removal or reduction of unsightly age spots

Tamanu Oil is made from the nut kernels of the Tamanu Tree. While the tree itself does grow inland, it prefers salty, sandy soil, with the result that it tends to grow profusely near the sea. The native Ni Vanuatu people claim that the best Tamanu Oil comes from the trees that grow near coastal areas, rather than from those that grow inland.

The ability of Tamanu Oil to heal the skin surpasses that of most, if not all, modern day skin care products. Scientific studies show that Tamanu Oil is a significant healing agent because of its ability to produce new skin tissue and because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antibiotic and antioxidant properties.

While Tamanu Oil can be used effectively to treat a range of infections including ring worm, athlete’s foot, itching and dermaphytosis of the scalp or beard (due to the presence of Friedelin) and infected wounds and burns (due to the anti-bacterial presence of Canophyllol and the antibiotic presence of lactone), it is its cicatrizing capacity that sets it apart.

Cicatrization is the process involved in the formation of new tissue. Consequently, Tamanu Oil is amazingly effective for the treatment of everything from acne and acne scars, scarring generally, stretch marks, diabetic sores, psoriasis, sunburn, blisters, abrasions, burns, cuts, eczema, herpes sores, insect bites and stings, fissures, dry or scaly skin and my personal favourite – the reduction or complete removal of unsightly age spots.

Tamanu Oil is also a natural deodorant and this is why it is used for the reduction of foot and/or body odour. The natural anti-inflammatory qualities of the oil also produce significant pain-relieving properties (due in part to the presence of Phenyl Coumarin Calophyllolide and various xanthones in the oil). It is this anti-inflammatory quality that is primarily responsible for the reduction of general swelling, rashes, sores, and abrasions.

Sometimes referred to as “Green Gold” or the Sacred Oil of Tamanu, this oil also possesses analgesic properties that help rid the body of pain extremely fast – this is especially so when it comes to conditions such as neuralgia, sciatica, shingles and rheumatism. The combination of the oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities can be particularly beneficial in the case of pulled muscles, ligament damage and sprains.

Tamanu Oil can be applied to the surface of the skin to promote healthy, blemish-free skin. Many Ni Vanuatu women apply use it on babies to prevent nappy rash. It may be applied to treat a variety of skin irritations, including those caused by warts, allergies or skin ulcers. Tamanu Oil has proved successful in the treatment of severe skin conditions, including a gangrenous leg ulcer.

Some of the other skin care benefits of this tropical first aid remedy include the treatment of dermatitis, chemical burns, skin grafts, post surgical wounds, vaginitis, chilblains – just to name a few.

One of the most important features of Tamanu Oil is its ability to penetrate all three layers of the skin – i.e. the Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis. Apart from all its other qualities, this fact goes a long way towards explaining why Tamanu Oil can do what it does.

Not surprisingly, this wonderful oil can even be used to treat animals such as dogs and cats.

How To Use Tamanu Oil

Tamanu Oil is non-greasy and readily absorbed into the skin. As the oil is so effective, a little goes a long way. Our handy Tamanu Oil 12ml Roll On is an ideal applicator. Better still, it’s refillable so once you have the roll-on, you can simply buy our 50ml bottle of Tamanu Oil and refill it.

Simply roll the oil onto the affected area. Initially, it’s a good idea to apply the oil 3-5 times a day and then cut back as the problem begins to heal. This is another reason why our little Roll-On is so handy, as it will easily fit into most purses/handbags or trouser/shirt pockets.

Although we are not aware of any documented reports of adverse effects due to application of Tamanu Oil, care may need to be taken if you are allergic to nuts. The Oil of Tamanu is an all-natural product that is clearly very versatile and effective. It can be applied directly to the skin and is suitable for treating a wide range of skin conditions.

So, get yourself some Tamanu Oil TODAY - To buy it online, simply visit our Tropical First Aid range TODAY!

Also check out our Foot Reviver, After Sun Spray and Nutritive Lip Balm, all with Tamanu Oil,

in our "TROPICAL FIRST AID" Range.