Like the coconut, the Tamanu tree fruits are dispersed in the ocean and germinate on the beaches upon which they land. They thrive readily on beaches because they are tough, resilient, and resistant to saltwater.
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On The Wild Side
- The journey of making tamanu oil is very traditional: the nuts naturally fall to the ground and that's when they are collected, gathered by hand, dried in the sun for 6 weeks, cracked open, then cold-pressed. Thus the harvesting process is super sustainable and does no damage to the local environment.
The nuts are after they naturally fall to the ground (instead of being picked from trees),.
- The collection and processing of the nuts provides income to local women enhancing the local economies of coastal communities in Negros and xx, Mindanao.
Tamanu tree can help protect coastal areas from typhoons. They thrive readily on beaches because they are tough, resilient, and resistant to saltwater!
How Tamanu Trees Provide Protection
- Wind Resistance: Tamanu trees are highly resistant to strong winds due to their sturdy nature and development of deep roots that anchor them in sandy soil. This makes them less likely to be uprooted during storms.
- Coastal Stabilization: The tree's tolerance for wind and salt spray, along with its root system, makes it ideal for coastal stabilization and strand reforestation.
- Windbreaks: When planted in rows (known as windbreaks or shelterbelts), the dense branches and thick crowns help to reduce wind speed, protecting inland areas, crops, and structures from the full force of typhoon winds.
- Flood Mitigation: While not as significant as mountain ranges, coastal forests with strong native trees can help absorb excess water, reducing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
The preservation and planting of resilient native trees like the tamanu are considered an important part of a national security strategy against climate-induced disasters in typhoon-prone regions like the Philippines.
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Scientific Evidence Behind Tamanu Oil (internal but posting here for reference)
While traditional use provides strong anecdotal support, modern research is increasingly validating tamanu oil’s benefits:
- A 2013 study published in Pharmaceutical Biology confirmed tamanu oil’s significant wound-healing activity in animal models, attributing it to calophyllolide and friedelin.
- Research in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020) highlighted its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity, comparable to synthetic standards like hydrocortisone in certain assays.
- In vitro studies show tamanu oil inhibits Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne.
source: https://koreancosmetics.cy/tamanu-oil-for-skincare-how-to-use-it-for-maximum-benefits/#Who_Should_Use_Tamanu_Oil
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