There are few things more satisfying than being able to help a client with a particularly difficult skin condition.
Calophyllum inophyllum, also known as Tamanu, 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: Calophyllum is an ‘aromatic carrier oil’, which contains valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipoproteins. It is not something you would use in a ‘general well-being / 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 Calophyllum is cold pressed.)
Calophyllum inophyllum 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.
Here’s some feedback: ‘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