Tamanu oil

Tamanu oil is an extract obtained from the kernel of the fruit of the tamanu tree, scientifically called the Calophyllum inophyllum. This plant is native to the Southeast Asia, and other tropical regions such as Polynesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. 

The large nut kernel of the fruit of this plant offers a rich natural source of several bioactive compounds that could provide relief from a range of disorders. This oil has been traditionally used in the Southeast Asian countries for its multiple health benefits that could be attributed to the high levels of essential fatty acids present in it. The health benefits of tamanu oil and its nutritional content are discussed beneath. 

Nutritional Value Of Tamanu Oil 

Tamanu oil provides a natural source of several essential nutrients. It is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acids. The other medicinal compounds present in this oil include terpenes, lipids, benzoic acid, and antioxidants. It also contains a number of bioactive compounds including friedelin, canipyllic acid, and canophylol.

Health benefits of Tamanu oil

Skin disorders

Tamanu Oil is widely used for the management of skin disorders such as dermatitis, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It is ideal for soothing the rashes and irritated patches on the skin caused due to these disorders. 

Phenolic and polyphenolic compounds present in Tamanu oil produce a cooling, and anti-inflammatory effect thus soothing the skin symptoms. This oil also produces an antibacterial effect and prevents infections at the affected site. 

This benefit is of high importance for the patients who suffer from chronic skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. Itching caused due to these diseases can increase their risk of abrasions and infections. Tamanu oil can prevent worsening of these disorders by relieving itching and protecting the affected parts against harmful organisms. 

Additionally, it also helps to prevent excessive dryness of the skin, which is a characteristic feature of psoriasis and eczema. Gentle massage of the skin with a small quantity of Tamanu oil keeps it well-nourished and hydrated. This helps to prevent the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis such as itching, oozing of discharge and scaling and also makes the skin soft and supple. 

Tamanu Oil helps to treat acne by controlling the oil production by the sebaceous glands in the skin. An excess production of sebum, an oily substance, by the sebaceous glands is a common cause of acne. Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental pollutants, which damage the skin and make it appear dull. Sebum is necessary to protect the skin from these pollutants. However, a very high production of the same can cause acne. 

The excess sebum can get accumulated on the skin surface and even block the ducts of the sebaceous glands causing acne breakouts. Tamanu Oil offers an effective natural solution to this problem. The fatty acids in this oil absorb the excess sebum from the skin surface and prevent the clogging of the skin pores. It makes the skin soft and smooth and clears acne. 

Hair fall 

Tamanu oil can be used to manage hair loss. It moisturizes the scalp and prevents hair fall and breakage caused due to dryness. It also nourishes the hair roots and promote hair growth. Gentle massage of the scalp with Tamanu oil helps in the penetration of fatty acids present in it into the scalp and hair strands. This action promotes the repair of the shafts and makes the hair strands stronger and more resistance to breakage. 

Tamanu oil also provides a rich source of fatty acids such as linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acids that help to nourish the scalp and prevent hair loss. 

Boosts immune system

A regular use of Tamanu Oil can improve the functions of the immune system and reduce the risk of infections and allergic disorders. Xalophyllolide and inophyllum present in this oil, in addition to the complex polyphenols, can promote the ability of the defense cells of the immune system to attack and destroy the harmful pathogens. This can help in the prevention of infective diseases. 

It also possesses antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties that support the immune boosting potential of Tamanu Oil and protects against infective organisms. 

Prevents premature aging

The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in Tamanu oil produce an antioxidant effect. This property of Tamanu oil is beneficial for fighting the signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. It can neutralize the harmful free radicals and protect the skin against premature aging. 

It can destroy the free radicals that can otherwise damage or weaken the skin elasticity and contribute to blemishes and wrinkles. Tamanu oil also improves the ability of the skin cells to regenerate thus keeping the skin healthy and youthful.

The risk of skin cancer in aging men and women can also be prevented by using Tamanu oil. It can be consumed orally or applied locally on the sun-exposed parts of the skin. It protects the skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun and prevents the mutations of the healthy cells. This helps to reduce the risk of chronic skin diseases such as cancer.

Speeds up healing

Application of Tamanu oil over the ulcers or wounds can hasten the healing of the affected parts. Friedelin, and canophylol present in it prevent the inflammatory processes by stimulating the down-regulation of the cytokines. This helps to control swelling, and redness of the affected parts and ensures faster healing of the wounds or ulcers.

Relieves joint pain

You can consume Tamanu oil orally or apply it on the joints to obtain relief from the pain caused due to arthritis. It can improve the joint mobility by promoting the synthesis of collagen and preventing degeneration of the joint tissues. 

The anti-inflammatory action produced by terpenes, lipids, and benzoic acid present in this oil can protect the joints against damage and reduce pain. The local application of this oil can also minimize the wear and tear of the joints by improving the lubrication between the ends of the bones. This can prevent the worsening of joint disorders. 

What are the side effects of Tamanu oil?

Though Tamanu oil is safe to use, and not known to cause serious side effects; some patients may develop mild skin irritation and itching after applying it on the skin. These side effects are common in the patients who are allergic to this oil. 

Hence, it is advisable to apply a small quality of the oil on a healthy part of the skin and wait for at least 15 minutes to rule out allergy. In case, you develop itching or redness of the part, wash the part with plain water. These symptoms indicate an allergic reaction. Avoid using the oil orally as well as topically in case of allergy. 

How to use Tamanu oil?

Tamanu oil can be applied on the skin directly to obtain relief from the symptoms of skin and joint diseases. It is readily absorbed through the skin and penetrate deeper. It can also be rubbed gently on the affected part to derive faster relief from rashes, itching, and irritation. 

Patients suffering from immunological disorders, cancer, or arthritis can consume one tablespoon of Tamanu Oil orally once a day.