Holistic Health Herbal Medicine The Health Benefits of Tamanu Oil By Cathy Wong facebook twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND on January 26, 2021 facebook linkedin Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. Learn about our Medical Review Board Meredith Bull, ND on January 26, 2021 Print Verywell / Anastasiia Tretiak Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Health Benefits Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation Possible Side Effects Other Questions Tamanu oil is a treatment long used in Polynesia and Southeast Asia for the improvement of hair and skin health. The oil—which is extracted from the nut of the laurelwood (Calophyllum inophyllum) tree—is sometimes used on the face or elsewhere on the body for conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, keloids, and other scars. Other parts of laurelwood (such as the leaves, root bark, and twigs) are also sometimes used for medicinal purposes. Health Benefits Tamanu oil has properties that help moisturize your skin. Because it is rich in fatty acids, the oil locks moisture in by acting as a barrier. Researchers have also found that tamanu oil contains calophyllolide (a substance known to possess anti-inflammatory properties) and delta-tocotrienol (a form of vitamin E), as well as a number of antioxidants. So far, research on the health effects of tamanu oil has been limited. Most studies are performed in labs on cells, rather than on human subjects. Study results have been inconsistent and don't always support the use of the oil for any skin or hair condition. Wound Healing Tamanu oil is often suggested for scar healing or wound repair. Although it would make sense that applying an antioxidant-rich oil might help with the inflammatory changes that are part of the wound-healing process, there is a lack of research to support this. In one 2015 study, researchers investigated different tropical oil formulations (some of which contained tamanu oil) to see if they might be able to act on cells to provide a possible treatment for stretch marks. None of the formulations were shown to be effective in eradicating or improving this condition. However, another in vitro study provided evidence that the oil may have properties that can stimulate skin cell proliferation, collagen production, and wound-healing activity. Lastly, a series of in vitro experiments compared tamanu oil samples from five different geographic locations. The study, conducted on cells, provided support for traditional uses of tamanu oil for wound healing, particularly with infected wounds. Proper wound care can help reduce scars and prevent infection. However, large, deep, or infected wounds should be treated by a health care professional without delay. Can Honey Help Heal Wounds? Other Skin Concerns Tamanu oil is also touted as a remedy for the following conditions: Acne Athlete's foot Dark spots Dry skin Eczema Hair loss Psoriasis Rosacea Sunburn Since tamanu oil is said to alleviate pain, the oil is also used topically to relieve the pain caused by conditions like sciatica, cold sores, and shingles. In addition, tamanu oil is said to promote the healing of burns, blisters, cuts, and scrapes. Some people also use tamanu oil to soothe insect bites. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to know if tamanu oil can provide these benefits. Possible Side Effects Tamanu oil is generally considered safe when used topically. Not enough is known about the potential side effects of consuming laurelwood orally. Given that tamanu oil is pressed from the nut of the laurelwood tree, people with a tree nut allergy should avoid use. If you experience itching, redness, irritation, or other adverse effects when using tamanu oil, stop using the product. Verywell / Anastasiia Tretiak Dosage and Preparation There is not enough scientific evidence to confirm an effective and safe dose of tamanu oil. The appropriate dose for you may depend on the condition you are treating, your age, sex, and overall health. Seek guidance from a health care professional to get personalized advice regarding a safe dose for you. What to Look For Widely available for purchase online, tamanu oil is sold in many natural-foods stores. Some oil products are 100% tamanu oil, while others are diluted with different oils, such as olive oil. In addition, tamanu oil is used as an ingredient in a variety of personal-care products, including lotions, serums, and moisturizers. In particular, this ingredient is found in many creams said to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. If you choose to buy tamanu oil, you may want to look for a product that is USDA-certified organic to ensure a higher-quality oil. Keep in mind that cosmetic products (such as moisturizers and other oils that are rubbed on the skin for cosmetic uses) are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way medications are. It is not legal for a cosmetic product or dietary supplement to make claims regarding the treatment of a specific disease or condition, so any such statements should be considered with this in mind. Other Questions Are there alternatives to tamanu oil for wound healing?Many other natural products may provide benefits similar to the purported effects of tamanu oil. For instance, sea buckthorn oil (a substance that contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E) has been found to promote wound healing and treat eczema when applied topically. Meanwhile, neem oil—also rich in fatty acids, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid—may help treat bacterial infections and protect against insect bites. What are other natural ways to improve skin texture?Natural products commonly touted for their skin-improving benefits include argan oil (rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids), rosehip oil (derived from the rosehip plant and often used for scars, including those from acne), tea tree oil, coconut oil, emu oil, and DMAE. Oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids taken in supplement form include fish oil, flaxseed oil, cod liver oil, krill oil, and DHA. Other essential fatty acids, such as the gamma-linolenic acids (GLA), borage seed oil, and evening primrose oil, are also often recommended. A Word From Verywell Tamanu oil is generally safe and may help keep your skin and hair moisturized, as well as ease dryness, irritation, and itching. But there's also a chance it may not help the problem you're looking to address—a particular concern when it comes to conditions that may worsen without early, proper treatment. It's a good idea to speak to your primary care provider or dermatologist before using tamanu oil to see if it's right for you. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Ginigini J, Lecellier GJ, Nicolas M, et al. Chemodiversity of Calophyllum inophyllum L. oil bioactive components related to their specific geographical distribution in the South Pacific region. PeerJ. 2019;7:e6896. Published 2019 May 22. doi:10.7717/peerj.6896 Ud-Din S, McGeorge D, Bayat A. Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(2):211–222. doi:10.1111/jdv.13223 Léguillier T, Lecsö-Bornet M, Lémus C, et al. The Wound Healing and Antibacterial Activity of Five Ethnomedical Calophyllum inophyllum Oils: An Alternative Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Infected Wounds. PLoS One. 2015;10(9):e0138602. Published 2015 Sep 25. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0138602 Laurelwood. Professional Monograph. Therapeutic Research Center Natural Medicines Database. Updated 5/15/2019 Le Coz, C.-J. (2004). Allergic contact dermatitis from tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum, Calophyllum tacamahaca). Contact Dermatitis, 51(4), 216–217. doi:10.1111/j.0105-1873.2004.0424h.x Zielińska A, Nowak I. Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil. Lipids Health Dis. 2017;16(1):95. Published 2017 May 19. doi:10.1186/s12944-017-0469-7 Additional Reading Ansel, J.-L., Lupo, E., Mijouin, L., Guillot, S., Butaud, J.-F., Ho, R., … Pichon, C. (2016). Biological Activity of Polynesian Calophyllum inophyllum Oil Extract on Human Skin Cells. Planta Medica, 82(11/12), 961–966. doi:10.1055/s-0042-108205 Crane S, Aurore G, Joseph H, Mouloungui Z, Bourgeois P. Composition of fatty acids triacylglycerols and unsaponifiable matter in Calophyllum calaba L. oil from Guadeloupe. Phytochemistry. 2005 Aug;66(15):1825-31. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2005.06.009 Dweck AC, Meadows T. Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) - the African, Asian, Polynesian and Pacific Panacea. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002 Dec;24(6):341-8. doi:10.1046/j.1467-2494.2002.00160.x Tanaydin V, Conings J, Malyar M, van der Hulst R, van der Lei B. The Role of Topical Vitamin E in Scar Management: A Systematic Review. Aesthet Surg J. 2016 Sep;36(8):959-65. doi:10.1093/asj/sjw046