Calophyllum inophyllum

[Guest guest]

Just to set the record straight, Calophyllum inophyllum is called Kamani or

sometimes kamanu (also known as Alexandrian laurel) in Hawai'i, not punnai

(which as best I can tell is not a word in the Hawaiian language). It is not

native here it is considered a Polynesian introduction. The tree is widespread

from tropical East Africa to Eastern Polynesia, including India, Taiwan,

Malesis, and Australia. In Tonga, the oil ( " Tonga Oil " ) is used for massaging

aching joints and rheumatism. This is also used in Samoa, Fiji, the Philippines,

and westward to India. In Samoa, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands, a bath is made by

soaking the crushed leaves in sea water and used to treat rashes, inflammations,

infections and scabies. This is also done in Indonesia. The leaf is also used

for the treatment of conjunctivitis. The source for much of this information

comes from the excellent publication, Polynesian Herbal Medicine by Dr. W.

Arthur Whistler, one of the greatest ethnobotanists of our time and

probably the one person who knows the most about Polynesian uses of plants in

the world.

 

This species is not listed in the Zhong Yao Da Ci Dian but a related plant

Calophyllum membracaceum is listed. This medicinal is slightly bitter and

neutral. It treats blood stasis and stops pain. Is used for knocks and falls and

treats wind-dampness bone pain, and pain in the lumbus due to kidney vacuity. It

is also used for irregular menses and painful menstruation. Dosage is 0.5-1 qian

in decoction. There is a phrase I was unable to translate, perhaps someone more

knowledgable than I could key in, the pin yin is: pu3 shen4 qiang2 yao1.

Obviously it has something to due with the kidneys association with the lumbus

but I'm not sure what.

 

Good day,

Thomas

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Professor of

Chair of Herbology Department

Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Honolulu, HI

 

www.herbsandmore.photostockplus.com

 

 

[Guest guest]

,

> wrote:

There is a phrase I was unable to translate, perhaps someone more

knowledgable than I could key in, the pin yin is: pu3 shen4 qiang2

yao1. Obviously it has something to due with the kidneys association

with the lumbus but I'm not sure what.

 

Assuming that the pu3 is supposed to be a bu3, the phrase probably

means " supplements the kidneys and strengthens the lumbus. "

 

Eric