Tamanù oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the cold pressing of the dried fruit of the Calophyllum inophyllum tree.
The tamanù is used in all its parts, husk, leaves, and wood, but it is the oil obtained from the fruit that has important antibacterial, anti-horobic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being antineuralgic and antioxidant.
Used to fight free radicals and skin disorders, tamanù oil is also useful in cases of sciatica, muscle pain and rheumatism
Known since ancient times by the peoples of Polynesia, tamanù oil becomes a precious ally for many occasions: natural healing, powerful anti-aging for the skin, emollient and not only, let’s find out!
Tamanù oil is a vegetable oil that comes from a tree native to tropical Asia, known in botany as Calophyllum Inophyllum; it has an emerald green color and aromatic scent is widespread in Polynesia, where it is also known by the name Atì, in southern India and sri Lanka.
In Europe it entered under the name of “domba oil” and was used to relieve rheumatism and scabies.
The tree is considered so precious that it is even sacred for certain populations, as it protects from wind, sun and humidity and more.
It reaches up to 3 meters in height, the leaves are green and shiny, while the bark of a beautiful dark brown. The fruit grows in clusters and has the shape of a green ball; the flower is small and white.
From the dried fruit an almond is obtained that is cold pressed to obtain the famous oil.
From the annual production of one tree, about 100 kg will extract no more than 5 kg of oil, and this also justifies the rather high cost.
It is hardly found in stores, while it is more easily available on the Internet.
As we will see, nothing is thrown away from the tamanù: the husk, the leaves and the wood are also used for other purposes.
Properties of tamanù oil
The properties of tamanù oil are many: they range from antibacterial, anti-horobic and anti-inflammatory, to antineuralgic and antioxidant.
In most of the Pacific islands the oil is in fact used on scratches, burns, cuts, insect bites, acne and scars of various origins, psoriasis, diabetic ulcers, dry and scaly skin, dandruff, blisters and eczema.
Uses of Tamanù Oil
Moisturizing and natural antioxidant, tamanù oil acts against the negative action of free radicals; it is soothing, emollient and curative in case of various skin disorders (acne, dermatitis, herpes), wounds or abrasions, burns or insect bites; finally, it cures couperose and circulatory disorders.
It also has excellent effects in the prevention of wrinkles and stretch marks, since it gives elasticity and deeply nourishes the dermis. It can also be used as a massage oil.
In addition, it is useful in cases of sciatica, muscle pain and rheumatism, therefore as an anti-inflammatory.
Its aroma is very similar to that of olive oil, and can be used pure or combined with other vegetable oils or butters, such as sunflower oil, and applied morning and evening by massaging the area to be treated.
Since it is a particularly acidic oil, dilution is especially recommended for the most delicate skin.
Tamanù oil in other uses
Its wood was used for the manufacture of Polynesian idols called “tiki“. In Indonesia, the leaves are also used: immersed in water and left to macerate for a while, they are then used to treat inflammation of the eyes.
In other cases, the leaves are boiled, and the solution obtained is used for washing rashes.
In Papua New Guinea, the Tamanù husk is left on the fire until it softens and then applied to skin ulcers, lesions, cuts and pimples.
Recently, methyl esters of tamanù oil fatty acids have also been used in the biodiesel fuel industry.
