VANUATU TAMANU OIL – A SOUTH PACIFIC “WIN” FOR “SKIN”
World wide, ancient cultures have discovered natural remedies from the materials available to them. The Melanesian people of Vanuatu are no different. Since Vanuatu’s earliest days, the oil extracted from the nut of the sacred Tamanu tree (known scientifically as Calophyllum Inophyllum) has been used for its wonderful curative and regenerative properties of the skin.
The Tamanu Nut Tree
The Tamanu nut, from which oil of Tamanu Oil is made, can only be harvested twice per year.
Once the nut is harvested, it must be left to cure for 6 to 8 weeks. After this process has been successfully
completed, the oil can be extracted through cold pressing.
Its extraordinary properties have resulted in it being called “Green Gold” of the “Sacred Oil Of Tamanu”.
This sacred oil has a rich and long history, but earlier in 1918, French Pharmacopoeia found the oil so powerful in its curative properties that they conducted research and clinical testing topically, orally, and by injection.
Tamanu Oil
In 1928, Sister Marie-Suzanne, a missionary of the the Society of Mary, tested Tamanu’s medicinal properties. She used it effectively to treat leprosy and discovered in 1934 that it had analgesic (a substance that relieves pain) along with sedative properties.
More recent studies prove the medicinal and cosmetic value of pure Tamanu oil. For example:-
- Sc Glucan in Tamanu Oil provides natural UV protection. Sc Glucan protects against UV-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress as a new biological UV filter with a SPF18-22 in ophthalmic This natural UV filter, inhibit 85% of the DNA damage and oxidative stress induced by UV radiation at 1% concentration in opthalmic preparations (Eur J Pharm. Sci 2007 Mar;30(3-4):203-10. Epub 2006 Nov 9).
- Calophyllum Inophyllum oil, even at low concentration (1/10,000, v/v), exhibited significant UV absorption properties (maximum at 300nm) and was associated with an important sun protection factor (18-22) in opthalmic preparations (Eur J Pharm. Sci 2007 Mar;30(3-4):203-10. Epub 2006 Nov 9).
Below are examples of more studies on other Tamanu Oil benefits:
- Soothing and protective effect on the skin (sunburn, inflammation, skin redness, insect bites) – EVIC-CEBA laboratory study June 2000 – Ih268/01.
- Regenerating effect on the epidermis cells, wound healing (burns, cuts, cracks, scars…) Microna laboratory feb. 2003 – N°03/0607i
- Improves the appearance of aged scars (1 year or older) Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists Annual Congress, Hamilton Island 2003
- anti acne, anti septic (Phytochemistry. 2004 Oct; 65(20) :2789-95)
- anti inflammatory (ABICH 2005 – REL/ 244/05/ FUNZ /ELB)
(f) anti viral (Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 1998 Dec 15;8(24): 3475-8) & (Med Res Rev. 2000 Sep;20(5):323-49)
- antibiotic, anti-coagulative, fungal inhibitor (Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2004 Apr;39(4):305-8) and antibacterial effects (Microna laboratory 2002 – °02/4500i) & (Indian J Exp Biol. 1970 Jan;8(1):39-40)
- cancer chemopreventive agents (anti-tumor-promoting agents). Cancer 2001 Aug 10;169(1):15-9
- moisturising, nourishing and repairing (epidermal cells) effect on the skin (dry and damaged skin, wrinkles, anti ageing…) Microna laboratory 2003 – N°03/0607i
- increases microcirculation (heavy legs, bruising…)
Dermscan – april 2007 – study N°07D0458
- body hygiene (body odors, infections, skin rashes, dermatitis, psoriasis…) 2004 Oct;65(20):2789-95
- hypoallergenic (non irritant, non sensitizing). Dermscan April 2007- study DN-730/07EO398
- a naturally occurring anti HIV agent (Pharm. , vol 37, n 1, pp71-76)
As recently as May 2013 the Pacific Oceans Island Centre in Osaka, Japan, has been looking at the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of Tamanu Oil.
Vanuatu Tamanu Oil is exempt of the 26 allergen substances listed
in 2003/15/CE European directive.
Using the ancient ancestral traditions and harvesting wisdom of the Melanesians, Volcanic Earth used modern technology and created a cold pressed process for extracting Tamanu Oil.
This allows us to use the oil without having any chemical additives in it.
More Benefits Of Tamanu Oil
The Oil of tamanu has numerous benefits and applications. The ability of this Melanesian remedy to heal the skin surpasses that of many other remedies, including modern day medicines.
Essentially, Tamanu Oil has remarkable regenerative and curative properties. Plus, the oil has a wide spectrum of uses and benefits.
Therefore, the oil may be applied to just about any skin problem, but here are some more specific uses.
Below are just some of the many and amazing benefits of this ancient remedy:-
Lick granulomas, hot spots, skin irritations caused by allergies, cuts, sores, burns of diverse origin, wounds, chemical burns, dermatitis, insect bites, toenail fungus, bruises, abrasions, warts (including
water warts), razor or clipper burns; welts, poison ivy, eczema, sunburn, excessive scratching, chewing or licking; in areas of loss of hair, ulcerated skin lesions, fissures, ulcers, skin grafts, post surgical wounds, chapped skin; scabs, breast cracks, chilblains, vaginitis, scars, acne, psoriasis, herpes sores, diabetic sores, preventing skin eruptions, blisters, radiodermatitis (ulcerations due to X-rays), tissue and skin regeneration, calming the pain of wounds (although when used for this purpose it may cause a slight
itch).
Tamanu oil is also a widely used traditional topical aid to reduce and/or prevent rashes (including nappy rash), foot and body odor.
Why Tamanu Oil Works?
One of the many possible reasons for such incredible results is the fact that the Tamanu oil can reach all three layers of the skin:
epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
Along with the above mentioned benefits, Tamanu Oil has been used as a natural antibiotic. In 1953, Professor Ledener isolated something called lactone in the oil of Tamanu. This is the source of this natural antibiotic property.
Another component in the oil of Tamanu is Calophyllic Acid. This acid is said to be the source of the oil’s ability to heal scars. Some people have noticed significant healing of wounds in as little as five
or six applications. The Calophyllic Acid helps to regenerate skin.
Pain in the hips, buttocks, lower back, back of the thighs, and adjacent parts is referred to as sciatica. This pain or discomfort is said to be helped by the oil of Tamanu. Neuritis and rheumantism are also said to be aided by this oil.
Since this Vanuatu remedy has been used for centuries by the Melanesians for helping heal sunburns and to help heal wounds, you will probably find the oil very helpful in the healing process of post surgical wounds. After surgeries such as a neuter, biopsy or any other instance where stitches are present, the use of Tamanu Oil can help heal the wound.
Other uses of the oil include being used as a natural antiinflammatory when applied topically. In addition, its analgesic properties helps get rid of pain incredibly fast. This antiinflammatory/
analgesic combination may prove beneficial in cases where a dog or cat has pulled a muscle, ligament or has managed to sprain an ankle or other part of its body.
With all of its wonderful and complimentary benefits and the oil’s ancient history, it’s easy to understand why this South Pacific powerhouse is the preferred choice of Melanesians all throughout Vanuatu.
Tamanu Oil Cicatrization
Tamanu oil applied to wounds possesses the capacity to promote the formation of new tissue thereby acceleration healing and the growth of healthy skin. This process of forming new tissue is known
as cicatrization.
Tamanu Oil For Scars
In an assessment of treatment of aged scars, Tamanu oil was shown to improve the appearance of scars from both qualitative(Mean Visual score) and quantitative(reduction in scar length and width) perspectives [See Dweck and Meadows, Personal Care, January 2003]
Anti-inflamatory
This activity is due partly to the 4 phenylcoumarin calophyllolide and to a group of xanthones in the oil – these include dehydrocycloguanandin, calophyllin-B, jacareubin, mesuazanthone-A, mesuazanthone-B and euxanthone. All the xanthones in Tamanu Oil show anti-inflamatory activity, which explains reductions of rashes, sores, swelling and abrasions with topical application fo the oil.
Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
Tamanu oil demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity, as demonstrated in antibacterial and antifungal test. This oil contains several powerful bactericide/fungicide agents, which demonstrate
efficacy against various human and animal pathogens. These antimicrobial phytochemical agents include; friedelin, canophyllol, canophyllic acid and inophynone.
SPF 30 Sunscreen
Waterproof Sun Protection Factor 30 (protects against UVa
and UVb)
Antioxidant – Anti-Aging
Xanthones and coumarins in Tamanu oil demonstrate antioxidant properties, specifically inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Cell membranes are made of lipids. The antioxidant activity of Tamanu oil helps to protect skin cells from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other oxidative antagonist.
Anti-Aging Facial Care Range With Virgin Coconut Oil And Certified Organic Tamanu Oil
Highly effective barrier action
Protects against sunburn and premature skin aging
Shields tattoos from UV damage
Assists in healing and soothing of sun-damaged skin
Antioxidant – Anti-Aging
Xanthones and coumarins in Tamanu oil demonstrate antioxidant properties, specifically inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Cell membranes are made of lipids. The antioxidant activity of Tamanu oil helps to
protect skin cells from damage by reactive oxygen species(ROS)and other oxidative antagonist.
Anti-Aging Facial Care Range With Virgin Coconut Oil And Certified Organic Tamanu Oil
Tamanu Oil Aroma
Pure Tamanu Oil has a strong, almost medicinal-type smell that for some people is a little too strong. However, the good news is that it can used as a powerful skin care ingredient as evident in Volcanic
Earth’s Facial Care Range above.
Another example is a product called Tamanu Butter. It can be used for a wide range of skin conditions instead of using straight Tamanu Oil. This product also lacks the strong aroma that some people find
a bit much.
Tamanu Butter
A product manufactured by Volcanic Earth in Vanuatu.
Contains 60% pure organic Tamanu Oil, pure Virgin Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter
Highly effective as with pure Tamanu Oil
Advanced formula enhances skin moisturization
Non-irritating fragrance
Tamanu Oil And Animals
Although originally used for the benefit of humans, Tamanu Oil also works for the benefit of horses, dogs and cats. It is especially beneficial when an itch arises behind the ears, on areas of the face,
the neck, the chest, the stomach, the feet or paws, and around the base of the tail. These are all areas where allergies tend to create the most disturbance.
The aroma of the oil will not bother them. However, as Tamanu Oil is not designed to be taken orally, it is important to use it sparingly on dogs, cats and any other animals that likes to lick themselves clean.
Of course, since each pet is different, this degree of success may vary.
At first, it may be necessary to apply the oil a few times a day and then reduce the number of applications as the problem begins to heal. Since the oil is so effective, a little goes a long way. Just apply
it directly onto the affected area – once applied, massage in.
READ MORE ABOUT TAMANU OIL BENEFITS FOR AGING SKIN, STRETCH MARKS, RASHES AND BURNS
