Tamanu Oil Healing Power
Tamanu oil possesses a unique capacity to promote the formation of new tissue,thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin.This process is known as cicatrization.For this reason,it is a widely used traditional topical aid.InPacific island folk medicine,tamanu oil 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,and to reduce foot and body odor.Tamanu oil is also massaged into the skin to relieve neuralgia,rheumatism and sciatica.Tamanu oil is employed by Polynesian women for promoting healthy,clear,blemish-free skin,and is also used on babies too.Traditionally oil of tamanu has enjoyed topical use in Fiji for relieving the pain of sciatica,shingles,neuralgia,rheumatism and leprous neuritis,for which it is effective.In 1918,researchers associated with the French Pharmacopoeia began research into tamanu for topical and subcutaneous use.The French researchers quickly became impressed by tamanu's cicatrizing properties.In the French medical literature on tamanu oil,several instances of its successful use in cases of severe skin conditions have been reported.In one remarkable instance,a woman was admitted to the St. Louis Hospital in Paris with a large gangrenous ulcer on her leg which would not heal.Though doctors were sure that amputation was inevitable,she was given regular dressings of tamanu oil.The wound healed completely,leaving a smooth,flat scar.In other cases,tamanu oil has been employed successfully to heal severe burns caused by boiling water,chemicals and X-rays.
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Product Applications
Oil of
Tamanu is suitable for general skin and cosmetic purposes.The oil's
unusual absorption,its mild and pleasant aroma,and its luxurious feel
make it ideal for use in lotions,creams,ointments and other cosmetic
products.Considering that Tamanu is a potent healing agent with proven
benefits,it is only a matter of time before Tamanu breaks through to
more widespread use,and assumes a position among other successful
topical and cosmetic ingredients.
Novel Constituents in Tamanu Oil
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
cicatrizing 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.
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