Tamanu Oil
Tamanu Oil is one of many popular carrier oils used in massage, aromatherapy, and other body-work treatments.
Tamanu oil (which is extracted from Calophyllum inophyllum) is extracted by cold pressing the combined fruit and seed. Note that carrier oils are usually extracted from the seeds, nuts, kernels of the plant. Exceptions are avocado oil and olive oil in which cases carrier oil is extracted from the flesh of the fruit.
Tamanu oil is also known as "calophyllum oil" and is thick, viscous and dark (grey/green/black colour ). Various parts of the calophyllum plant are, and have been, used as a traditional medicine in some parts of the South Pacific. Tamanu carrier oil is not one of the most well-known or most popular massage oils but it is said to have many benefits as a massage oil.
Some people consider tamanu oil to have had beneficial effects on or in cases of:
- for the hair and scalp
- eczema
- psoriasis
- facial neuralgia
- shingles
- stimulation of phagocytosis
- as an anti-inflammatory, and
- for some forms of pain relief.
However, as for all potential treatments and treatment methods, consult an appropriately qualified person for specific individual advice about the condition or problem and treatment options.
See also the general page about carrier oils for massage and bodywork therapies and information about massage and aromatherapy.
Note: There are many different carrier oils used for massage and other bodywork therapies. This section includes many popular oils but it is not a complete list.
