If you suffer from a troublesome skin condition such as psoriasis or know someone who does, then I would like to recommend a psoriasis alternative treatment originating from the Polynesian Island of Vanuatu. Tamanu Oil has been until now a little known solution for psoriasis sufferers however sufficient scientific studies have been done in Europe and the U.S to know that this oil has the unique ability to promote the formation of new skin tissue and that it possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antibiotic and antioxidant properties.

Tamanu Oil as a Psoriasis Alternative Treatment

For centuries, the indigenous Melanesians and Polynesians have been aware of the wonderful regenerative and rejuvenating properties of Tamanu Oil. The natives regard it as one of nature’s sacred gifts from nature. The real power of this traditional topical oil is its unique ability to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin (anti-aging). The scientific term for this process is “cicatrization”.

Scientists don’t fully understand the unique cicatrizing properties of the Oil as it has an extremely complex portfolio of chemistry that is difficult to decipher or explain. However, scientific studies clearly establish that Tamanu Oil is a significant healing agent, not only because of its ability to produce new skin tissue, BUT ALSO because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antibiotic and antioxidant properties.

BioScience Laboratories conducted a study of Tamanu oil’s ability to improve the appearance of scars. Six subjects with obvious scars aged for one year or more participated in the test. Subjects were not allowed to use moisturizers on their scarred areas for seven days before the test or throughout the nine-week test period. Scars were rated for roughness, length, width and degree of difference from surrounding normal skin. Measurements of darkness and redness were also taken for scarred and surrounding normal skin. Digital photos of scars were taken prior to initial application and at the end of week nine. Tamanu oil was applied to the scarred area twice daily for nine consecutive weeks. There was significant improvement in appearance of scars after six weeks, and improvement continued through week nine. Scar length was reduced by an average 0.28 centimeters, and width was reduced by an average 0.12 centimeters.

How Tamanu Oil Is Produced

Tamanu oil is made from the nut kernels of the Tamanu Tree. Its scientific name is Calophyllum inophyllum – an evergreen tree and a member of the Mangosteen Family. This tree is actually indigenous to the tropical areas of South East Asia but it especially flourishes in tropical countries such as the exotic Melanesian islands of Vanuatu and in Polynesian islands such as Tahiti. It can also be found in parts of Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and even Southern India.

While the Tamanu Tree can grow inland, it prefers salty, sandy soil, with the result that it tends to grow profusely near the sea. The native Melanesian people of Vanuatu claim that the best quality Tamanu Oil comes from the trees that grow near coastal areas, rather than from those that grow inland. While the tree is slow-growing, it can grow up to 30 meters in height. The trunk is usually covered in dark, cracked bark. Atahe leaves are elongated and glossy. Small, sweet-smelling white flowers with a yellow centre are produced twice yearly.

These flowers then give way to clusters of fruit which start out green but turn a yellowy colour as they mature. Inside this thin, fleshy fruit (which is inedible) is the Tamanu Nut – sometimes referred to as “Punnai”. The fruit is allowed to fall naturally from the tree and the pale-coloured nut kernels are then laid out on racks (for 1-2 months) to cure. During this process, these kernels turn a brownish-red colour and release a strong, rich oil. The oil is then extracted by cold-pressing and filtration. It takes a lot of nuts to produce a small quantity of oil – in fact, it takes around four trees to produce approximately 20 Litres of “pure” Tamanu Oil, depending on the size and yield of the trees!

History of Tamanu Oil Use

Tamanu oil has even been used topically for relieving the pain of leprous neuritis. In 1928, Sister Marie-Suzanne, a missionary nun of the Society of Mary stationed in Fiji, tested Tamanu’s medicinal properties and used it effectively to treat leprosy.

In the 1930s French researchers investigated Tamanu Oil and found it effective in the treatment of a number of cases involving serious skin conditions. One such case involved a woman admitted into St. Louis Hospital in Paris. She had with a large gangrenous leg ulcer that would not heal and amputation seemed the only option. However, to the astonishment of the doctors, the leg wound eventually healed after regular dressings of Tamanu Oil were applied.

The literature indicates that Tamanu Oil possesses a unique fatty acid, Calophyllic Acid, which may be the component responsible for regeneration of new skin tissue. Other interesting components include Lactone (antibiotic), anti-inflamatory agents such as Calophyllolide and Courmarins, as well as different types of Lipids (fats).

How To Apply Tamanu Oil as a Psoriasis Alternative Treatment

Tamanu Oil should be applied topically. That is to say, it should be applied directly to the surface area of the affected skin, not ingested. Initially, it may be necessary to apply the oil 3 or 4 times a day and then drop it back as the problem begins to heal. Once applied, massage in. The oil will absorb readily into the skin, without leaving any oily residue.
As a general rule, Tamanu Oil DOES NOT need to be diluted with Olive Oil or any other oil. Don’t be fooled by companies who sell you Tamanu Oil (at Tamanu Oil prices) but where it’s really 50% Tamanu Oil and 50% Olive Oil! Pure or light olive oil is likely to be chemically processed whereas Tamanu Oil is “naturally derived”, so why chance contaminating it with some inferior oil?

Expected Results

Results can be almost immediate and readily visible to the naked eye. If you are treating a large area you could use 100% Tamanu Oil or alternatively a Tamanu Butter which is easily massaged into the body. Initially be sure to apply the oil anywhere from 4-6 times per day.

STOCKISTS

To purchase the very best in Tamanu Oil products, go to Volcanic Earth as they are the originators of Tamanu Oil as featured on the Dr OZ Show.