The journey into the world of healing plants and their oils is one of constant delight with new discoveries all the time. But sometimes one comes across one that just stands out, and you want to tell everyone about it.
Calophyllum inophyllum, with the common name of Tamanu and also Foraha, is one of those. It is an oil that you should certainly have in your armoury, as it can sometimes produce almost magical results. It is worth considering for psoriasis, most types of eczema, and shingles. It is pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and seems generally to help repair skin tissue. Use it in conjunction with rose hip seed oil (rosa rubiginosa) for scar tissue. (Naturally do a patch test if there is any uncertainty.)
Aroma and physical properties: Tamanu is not an essential oil but an ‘aromatic carrier oil’, which contains valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipoproteins. It is not something you would use in a general relaxing massage blend, as its aroma is distinct: strong, slightly smoky. This is certainly not unpleasant, having a real ‘yes-I-can-imagine-this-is-doing-me-a-lot-of-good’ -type quality. It has a darkish blue-green colour and will be quite thick at room temperature, so you may need to warm it to induce it out of the bottle. (If you have got some that is very runny, it is probably a solvent extraction and therefore not really recommended. Oshadhi’s Tamanu is cold pressed.)
The plant: Tamanu is a small tree that grows around the Indian Ocean, especially Madagascar. Around December, the walnut-sized nuts fall from the trees and are collected by the locals, who usually sell them on to the medicine men. The nuts are shelled and then cold-pressed to yield the oil. The oil has been appreciated by the indigenous people for generations as a panacea for all kinds of skin and hair problems. it also contributes to our immune system, helping the body to purify itself and to eliminate toxins. The oil is also recommended for blisters, itching, rashes, scabies and all kinds of skin infections.
‘I have been using Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu) on a client with old scar tissue and it is definitely making a marked improved to the colouration and texture of the skin. I am so impressed with this product that I have placed a further order today.‘ — K.T., Cumbria, UK
‘Just to let you know how effective the 1:1:1 blend of jojoba, tamanu and rosehip oils were in treating a recent skin burn.‘ — L.M., Bristol
‘For about 4 years I had a deteriorating complexion on my face which was finally diagnosed. I decided to take the course of antibiotics that my doctor prescribed and it cleared up within weeks. However, this was not a permanent solution to the problem. Shortly after this a friend of mine recommended trying Tamanu Oil, he was saying that it had cured his skin problems and I should give it a go. He gave me the last of a bottle that he had so I could try it before purchasing. As soon as I applied it I could feel something happening to my skin and within about 2 weeks of using it I was noticing big differences, I bought a new bottle from Oshadhi and continued applying it and my skin felt better and better. It was not only visually better but the feeling & texture on my skin was amazing. My skin now feels great with minimal irritation. If you suffer from any skin condition I would fully trying this widely unknown product which is 100% natural.‘ — J.H., Brighton
‘Twenty four hours ago I was recommended that I try this amazing healing oil Tamanu (Calopyllum inophyllum). I have very sensitive skin which flares up every so often (yesterday being one of those days). The skin on my hands & lower forearms was looking & feeling very sore, tight, dry, itching, with red flaky & weeping patches. I have applied the oil to whole area throughout the day every time I was aware that is was sore itchy or tight & after washing hands also a few drops in bath. Today the result is amazing: no itching, not so sensitive, not so angry-looking, not so dry or weeping, & not feeling so sore. The skin looks & feels much healthier. Many thanks for introducing me to this amazing healing oil!’ — C.O., Cambridge