Tamanu Oil 琼崖海棠油

Cold-Pressed Tamanu Oil (Dark)

Botanical Name:  Calophyllum inophyllum

Tamanu oil is a rich and thick oil expressed from the nuts of its evergreen tree that grows along the seashores and islands of the Indian and Pacific oceans. In French Polynesia, the bark, leaves and fruits of the tamanu tree are still used in traditional medicine.

The oil has been traditionally used for topical applications, especially for skin complaints such as burns, eczema, acne, psoriasis, skin cracks, diabetic sores, hemorrhoid and dry skin. Due to its calming and relieving pain effects, the oil is used in massages, for rheumatism and sciatica soothing, and also highly appreciated for wound healing and analgesic properties.

The biological activities of the oil are:

Anti-oxidant and UV protection

Tamanu oil appeared to protect cells against oxidative stress and DNA damage (85% of the DNA damage induced by UV radiations were inhibited with 1% Calophyllum oil) in a 2006 study.

Even at low concentration, Tamanu oil exhibited significant UV absorption properties (maximum at 300nm) and was associated with an important sun protection factor (18-22) in opthalmic preparations [Link to study here]

Anti-Microbial and Wound Healing

• Staphylococcus aureus - involved in skin infections and is notorious for its ability to become resistant to anti-biotics
• Bacillus cereus associated to wound infections in postsurgical patients 
• Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus responsible for catheter associated infections

Anti-inflammatory and Scar Healing

The xantone compounds in Tamanu oil have been credited for its anti-inflammatory activity and ability to reduce swelling and irritation with topical application.

Tamanu oil has also been studied for its regenerative ability not only to close wounds but also to improve healing of scars. From a study conducted in 2002, participants applied a product containing Tamanu oil to aged scars twice daily for nine weeks and saw improvement, so even older scars can benefit from Tamanu oil regenerative properties. [Read about it here and here]

Suggested usage: 5 -25% in a blend

Packaging: 100ml oils are sold in dark amber glass bottles with droppers. All other carrier oils in 500ml, 1L and 5L will be packed and delivered in plastic HDPE bottles.

Please read the disclaimer before purchasing our products. Also please note that oils are less dense than water. Hence, depending on the type of oil purchased, a 1L bottle of oil will typically weigh between 870g - 930g and not 1kg.