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Since the 1920’s oil of Tamanu (Calophyllum Inophyllum) has been studied in hospitals and by researchers in Europe, Asia and the Pacific islands.

The oil is used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, skin infections, wounds, leprous nephritis, pain, eye diseases, and inflammation.

This oil is especially recommended forall kinds of burns (sunburns or chemical burns), most dermatoses, postsurgical cicatrization, certain skin allergies, acne, psoriasis,herpes, chilblains, skin cracks, diabetic sores, haemorrhoids, dry skin, insomnia, hairloss.

Incosmetology, it is used in the preparation of regenerative creams. Fiji natives use Tamanu oil for joint pains caused by arthritis and gout.

The oil is also used for relieving nerve pain from sciatica or shingles. Tamanu oil is valued for its analgesic and pain-relieving properties.

Tamanu oil possesses a unique capacity to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. Its benefits are notable for scarring, stretch marks, minor cuts and abrasions, rashes, sores.

A 57-year old woman was admitted to a hospital in Paris with a large, gangrenous ulcer on her leg that would not heal. Normally, the leg would have been amputated. The leg was treated regularly with dressings of Calophyllum, and healing took place slowly within 7 months. The wound healed completely leaving only a smooth, flat scar.

The oil is applied to suppurating wounds including  coral sores and is commonly used for rubbing on the limbs of children who are slow in learning to walk. Tamanu oil has been employed successfully to heal severe burns caused by boiling water, chemicals and X-rays.

Tamanu oil is a remarkable topical healing agent with skin healing, antineuralgic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties.

These healing properties make it effective on scabies, ringworm, and athletes foot,  jock itch, eczema, and diabetic sores. It is also used on babies to prevent diaper rash and skin eruptions.

This oil is used in cases of gonorrhoea and gleet.

The anti-HIV activity of the following coumarins has also been reviewed and includes: calophyllolide, inophyllum P (Soullatrolide), inophyllum B, inophyllum C, and inophyllum E.

Antibacterial activity in vitro analysis:

At a dose of 20 mcg/disc in an agar well diffusion assay, caloxanthone A, calophynic acid, brasiliensic acid, inophylloidic acid, calophyllolide, and inophyllum C and E, were found to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus but not Vibrio anguillarium , Escherichia coli , and the yeast Candida tropicalis .

Antiviral activity in vitro analysis:

Various chemical components of C. inophyllum have been examined for antiviral activity. Inophyllums are considered novel nonnucleoside inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase. Inophyllum B was active against HIV-1 in cell culture with an IC50 of 1.4 millimoles (mM). Inophyllum P (soullatrolide) also has anti-HIV activity.

Anticancer activity (Animal studies) :

The isolation of 10 natural 4-phenylcoumarins from Calophyllum Inophyllum inhibited (except inophyllum C and calocoumarin C) Epstein-Barr virus early antigen in Raji cells. Calocoumarin-A exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity in a 2-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis test.

Side Effects:

Tamanu oil is generally considered safe when used topically, it may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.

If you experience itching, redness, irritation, or other adverse effects upon using tamanu oil, discontinue use of the product immediately.

Tamanu oil may cause hypersensitivity reactions in patients with an existing allergy to plants in the Clusiaceae family.

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Suitable for dry, sensitive, problematic with acne skin types.

Tamanu oil is the traditional oil used by Polynesian women for promoting healthy, clear, blemish-free skin. This oil is a rich, luxurious, thick oil that can be applied sparingly by itself, or in combination with other oils in skin care applications where healing is needed for dry or damaged skin.

Hawaiian Tamanu nut oil hydrates dry skin and has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling of rashes, insect bites, and sunburns.

Tamanu oil also possesses significant antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-fungal qualities.

Facial oil treatments with Tamanu could help clear acne and fade acne scars in those who have a dry, chapped facial skin type, however it is a bit too heavy for those with sensitive facial skin.

Some proponents also claim that Tamanu oil can help aid in the regeneration of skin. For this reason, Tamanu oil is thought to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

In addition, Tamanu oil is used as an ingredient in a variety of personal-care products, including lotions, serums, and moisturizers. Tamanu is also found in many creams said to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

Tamanu oil has been thoroughly researched, and the conclusive evidence on its ability to heal damaged skin is overwhelming. While oil of Tamanu is thick and rich, once it is applied to skin it is readily and completely absorbed. Skin feels smooth and plump, with no oily residue. It can be used directly on the skin or mixed within formulations,

It has also been used for hair and scalp conditions. Dry and dull hair (as a nourishing and moisturizing remedy).

Tamanu oil is very good for weak nails (as a strengthening, promoting growth remedy).

Before the conversion of the Polynesians to Christianity, the Tamanu trees were considered as sacred. They were planted inside the royal marae (sacred areas).

There, according to ancient beliefs, the Gods would hide in the Tamanu trees and watch human sacrifices without being seen. It was their answer to skin protection from hot sun, high humidity and ocean wind.

In Christianity idols and gods were carved out of Tamanu wood. It is still considered a sacred relic of the past.

Camellia Sinensis (chá huā Yóu) is the species of plant whose leaves and leaf buds are used to produce the popular beverage tea.  White tea, Yellow tea, Green tea, Oolong, Pu-erh tea and Black tea are all harvested from this species, but are processed differently to attain different levels of oxidation. Kukicha (Twig tea) is also harvested from Camellia Sinensis, but uses twigs and stems rather than leaves. Common names include Tea Plant, Tea Shrub, and Tea Tree.

Camellia Sinensis is native to East, South and Southeast Asia, but it is today cultivated across the world in tropical and subtropical regions. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is usually trimmed to below 2 m when cultivated for its leaves. It has a strong taproot. The flowers are with yellow-white.

The seeds of Camellia Sinensis can be pressed to yield Tea oil, a sweetish seasoning and cooking oil that should not be confused with Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia), an essential oil that is used for medical and cosmetic purposes, and originates from the leaves of a different plant.

Tea Seed oil (Camellia) is an edible, pale amber-green fixed oil with a sweet, herbal aroma. It is cold-pressed mainly from the seeds of Camellia Sinensis.

Camellia oil has several synonyms such as White Camellia oil, Camellia Sasanqua oil, Tea Seed oil, Camellia Seed oil, Tsubaki, Cha Hua. The oil is derived by cold pressing from Camellia plant seeds.

Camellia flowers  are native to Japan and North China a long time ago, where they blossom in November and stay fresh even under the snow. The flowers can be white, pink or red color. Within six months the seeds are ripened and used for expressing the purest natural oil with precious qualities for health, skin and hair care.

Chemical structure:

Camellia Seeds contain between 40 - 50% of nutritive oil that is low in saturated fat. Approximately 85% of the fatty acid composition contained in Camellia oil is in the form of monounsaturated oleic acid. Camellia oil is also a rich source of other omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids plus Vitamin E andpolyphenols. It has a shelf life of at least 18 months when stored in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. The recommended usage is 2 - 10% in most formulations.

Research by Preventive Medicine Sun Yat-Sen University, Institute found Camellia Extract used for bathing and washing powder.

Camellia oil is commonly used to clean and protect the blades of cutting instruments.

Camellia oil is a high quality cooking oil that remains stable at high temperatures. It possesses a high smoke point of 485F (251C).

Relatively little-known outside East Asia, it is the most important cooking oil for hundreds of millions of people, particularly in southern China. Camellia oil resembles Olive oil and Grape Seed oil in its excellent storage qualities and low content of saturated fat.

Camellia seed oil is used in salad dressings, dips, marinades and sauces, for stir frying and frying and in margarine production.

Used for centuries in Japan and China, but discovered in the West relatively recently Camellia oil is true elixir for health and beauty.

Camellia Seed oil is great to use during pregnancy. Camellia oil is ideal for face massage due to its fast absorbency and light, velvety consistency, safe and gentle as baby massage oil too.

Oil has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol.

Tea Seed oil is also used as an ingredient in the Chinese medicated oil Po Sum On.

Suitable for dry, normal, mature, oily, allergy prone skin types.

Camellia oil has been used for centuries for beauty of skin and hair in China and Japan. Geishas of Kyoto used to moisturize their skin and hair with Tsubaki oil.

Samurais wiped their swards with Camellia oil to protect it from rusting and corrosion, which is an early evidence of its excellent antioxidant qualities.

Camellia oil is currently a popular ingredient for face creams particularly dry and mature skin, after-sun lotions, shampoos and conditioners for dry and damaged hair. This natural, moisturizing oil has a light but lively scent that has been recognized for centuries for its restorative and rejuvenating effects on skin.

Camellia oil has outstanding moisture and emollient properties and it is one of the lightest and fast absorbent plant oils. It penetrates skin as fast as water, leaving it supple and hydrated. Th oil contains mono-saturated essential fatty acids and very high in oleic acid (Omega-9 fatty acid). Camellia oil contains Vitamins A, B, and E and one of the most precious constituent for skin such as phytosqualene. Squalene is a natural component of human sebum. With age the deficiency of Squalene results in dry skin, premature aging and wrinkles.

Camellia oil protects skin from harmful UV and environmental damage, forming a thin shield against strong sun rays and change of temperatures. It also known to protect from age spots, freckles and excessive pigmentation. It is safe to use around eyes to prevent from crowfeet and mimic lines. In fact for pregnant women Camellia oil is beneficial in preventing and diminishing stretch marks.

Camellia oil can also be used to hydrate dry and damaged hair. It's softens hair and makes it more manageable,  treats dry scalp and itchiness, forms a barrier against environmental pollutants.

Camellia oil is a nutrient and antioxidant-rich body skin moisturizer and softener (especially in areas such as elbows, legs, knees and heels). It heals minor acne scars.

Camellia oil is very god for nail care.

Rose Hip Seed oil is a pressed seed oil, extracted from the seeds of a Wild Rose bush (Rosa Moschata or Rosa Rubiginosa) in the southern Andes.

Rosehip Seed oil can also be extracted from Rosa Canina, which grows in many regions of the world including South Africa and Europe. The "Hip" is the fruit of the rose plant and continues a multitude of fatty acids and other components that are responsible for the wonderful properties of Rosehip oil.

It is unique among vegetable oils in containing retinol (Vitamin A), and is also high in vitamin C. Rose Hip Seed oil is high in the essential fatty acids - linoleic acidor omega - 6, and linolenic acid or omega - 3. It is commonly used in skin care products.

Chemical structure:

Rich in essential fatty acids: Oleic, Palmitic, Linoleic and GLA, Vitamins A, C, D, E, antioxidant flavonoids.

Rose Hip oil also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (Vitamin F) also known as essential fatty acids (EFA), and when they are absorbed through the skin, they convert to prostaglandins (PGE), which are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration.

Particularly high in Vitamin C, with about 1700¨C2000 mg per 100 g in the dried product, one of the richest plant sources.

Rose Hip Seed oil can be useiing cold on salads like a sauce, but this oil is not used for frying.

Suitable for dry, mature, with scars and redness skin types.

Rose Hip oil  used for a variety of skin conditions, including dermatitis, acne and eczem. This oil  used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems, such as colds, flu and gastritis. It is used for fighting wrinkles and lines and as a remedy for sun damaged skin and to reduce scars.  

The oil extracted from Rosa Rubiginosa has excellent tissue regeneration properties and helps to reduce scars (trauma and surgical).

Rose Hip oil brings about skin regeneration and wound healing. It contains trans-retinoic acid, which is responsible for skin rejuvenation and quickens healing.

The anti-scarring property of Rosehip oil is not only applicable to acne scars. It may be used (under medical advice) on scars left from chicken pox as well as minor burns and other types of wounds. It can also be applied to scars left from boils and other forms of injury. There has been some consideration whether Rosehip oil can be used safely on the scars left after surgery for breast cancer.

Rose hip oil have anti-microbial properties, it is also good for PMS and menopause syptoms.

The fruits of Rosa Canina are used for colds, influenza, scurvy, gastritis and to control diarrhea, while the fruits from Rosa Laevigata are used to treat urinary dysfunction, infertility, chronic diarrhea and to regulate kidney function.

Rose Hip oil is very readily absorbed by the skin and doesn't leave the oily residue. Apart from the moisturizing, soothing and softening effect that it has, it furthermore contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (Vitamin F) also known as essential fatty acids (EFA), and when they are absorbed through the skin, they convert to prostaglandins (PGE), which are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration.

This oil has a moisturizing, soothing and softening effect. Rose Hip Seed oil (Rosa Rubiginosa) contains Vitamin A, which helps to delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes collagen and elastin levels to increase.

Rose Hip oil have 9 fatty oleic acid (omegaacid) and linolenic acid (omega - 3 fatty acid)  which is considered as keeping skin supple and moisturiser. Also oil have  antioxidants, beta-carotene, lycopene and Vitamin C, which are important for protection from free radical damage, linoleic acid (omega - 6 fatty acid) which can play a role in the structure of the membranes of the cells.

Specific benefits of Rose hip oil include:

Research has indicated that it may have benefits for reducing some scars, is helpful in healing burns and stretch marks.

Drying effects of the sun and climate, as well as assisting with attenuating both accidental and surgical scars.

Aids in reducing redness associated with facial rosacea.

Many acne sufferers find that it can be improve the quality of their skin.

Reduces the appearance of premature aging skin as it can reduce wrinkles, crow's feet and fine lines.

Great treatment for dry skin.

Good for after sun skin care regime.

For treating hair problems including dandruff, dry hair, and damaged hair.

Good for eyelash and nails strengthening. 

Archaeological findings shows that the Marula already used  12 thousand  years ago for food in Southern Africa. While little known globally, the fruit is traditionally used for food in Africa, and has considerable socio economic importance.
 
The seed kernels are high in protein and fat, with a subtle nutty flavour, and constitute an important emergency food. Marula oil, made from the seed kernel, is a delicious additive to meals in Africa. This oil forms also an important part of people's diets. Marula using utilise the oil from the kernels to preserve meat, which enables it to last up to a year.

Today, Marula oil is still considered a delicacy by local people, and is added to a wide variety of traditional and modern recipes. Studies have looked at the oxidation stability, induction period (34 hours), polar compounds, free fatty acids of Marula oil as a frying oil.

About 60% of Marula kernel consists of oils, you can even squeeze it with hand. However, the oil yielded with a manual press produce only 25 - 30% output. So kernel cake is still quite valuable and tasty for food.

Marula oil is often used in Holistic and alternative medicine:

In the day it provides protection from UV damage (Prepares the skin for the summer sun heat. Sunbathing lovers should start using this oil before 2 months), environment (pollution, exposure), and fatigue, whilst in the night the antioxidants are at their most active in healing and repairing all body skin while we sleep.

 Marula oil fits for all body massage types. This oil is very good for babies too.

Suitable for dry, normal, mature, oily and grey skin types.

Marula oil, made from the seed kernel, can be used as a type of skin care oil. Marula Oil is fast absorbing.

Due to its high levels of oleic (omega - 9 acid at 60 - 70% concentrations) it easily penetrates the skin and provides longer lasting hydration.

 Marula oil is very light and absorbs quickly so it is perfect for any skin type (even oily skin). Marula oil is an excellent source of topical antioxidants. This free radical fighting capability is very important. It is also an excellent moisturizer that can help plump up skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
 
Marula oil is non-comedogenic and does not lead to clogged and enlarged pores, minimizing the greasy look. This oil is recommend for dry and mature skin. Marula oil can be used day or night as a highly effective moisturizer  face and neck area. Marula oil is a multifunctional anti-ageing premium facial oil that hydrates, protects, and rejuvenates the skin.

During the night, it is perfect because skin replenishes itself during sleep. During the day, Marula oil provides optimal hydration that skin needs to stay healthy and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For dry skin, apply it more frequently as needed.
 
For oily skin: Oils are essential  skin’s health because they hold together  skin cells, giving  healthy glow. As skin ages, less of these oils are produced, so it is vital to add them back into the skin to maintain good skin.What determines the greasy residue feel is the composition of omega fatty acid contained within the oil.

The Tsonga people of South Africa and Mozambique have used the oil as a moisturising body lotion for women and also as a massage oil for babies. In the past, women used Marula oil rather than water to clean themselves.
 
The oil, which is extracted from kernels in its stones, contains four times as much Vitamin C as Oranges and is packed with omega - 9 fatty acid, Vitamin E and flavonoids.

These essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants, particularly the high levels of oleic acid, help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, provide long-lasting hydration and protect against environmental aggressors. The high levels of antioxidants help maintain youthful looking skin,  ideal for dull skin, undernourished skin and frequent travellers.

The oil is great for hair care and also works as a good make-up remover.