The secrets of Tamanu oil

Less well-known than monoi, Tamanu oil is also a miracle product from Polynesia. A remedy once used by Polynesians, it is now highly prized by the cosmetics industry.

What is Tamanu oil?

L'tamanu oil has many nicknames, but the most widespread are "the sacred oil", "the oil of a thousand virtues" and "the green gold of the Pacific". Now that we've set the scene, let's find out what this mysterious oil really is..

Tamanu oil has been used for thousands of years in traditional Polynesian medicine. Like monoi oil, it was very useful to Polynesians. It is a fairly thick vegetable oil extracted from the fruit of the Calophyllum Inophyllum plant, also known as Tamanu or Ati by the locals.

Tamanu oil's green color ranges from light to dark, and its nutty scent is intoxicating. This precious elixir is not edible, but its healing properties make it a product of choice for Tahu (traditional doctors). Like monoi, Tamanu oil solidifies below 25°C.

Beliefs about Tamanu oil and its place in modern civilization

Tamanu was considered mystical and sacred, endowed with many powers for the Polynesians. This tree can grow up to 20 meters tall. Its wood was used exclusively to make religious objects. According to Polynesian beliefs, it was said that the gods took naps under Tamanu trees. But all these myths came to an end with the arrival of Christianity in the archipelago.

Since then, the entire tree has been used for the daily needs of the local people. The solid wood is used to build pirogues and make a variety of objects. Women use the leaves to concoct beauty elixirs, and the fruit is used to make the famous Tamanu oil. Tamanu oil is produced almost exclusively in French Polynesia.

Tamanu grew wild. There were entire forests on the various islands of the archipelago. But for some years now, it has been necessary to cultivate it on specific plantations. Indeed, with the loss of its sacred status and the growing demand for Tamanu oil, it is becoming increasingly rare.

How is tamanu oil made?

To make Tamanu oil, you first have to pick the fruit from the tree. This is a family activity. The pickers then sell the harvested fruit to make ends meet. Next, the fruit is opened to collect the kernels. The kernels are then left to dry naturally in the sun for 4 to 8 weeks. This stage is necessary for oil production. The almonds lose their water and transform it into lipids.

They are then cold-pressed to collect the oil. The oil is then filtered to remove impurities. After this stage, natural tocopherol is added to stabilize the collected green gold and give birth to virgin Tamanu oil. There are no other additives, no colorants and no additional fragrances. Tamanu oil is therefore natural and vegan.

What are the benefits of Tamanu oil?

Centuries ago, Tamanu oil was a highly prized remedy among Polynesian Tahu. They used it in the form of Raau Tahiti, a traditional medicinal concoction. The leaves cured skin diseases and eye problems. As for the flowers, they were also gathered by Tahitian mamas to make monoi, when tiare flowers were reserved for the nobility or became rarer.

According to the Tahu, the bark also had the ability to relieve ulcers. As for the juice of the Tamanu fruit, it was effective against headaches and hemorrhoids. Almonds also had the power to help heal various wounds.

Then, the use of Tamanu for medicinal purposes all but disappeared. It was used again in the 1930s to treat leprosy. Then, in 1948, Dr. Jeanson reintroduced its use in Western medicine. He used it to treat various wounds.

Following this Western "discovery", Tamanu oil was the subject of numerous studies to determine its true virtues. As it turned out, after several tests, Professor Jacques Chevalier was able to confirm that it accelerated the healing of wounds, as well as pressure sores, burns, gangrene, grafts, etc.

The 2000s saw a major advance in the study of Tamanu oil, with researchers discovering that it contains coumarins inophyllum B and P, two molecules effective in the fight against HIV. Tamanu oil is also used in a number of cosmetic products (soaps, make-up, after-sun care, etc.).

Today, we can affirm that it has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and protective properties. It can also relieve tendonitis and is effective against acne. It can be used pure or diluted with another vegetable oil. But beware: given the success of Tamanu oil, counterfeit products are circulating on the market. Rely on the "Tamanu Original" label to be sure you're buying pure oil produced in Tahiti.

What form should Tamanu be used in?

Although it is mainly used in its natural oil form, Pacific Green Gold can also be used as a balm or soap. The balsam is made from the oil, to which a little wax is added to obtain a more solid texture. Tamanu balm is therefore less concentrated in active ingredients than the oil itself. But it has the advantage of being more practical. Gone is the fear of spilling everything. In fact, it's easier to carry and handle.

Balm is preferable for use on compresses, on children and on very sensitive skin. This is because it is less concentrated and therefore less powerful than oil. For massages, on the other hand, you need to opt for oil, which can be used pure or diluted.

Also made from oil, Tamanu soap is suitable for problem skin, as well as sensitive and reactive skin. But unlike oil and balm, which are skincare products designed for a specific application, soap is an everyday product. It's important to note that, even though they have different dosages, these three products are all effective.

Recommendations for use and precautions

The first thing you need to know is that Tahitian sacred oil is not edible. You should therefore avoid ingesting it, and keep it out of the reach of children. It's also essential to check its origin. Tamanu oil made in Tahiti should be preferred.

What's more, you need to be careful about dosage. Oils can be pure, diluted or mixed with other products. Before use, it's essential to test with a small drop in the crease of the elbow to see how well your skin can absorb it, and to avoid any irritation.

In case of treatment, it is often recommended to use this pure Tahitian elixir as a local application for about 2 weeks. For further treatment, it should be diluted by half with another vegetable oil.

Tamanu oil can only be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women and children under three years of age if diluted. To do this, mix between 10% and 20% of pure oil with the vegetable oil of your choice (olive, jojoba, sweet almond, shea butter, etc.). The same applies for use as a massage oil.

Finally, due to its effect on blood circulation, we advise against using Tamanu oil if you are taking anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication.