Tamanu Oil in postherpetic neuralgia

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

 

Danny wrote (re postherpetic neuralgia):

> Consider topical Tamanu oil. It has an anti-viral and analgesic

> effect as well as promoting tissue re- growth. I use it for patients

> for cold sores, shingles, as well as non healing yin or yang type

> ulcers. There are diluted versions available but the 100% Tamanu oil

> seems to work best and it's a bit pricey ($20 for 1/2 ounce) but will

> last a long time. It's available at health food stores and I'm sure

> other companies have good products but I use New Chapter's product.

> More info in the links below.

> http://www.medicinehunter.com/tamanu1.htm

> http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/article/2983/tamanu-oil.html Danny

 

A Google search shows that Tamanu tree / Oil are known in China, but

there are few hits in Chinese relative to other Chinese medicines. This

suggests relatively little use of the product in .

However, there are many hits in English, suggesting widespread use of

Tamanu Oil, Fm, S & Cx in traditional Polynesian medicine (Hawaii,

Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, etc).

 

Qiong-ya-hai-tang-you ¼÷๠(Ê÷à¹); aka: Yi-nuo-fei-lun-you

Šúò¦¹ (Šþò«¹); Nuo-li-guo-you ú½œ¹ (þ—œ¹); Oleum

Calophylli inophylli; Foraha Oil / Tamanu Oil Markedly accelerate skin &

muscle metabolism; Skin Protector; Regenerate tissue, esp wound

healing;

 

http://tinyurl.com/e3a2w: Tamanu Oil is cold-pressed from fruit & seed;

has a unique fatty acid called Calophyllic acid & an Antibiotic lactone

that is a non-steroid Antiinflammatory agent 4-phenyl coumarin called

Calophyllolide as well as stigmasterol & about 7% wax. Oil contains 3

basic classes of lipids; 92% neutral lipids, 6.4% glycolipids, & 1.6%

phospholipids. It also contains xanthones of jacareubin (inhibits S.

aureus & S. typhimurium) & calophyllum B. These xanthones inhibit P.

aeruginosa & Bacillus subtilis. Other components calanolide A &

Costatolide are coumarins which inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase.

components of balsam, Calophyllolide & Calophyllic acid contained in

Oil are thought to be connected to its curative effects.

 

History. Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) tree was sacred tree for

tropical people; it has many names, called Dilo Oil from nuts & nuts are

called Punnai Nuts in Hawaii. nuts are also collected in Ceylon. In

Madagascar, this Oil is called Foraha / Vintanina. Properties.

Antibacterial, Antiinflammatory, cicatrize, Antineuralgic, analgesic;

Tamanu Oil is analgesic & is used for sciatica, shingles, neuritis, leprous

neuritis & rheumatism; Tamanu S pulverized to cure ulcers & bad

wounds; Tamanu Cx also as infusion / in other herbal remedies.

 

Folk / Older Uses: Calophyllum Oil was important part of Pacific Island

folk medicine for a many skin disorders & conditions, from superficial

burns & scrapes to neuralgia & fissures. Polynesian woman have used

Calophyllum Oil to promote healthy, blemish-free skin; also for diaper

rash & skin eruptions. Oil has been used since late 1920's to alleviate

leprous neuritis . A nun in Society of Mary, Sister Marie-Suzanne, used

Oil of Calophyllum (Tamanu), called " dolno " (meaning, no pain)

effectively on leprosy victims; wound healing properties; therapeutic

uses in severe skin conditions; gangrenous ulcer; aid grafting in crush

wounds; leprous neuritis; skin problems; burns; Tamanu Oil as topical to

either mucosa / epidermal lesions; chapped feet & hands, chilblain &

skin cracks, vaginitis, erosions & ulceration of cervical matrix, breast

cracks, bites, stings, acne & acne scars, diabetic sores, herpes lesions,

& anal fissures; hair & scalp conditions, eczema, psoriasis & facial

neuralgia; amazing capacity to accelerate wound healing & growth of

new tissue (cicatrisation); Antineuralgic; radio-dermatitis after

radiotherapy; recent anal fissures; Post-surgical sedation of pain &

resorption of tissue on treatment after breast surgery, crushing of leg, &

thigh amputations; healing of varicose ulcerous wounds, leprous

wounds, especially when wound is infected / eczematous; indolent

wounds after Tx w medicine such as Hexomedine / Neomycin

compresses; problems of hair & scalp, eczema, psoriasis & facial

neuralgia; essential Ravensara Oil & Calophyllum vegetable Oil to treat

shingles (zona); Calophyllum Oil saponifies easily & produces an

abundant lather on contact w sea water; Leaf infusions to Calm skin &

eye infections; hot bath for 30 minutes to Tx dermatosis, urticaria (hives)

& eczema; young Fm macerated in water as analgesic eye wash; Young

shoots w other plants oral & Topical to Tx burns & hernias; Oil / plaster

of fresh, crushed seeds diluted in sterilized coconut Oil contains

cicatrization properties for scabs, varicose ulcers, fistulas, leprous

ulcers & burns; Cosmetic Uses. Oil is a rich, thick green Oil; as topical, it

is easily & completely absorbed into skin; it leaves skin feeling smooth,

plump & soft, wo greasiness, it also adds a healthy glow to skin.

Tamanu Oil is safe, it can be applied neat to skin & works just as well if

diluted 1:1 in coconut / other tropical Oils. Calophyllum has a mild &

pleasant aroma & is ideal to be used in lotions, creams, ointments &

many other cosmetic products. It can be easily mixed w most essential

Oils for added benefit of aromatherapy w herbal therapy.

 

Aromatherapy Blends w Calophyllum

 

SKIN CARE & ACNE: Calophyllum Oil can be mixed 1:1 w any mixture

of vegetable Oils / creams / lotions; then essential Oils are added at 2-

10%. Essential Oils particularly useful are German Chamomile,

Lavender, Rose Geranium & others.

 

MYALGIA & NEURALGIA: Calophyllum Oil 50%, Jojoba unrefined Oil /

Olive, Sunflower, Pecan 30% & essential Oils of Ravensara 10% &

Petitgrain 10%. Helichrysum might also be a good addition. Mix these

together, label your container, & apply to area night & morning.

 

MUSCLE & JOINT ACHES: Mix Calophyllum Oil 1:1 w a clear silicon

gel; add up to 10% essential Oils. [combination of Rosemary, Juniper,

Basil & Cypress]. Ex: To a 1 oz jar of 50% gel & 50% Calophyllum add

15 drops each of above mentioned essential Oils;

 

SHINGLES ON SCALP (OR ANYWHERE): A good mixture would be

Calophyllum Oil 50%, Walnut Oil 25% (for scalp), Jojoba unrefined Oil

15% & Ravensara essential Oil 10%. Mix together, label container, &

apply to scalp (or skin problem) night & morning. You could also use

Calophyllum Oil 50%, olive Oil 40% & Ravensara essential Oil 10%.

 

http://www.whitelotusaromatics.com/newsletters/27Tamanu.html

Calophyllum inophyllum means " beautiful leaf, " from Greek words,

Kalos-beautiful & phullon-leaf; Tamanu tree is indigenous to Southeast

Asia, & profuse in Polynesia, where it is traditionally known as Ati.

Tamanu grows up to 25 / even 30 meters in height, w long, spreading

limbs. tree trunk is typically thick, w dark, cracked bark. tamanu

branches are covered w shiny, dark-green oval leaves & small white

flowers w yellow centers. blossoms give off a delightful, sweet perfume.

fruit of tree, about size of an apricot, has a thin flesh & a large nut hull

inside; Uses: Boils; Cancer; Catarrh; Chickenpox; Conjunctivitis;

Debility; Diarrhea; Digestive; Diuretic; Emetic; Emmenagogue; Eye

diseases; Fever; Inflammation; Gonorrhea; Lactogogue; Leprosy;

Metrorrhagia; Orchitis; Pain; Parturition; Piles; Piscicide & Poison (at

high doses); Puerperium; Purgative; Rash; Rheum; Rheumatism;

Scabies; Skin; Sores; Stitch; Stroke; Sunburn; Tumor; Vaginitis;

Vermifuge; Wounds;

 

TAMANU Calophyllum inophyllum

Primitive tribes utilise leaves frequently for different kinds of skin

problems. leaves are heated over a fire until soft & then applied to skin

ulcers, boils, cuts, sores, & pimples. In other tribes boiled leaves & a

skin rash is washed periodically w solution. leaves are used for treating

skin inflammations, leg ulcers, wounds. value Oil of fruit is used as a

liniment for joint pains, arthritis & bruises. Oil is applied to suppurating

wounds including coral sores & is commonly used for rubbing on limbs

of children who are slow in learning to walk. Some mothers rub fruit Oil

of Calophyllum inophyllum onto their babies to prevent nappy rash. Oil

also is occasionally used in place of a chap stick for chapped, parched

lips. Tamanu Oil can be applied on skins as well as mucous membrane

lesions. It heals small wounds such as cracks & chaps, but is also

efficient on more serious cutaneous problems: atonic wounds, physical

& chemical burns, radiodermatitis, anal fissures / post?surgical wounds.

Tamanu Oil activity was studied in numerous clinical cases.

http://www.dweckdata.com/Published/African1.htm

 

Components of Tamanu Oil

General Lipid Composition

Neutral lipids

92% Glycolipids

6.4% Phospholipids

1.6% Neutral Lipids

Monoacylglycerols

1.8% sn -1,3 ? Diaglycerides

2.4% sn -1,2 (2,3) ? Diaglycerides

2.6% Free fatty acids

7.4% Triacylglycerols

82.3% Sterols, sterolesters & hydrocarbons

3.5% Glycolipids Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol

11.4% Acylated sterolglucoside

13.1 Monogalactosylmonoacylglycerol

22.2% Acylmonogalactosyldiacylglycerol

53.3% Phospholipids Phosphatidylethanolamine

46.3% Phosphatidylcholine

33.8% Phosphatidic acid

8.1% Phosphatidylserine

6.1% Lysophosphatidylcholine

5.7% Calophyllic acid-a novel fatty acid found only in tamanu Oil.

Calophyllolide-a nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory 4-phenyl coumarin. 6-

desoxyjacareubin-an Antibiotic xanthone that inhibits S. aureus, P.

aeruginosa, B. subtilis, & S. typhimurium, & K. pneumoniae. Jacareubin-

an Antibiotic xanthone that inhibits S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis,

& S. typhimurium.

Calophyllum B-an Antibiotic xanthone that inhibits growth of P.

aeruginosa & B. subtilis.

Calanolide A-a coumarin that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase.

Costatolide-a coumarin that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase.

Calaustralin-a 4-phenylcoumarin.

Calophynic acid-a dihydro coumarin.

 

Summary comments on constituents: Other constituents of Oil of

tamanu may yet be discovered. However, based on known activity of

known constituents, it is clear that Oil of tamanu possesses Antibacterial

& Antiinflammatory activities. unique cicatrizing properties of tamanu Oil

are not yet explained in existing scientific literature, though this activity is

established & accepted. same is true for tamanu's Antineuralgic

properties. Tamanu Oil is well documented for its relief of neuritis, but

constituents responsible & their modes of activity are yet to be

determined.

 

Calophyllum as a Flower Essence

Hawaiian name: Kamani Botanical name: Calophyllum inophyllum

Common name: ...

Identity: A medicinally valued hardwood tree held sacred to Polynesians,

which bears sweetly fragrant clusters of white blossoms.

Flower Essence Properties: To protect sanctity & integrity of a place

from negative energies (use in spray bottle / bowl of water). Also heals

trauma & disharmony by clearing heart center of a person.

 

Uses: reddish-brown timber is hard & straight, thus valued for making

boat masts (Malaysia). It is also made into planks. beautiful tree is

planted as a wayside tree in Singapore. In Hawaii, it is also used in

building boats. Because timber does not smell / taste bad, it was also

carved into food containers. thick, dark green Oil which exudes from

drying seeds was used as lamp fuel & to waterproof cloth ... fruits are

also used to make a brown dye. If trunk is cut, it exudes a gum which

solidifies. fragrant flowers are used in leis (garlands). Traditional

medicinal uses: gum, bark, leaves, roots, flowers & Oil extracted from

seeds are used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ills. Oil is used

for massages, together w coconut Oil & flower fragrances.

 

KAMANI

A member of mangosteen family w scientific name of Calophyllum

inophyllum, kamani was brought north to Hawai`i from South Pacific

islands in early migrations of Polynesian settlers. Also called

Alexandrian laurel, true kamani was probably introduced by seed, which

is how it is propagated. This native of Pacific & of tropical Africa, grows

slowly along sandy shores & in lowland forests. It was cultivated in

villages, near houses & also in groves away from villages. When found

growing in windy areas it is sometimes in a picturesque, crooked /

misshapen form. True kamani is not to be confused w " false kamani " , a

common tropical almond that grows profusely along shores of Hawai`i.

This " kamani haole " was introduced after first white settlers arrived, &

has scientific name of Teminalia catappa. It was planted for shade & as

an ornamental, also growing from edible seed in its corky pod that

washes ashore w waves & currents. True kamani is a large attractive

spreading tree up to 60 feet high, w a rounded head of dense foliage &

rough grey bark. A reddish-brown hardwood is derived from trunk. From

this was carved many objects including canoes; homes; `umeke la`au,

wooden containers / calabash, specifically `umeke kamani, food bowls

& trays called pa kamani. As w milo & kou wood, there is no bad-tasting

taste / odor in kamani wood, so it is perfect for vessels that will be

contacting / containing food. leaves of kamani are large, stiff, shiny,

leathery & oblong w a blunt tip. They are 3-8 inches long, arranged

opposite each other & have closely placed fine parallel veins running

from a prominent raised yellow-green midrib to leaf margin. delightfully

fragrant (when new) flowers are small, 1 inch wide, & white w 4-8 petals.

They smell like orange blossoms & were used to give fragrance to kapa

cloth, & also for lei making. They are waxy & showy w golden yellow

stamens & a pink pistil, & grow in clusters of a dozen / so flowers found

hanging from a long stalk. fruit begins pinkish-green, rounds out to

about 2 inches long & becomes bright green. When mature, it has a thin

leathery dark grey-brownish skin which covers a bony shell that holds a

partly poisonous kernel / seed surrounded by a cork-like substance. A

lamp Oil for light was produced from kernel & was used at times instead

of kukui nut Oil. kernel is called a " punnai nut " in some areas of Pacific,

& Oil is dark, green, thick & called " dilo Oil " . Sometimes this Oil is useful

for lomi lomi, massage, especially when enhanced w coconut Oil /

flower fragrances. Oil may have been useful in waterproofing tapa cloth.

seed, leaves, gum & bark are said to have medicinal properties. In old

days an extract from fruit was used to make a brown dye to color tapa

cloth. Kamani was often planted around heiau, temples. Kamani was

mentioned in early chants, & considered a sacred tree in parts of

Polynesia. An especially fine grove is to be found on island of Moloka`i.

 

Antineuralgic & Skin Healing Activity Traditionally,oil of tamanu has

enjoyed topical use for relieving pain of sciatica, shingles, neuralgia,

rheumatism & leprous neuritis, for which it is effective. In 1918,

researchers associated w French Pharmacopoeia began research into

tamanu for topical & subcutaneous use. In late 1920s, Oil of tamanu

was employed in Fiji to relieve painful neuritis associated w leprosy.

Sister Marie-Suzanne, a nun in Society of Mary, administered tamanu

Oil (called Dolno, which means " no pain " ) topically to leprosy victims for

relief of neuritis, w good results. As a result of its effective use in Fiji,

Oil

of tamanu was further investigated by French researchers in 1930s for

its Antineuralgic effects. But they quickly became more interested in

tamanu's cicatrizing properties, which subsequently received most

attention. In French medical literature on tamanu Oil, several instances

of its successful use in cases of severe skin conditions have been

reported, w photographs showing before & after use. In one of most

remarkable instances, a woman was admitted to St. Louis Hospital in

Paris w a large gangrenous ulcer on her leg, which would not heal.

Though doctors were sure that amputation was inevitable, she was

given regular dressings oftamanu Oil. wound eventually healed

completely, leaving a smooth, flat scar. In other cases, tamanu Oil has

been employed successfully to heal severe burns caused by boiling

water, chemicals & X-rays. Oil possesses a unique capacity to promote

formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing & growth of

healthy skin. This process of forming new tissue is known as

cicatrization. Oil of Tamanu appears to be one of most effective known

cicatrizing agents in nature. For this reason, it is a widely used traditional

topical aid. In Pacific island folk medicine, tamanu Oil is applied liberally

to cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites & stings, abrasions, acne & acne

scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, anal fissures, sunburn, dry / scaly skin,

blisters, eczema, herpes sores, & to reduce foot & body odor. Tamanu

Oil is applied to neck to relieve sore throat, & is massaged into skin to

relieve neuralgia, rheumatism & sciatica. Tamanu Oil is employed by

Polynesian women for promoting healthy, clear, blemish-free skin, & is

also used on babies to prevent diaper rash & skin eruptions.

 

Harvested by native people & cold processed in pristine environment of

South Pacific Republic of Vanuatu, Oil of Tamanu is a valuable topical &

cosmetic ingredient which can provide significant benefits to consumers

& companies.

 

Tamanu & its dispersal

The name Calophyllum inophyllum means beautiful leaf, from Greek

‘kalos’ – beautiful, & ‘phullon’ – leaf. tree is indigenous to Southeast

Asia, but is profuse in Polynesia where it is traditionally known as Ati.

Tamanu grows up to 25 / even 30 meters in height, w long, spreading

limbs. tree trunk is typically thick w dark, cracked bark. tamanu

branches are covered w shiny, dark green oval leaves, & small white

flowers w yellow centres. blossoms give off a delightful, sweet perfume.

fruit of tree, about size of an apricot, has a thin flesh & a large nut hull

inside.

 

Though tree can be successfully planted inland, tamanu naturally grows

along coastal areas profusely. Tamanu is dispersed throughout Pacific

islands when nut-containing fruits drop from trees & float on seas to

other coastal areas where they sprout & root. Tamanu is unusual, in that

unlike most other trees, it favors salty, sandy soil.

 

Polynesian natives claim that coastal tamanu is more beneficial for

topical & cosmetic uses than inland tamanu. Oil of Tamanu is

processed exclusively from coastal tamanu trees, where nuts are hand-

gathered by indigenous native islanders.

 

Oil from an Oil-free nut

Tamanu is a botanical oddity. When fruits of tree are collected &

cracked open, blond nut kernel inside contains no apparent Oil. But

when kernel dries on a rack for a month / so, it turns a deep, chocolate

brown, & becomes sticky w a rich Oil. Using only a scew press, Oil is

squeezed from dark kernels. resulting Oil of tamanu is rich, dark green,

& luxurious.

 

Unusual penetrating power

While Oil of tamanu is thick & rich, once it is applied to skin it is readily

& completely absorbed. Skin feels smooth & plump, w no Oily residue.

 

Antineuralgic & skin healing activity

Traditionally Oil of tamanu has enjoyed topical use for relieving pain of

sciatica, shingles, neuralgia, rheumatism & leprous neuritis, for which it

is effective. In 1918, researchers associated w French Pharmacopoeia

began research into tamanu for topical & subcutaneous use. In late

1920’s, Oil of tamanu was employed in Fiji to relieve painful neuritis

associated w leprosy. Sister Marie-Suzanne, a nun in Society of Mary,

administered tamanu Oil (called Dolno, which means “no pain”) topically

to leprosy victims for relief of neuritis w good results.

 

Some constituents of tamanu Oil

The Oil of tamanu contains three basic classes of lipids, neutral lipids,

glycolipids, & phospholipids, enumerated below. Oil also contains a

unique fatty acid called calophyllic acid, & a novel Antibiotic lactone &

non-steroidal Antiinflammatory agent called calophyllolide. These &

other components of tamanu Oil are enumerated below.

 

General lipid composition

 

Neutral lipids 92

Glycolipids 6.4%

Phospholipids 1.6%

 

Neutral lipids

 

Monoacylglycerols 1.8%

sn -1,3 – Diaglycerides 2.4%

sn -1,2 (2,3) – Diaglycerides 2.6%

Free fatty acids 7.4%

Triacylglycerols 82.3%

Sterols, sterolesters & hydrocarbons 3.5%

 

Glycolipids

 

Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol 11.4%

Acylated sterolglucoside 13.1

 

 

Monogalactosylmonoacylglycerol 22.2%

Acylmonogalactosyldiacylglycerol 53.3%

 

Phospholipids

 

Phosphatidylethanolamine 46.3%

Phosphatidylcholine 33.8%

Phosphatidic acid 8.1%

Phosphatidylserine 6.1%

Lysophosphatidylcholine 5.7%

 

Calophyllic acid – a novel fatty acid found only in tamanu Oil.

 

Calophyllolide – a non-steroidal Antiinflammatory 4-phenyl coumarin.

 

6-desoxyjacareubin – an Antibiotic xanthone which inhibits S. aureus, P.

aeruginosa, B. subtilis, & S. typhimurium, & K. pneumoniae.

 

Jacareubin - an Antibiotic xanthone which inhibits S. aureus, P.

aeruginosa, B. subtilis, & S. typhimurium.

 

Calophyllum B – an Antibiotic xanthone which inhibits growth of P.

aeruginosa & B. subtilis.

 

Calanolide A – a coumarin which inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase.

 

Costatolide – a coumarin which inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase.

 

Calaustralin – a 4-phenylcoumarin.

 

Calophynic acid – a dihydro coumarin.

 

Summary comments on constituents: Other constituents of Oil of

tamanu may yet be discovered. However, based on known activity of

known constituents, it is clear that Oil of tamanu possesses Antibacterial

& Antiinflammatory activities. unique cicatrizing properties of tamanu Oil

are not yet explained in existing scientific literature, though this activity is

established & accepted. same is true for tamanu’s Antineuralgic

properties. Tamanu Oil is well documented for its relief of neuritis, but

constituents responsible & their modes of activity are yet to be

determined.

 

Tamanu for topical first aid

Due to its cicatrizing, Antibacterial & Antiinflammatory activities, Oil of

tamanu is suitable for use on a broad range of topical conditions. Refer

to folk uses of Oil for first aid purposes, described on page 1. Oil of

Tamanu can be applied neat to skin. However, Oil is every bit as

effective if diluted by 50% w either coconut Oil / another suitable topical

Oil. There is no apparent loss of efficacy for first aid purposes when Oil

is diluted by half. Thus there is no known significant benefit to using Oil

full strength.

 

Tamanu for cosmetics

Oil of Tamanu is a pure, rich, cold-processed Oil suitable for general

skin & cosmetic purposes. Oil’s unusual absorption, its mild & pleasant

aroma, & its luxurious richness make it ideal for use in lotions, creams,

ointments & other cosmetic products. Oil of Tamanu absorbs readily,

leaving skin feeling smooth, plump & soft. Oil adds a glow to skin,

without any residual greasiness / Oiliness. Oil of Tamanu stands to be a

significant ingredient for companies who want to develop unique

products & achieve a market advantage.

 

 

Best regards,

 

 

Tel: (H): +353-(0) or (M): +353-(0)

 

 

 

 

Ireland.

Tel: (W): +353-(0) or (M): +353-(0)

 

 

 

" Man who says it can't be done should not interrupt man doing it " -

Chinese Proverb