Focus On: Tamanu Oil

Tamanu Oil is obtained from the plant Calophyllum inophyllum, a large, low-branching, slow-growing evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall. The tree is prevalent along the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam, and the islands of Madagascar and Vanuatu. The tree thrives alongside tropical shores, where brackish water is present. It takes approximately 1 – 2 months after germination before the seedling can be moved into full sunlight, where the plant can begin its lifecycle journey. The tree will typically produce fruit after 4 – 5 years of growth, flowering all year round thereafter.

Tamanu Oil ranges in colour from pale yellow to a very dark green with a powerful, aromatic, nutty and pecan-like aroma.

The nuts of the tree are collected and harvested between the months of October and February and left to naturally dry in full sun. Each fruit yields approximately 8 – 10% of oil.

Properties, benefits & uses of Tamanu Oil:

Tamanu seeds produce a rich green emollient oil (often referred to as “Green Gold”) composed of essential fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-9) and unique bioactive resins such as calophyllolides, inophyllums, calanolides, and tamanolides, attributing therapeutic properties to the oil. Tamanu Oil is found to have antioxidant properties, sun protection factors, antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal infections.

In hair care, Tamanu Oil’s nourishing and conditioning qualities are known to encourage stronger, longer, and healthier hair growth, address hair loss, hydrate the strands, bring out hair’s natural sheen, and help with easier manageability. Furthermore, it works to soothe inflammation and eliminate fungal infections on the scalp. Tamanu Oil can be included in many different formulations as an active ingredient for skin regeneration, after sun protection, soothing and irritation, anti-wrinkle / stretch marks.

How we make our Tamanu Oil

The fruits are gathered by groups of collectors formed from members of the local community, Tamanu Oil is obtained by cold mechanical extraction of the seeds. Tamanu Oil is 100% pure and natural, a quality of which ProTec Botanica is very proud of bringing to the market.