Quick Tips ~ Tamanu Oil

Properties to heal and restore naturally

There is so much to share about his little but incredible fruit. I hope you have a pencil and notebook ready!!

Although gaining greater popularity in the Western world a couple years ago thanks to one of Dr. Oz's shows, Tamanu oil (or Kamani oil) is a traditional salve and remedy in Southeast Asia and Polynesia. The tree grows rather freely along the sandy beaches in many of the countries in those regions. Tamanu oil is extracted via coldpress method from the nut of the Tamanu Tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) and the liquid itself is greenish-yellow in colour, very similar to olive oil. Its lovely white blossoms are known for giving off a sweet aroma!

The Tamanu Tree showing some ripened fruit (yellow)

Interesting info on Tamanu oil 

• It's high in Oleic and Linoleic fatty acids
• Oleic fatty acids repair damaged skin cells and tissue, reduces the inflammation of joints
• Studies show that Linoleic acids form a healthy skin barrier to protect against toxins, bacteria, germs and the like. The acids also become engaged in the fight against acne and dermatitis and act as an anti-inflammatory. They soothe the itchy, scaly areas of skin
• This oil fosters skin and cell regeneration after bruises and burns
• It also nourishes and moisturizes dry skin
• It's analgesic properties mean it is able to help in easing arthritic pains, ligament damage
• Can also be used on cats and dogs

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What is Tamanu oil used for?

With the facts above outlining some of the oil's properties, it should be easier to understand why Tamanu oil works the way it does. Traditionally, Kamani oil is known to soothe and heal (among other things):

• neuralgia, shingles, joint pains and arthritis, rheumatism, gout, ringworms

In present day, it is used to treat such conditions as:

• acne, eczema, psoriasis, age spots
• reduces swelling
• cuts, bruises and severe burns
• rashes including diaper rashes on babies and infants
• insect bites

Tamanu oil is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin as it penetrates all three of its layers. It is advised to first test the oil on a small area of skin before applying to larger areas. In addition, try to use 100% pure Tamanu oil when treating skin conditions like age spots.

With the new knowledge acquired about this incredible gift from nature, be sure to check the ingredients of your skin care products to see if you are benefiting from Tamanu oil. It surely is one oil worth having in the medicine cabinet or your home's first aid kit.

Looking forward to reading your feedback!!

Resources

California Academy of Health

Mega Care Grape seed oil and important information about Grape seed oil

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This is not a review :) Would not even call it a mini-haul.

I found out about this line of hair oils from Dionne (she has been featured before on this blog and contributes photos from time to time). She bought them when she traveled to the US last December. I have to say thank you to her for sending me in the right direction.

The Mega Care line of oils is also sold here in Barbados at BeCool Hair Supplies on Swan Street. It is located on lower Swan Street, opposite Abed's. They had just 3 varieties of oil in stock: Tea Tree, Carrot and Grape seed. Each is 1.5 Fl. Oz for BDS$7.99. Maybe they are sold somewhere else at a slightly more affordable price, and, with the complete range of oils.

Mega Care's Grape seed oil is not 100% Grape seed oil. It also contains:

Grape seed oil, Wheatgerm oil, Sweet Almond oil, Sunflower oil, Castor oil, Olive oil, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), fragrance. So your hair and scalp receives plenty goodness from this one tube of oil.

I bought the Grape seed oil as I had been doing some reading on its properties. Tea Tree oil is just too harsh on my scalp so it made no sense buying that.

I know that Dionne had others from the range and she mixed to make her own concoction.

If you don't know about the goodness of Grape seed oil, here are some general important things to keep in mind when trying to decide which oils might be best on your hair and skin:

• Grape seed oil is made via the cold-press method
• It is a lightweight, colourless and odorless oil. Being lightweight, it is quickly absorbed in the hair shaft, scalp and skin
• Is rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants. Is an excellent source of Linoleic Acid. Linoleic Acid is an essential fatty acid. A serious deficiency in LA can lead to dry, poorly looking skin; hair issues, and slowly healing cuts and wounds
• Promotes hair growth, nourishes and strengthens hair
• Many cosmetic and personal care companies use Grape seed oil in the production of facial and body moisturizers, massage oils, hair moisturizers, and even in sunblock products 
• Also used in cooking, as a salad dressing or marinade
• Studies suggest a link between the oil's properties and it's benefits in treating acne, dry and itchy skin, chapped lips, wrinkled skin/aging, dandruff, hair loss, stretch marks and varicose veins, just to name a few
• Grape seed oil and extract are to be found in capsule form, too. But, they must be used consistently over a period time
• To treat acne or dermatitis, try applying Grape seed oil to the affected area(s) at 2-3 times daily
• Biochemical research has shown that Grape seed oil is high in flavanoids which remove free radicals and promote the restoration of collagen. This helps skin to feel firm and minimize the appearance of tissue damage
• Use Grape seed oil as a hot oil treatment. As a carrier oil, you can also add a few drops of essential oils when warming the Grape seed oil. Grape seed oil (on its own) as a hot oil treatment is said to heal split ends and make hair shiny

There is quite a bit of information on Grape seed oil. I am so happy that you chose this one to use and share!

I would definitely advise you to put Grape seed oil on your shopping list. It is just packed with so many properties that can do a body good!

Although the Mega Care brand does mix its Grape seed oil with other essential oils, I am still very open to trying 100% pure Grape seed oil. But so far, I am liking how it feels. It is indeed very light. It's only been two days since I started, so I have a ways to go before I can do a comprehensive post/review.

By the way, have you ever tried the Mega Care brand range of oils?

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Which one is your favourite?