Hi, Dr. Ettinger!

My wife has suffered with a large, painful and growing keloid scar on her left shoulder at the site where she received her childhood vaccinations. I also believe that was the cause of the keloid scarring in the first place. Would tamanu oil be the best oil to put on this to relieve the pain and to possibly reduce the scar (or at least keep it from growing any larger)? Or would EMU Oil be more effective in your opinion?

The pain is SO BAD right now that she wants to go to a dermatologist to get a STEROID SHOT which I do not recommend, but she feels there is NO ALTERNATIVE. Do you know what the side effects are from the steroids shots used in treating keloid scars so that I can educate her?

Thanks for letting me know as soon as possible, Dr. Ettinger. I appreciate all of your help!

P.S.–Do you ship UPS Ground? The reason I ask is because UPS is the only major carrier that does not irradiate any of their products.

Dr. Ettinger’s Response:

Based on the urgency, I’m cutting to the quick. I would alternate oils throughout the day. If there is no relief, to her satisfaction, go for the shot (side-effects are far less than her pain) and continue with the oils.

Our organic, Tahitian tamanu oil is of the finest quality and purity and is what I use every day. We do ship UPS ground.

Or

Go immediately for the shot and use the oils afterward. Personally, I would not want to watch my wife in pain until the package arrives.

Let me know what you decide and what works.

Sincerely,

Dr. Marcus Ettinger, B.Sc., D.C

From New York University’s Langone Medical Center website:

Principal Proposed Natural Treatments
Keloid Scars
Other Proposed Natural Treatments

When the body repairs a wound, it often does so by creating fibrous scar tissue. Internal scars that may develop following surgery can cause significant pain. Surface scars are generally painless, but they may be cosmetically unpleasant. In some cases, scars on the skin can develop into a special form of oversized scar called a keloid. Keloids are generally red or pink, and often form a ridge several millimeters above the skin. These scars occur when the body continues to fill the scar with collagen after it has healed. Darker-skinned people are more likely to develop keloids than those with lighter skin.

Conventional treatment of any type of scar is less than entirely satisfactory. Keloids and other scars on the skin may be reduced in size by freezing (cryotherapy), steroid injections, radiation therapy, or surgical removal. However, a new, even more visible scar may develop in the place of the one that was removed. Similarly, removal of painful internal scars may lead to the new formation of painful scar tissue.

Proposed Natural Treatments

The herb gotu kola is said to help remove keloid scars. 1,2 When used for this purpose, it is taken orally, applied to the skin, or injected into the scar. However, there is no reliable evidence that it is effective.

According to some schools of acupuncture , surface scars impede the flow of “energy,” and thereby cause various illnesses. Acupuncture treatment of both surface and internal scars is said either to shrink them or, at least, to reduce their effects. However, there is no meaningful scientific evidence to indicate that acupuncture offers any benefits for scars.

Other natural treatments proposed for scars, but again without reliable supporting evidence, include: Aloe vera , allantoin, coconut oil, collagen, elastin, jojoba oil, lavender oil , massage , magnet therapy , selenium , snail extract, tamanu oil, vitamin A, vitamin C , vitamin E , and zinc .

References

1. Kartnig T. Clinical applications of Centella asiatica (L.) . Herbs Spices Med Plants . 1988;3:146-173.
2. Bosse JP, Papillon J, Frenette G, et al. Clinical study of a new antikeloid agent. Ann Plast Surg . 1979;3:13-21.

Dr. Ettinger    

Q: Dear Dr. Ettinger,

I just saw your informational video on Tamanu Oil.  Would this product be effective on age spots?  And could one use this product on one’s hair as a conditioner?

Thanks again,

Carmelita

A: Carmelita,

I add it to my conditioner bottle for an extra punch – good call! Age spots are tricky. It works wonders on some and not so wonderful on others. If you get it for your hair, try it on the skin and see what happens.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ettinger

Response back: Dr. Ettinger,

Thanks so much for your quick reply. I Didn’t find your suggestion of adding the Tamanu Oil to one’s hair conditioner on any of the websites I was researching for further information on this product. What a great idea!!! I need that extra punch for my hair!

As for the age spots, I appreciate your honesty on this fact. At least you’re not afraid to give someone an honest answer. You should see the advertising out there on some web sites guaranteeing that age spots will disappear with Tamanu Oil.

Thanks again,

Carmelita

Hello Dr. Ettinger,

I suffer from blepharitis and I’m wondering if I can apply tamanu oil on my eyelids.  I came across some info on the internet that it can be used for conjunctivitis (I assume it’s because of its anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal properties).  If so, should it be applied undiluted or diluted (with a Q-tip)?

I also suffer from long-standing hyperpigmentation (uneven patches/streaks on my cheeks) on my cheeks and old acne scars which are more like shallow, irregular craters. Will tamanu oil help in filling in the indentations?

Thank you in advance.

Mary Smith

Mary,

Application of the undiluted tamanu oil w/a Q-tip should be okay. As far as hyperpigmentation goes, it’s most likely not going to work. My wife has melasma and we have tried everything, nothing seems to work. She does use it as a moisturizer and it works very well for that.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Dear Dr. Ettinger,

Thank you for your reply.  I will tread cautiously when applying (initially diluted) tamanu oil on my eyelids.

Yes, hyperpigmentation/melasma is extremely difficult to overcome.  You didn’t say if, in your practice, you’ve encountered success with tamanu oil in filling in shallow acne scars (one of the benefits of tamanu oil is that it helps with acne scars, but I’m not sure which kind – raised, rolling, etc.).   Would appreciate a quick feedback with regard to that, at your convenience.  Thanks.

Regards,

Mary Sue

Mary,

Deep pits caused by acne vulgaris are hard to resolve, even with chemical peels or laser. Collagen regeneration will help to reduce the depth and plump-up the area, and works best for mild scaring. Everyone’s chemistry is different and what works for one may not work for another. Our Tamanu oil is not expensive and will have some positive impact on your skin. It’s worth a try.

Another option is more expensive, but will yield the best results: Use the oil for a while along with a .5% retinol product 1-2x/wk, and get the skin very healthy. Now the expensive part: You will have to save about $3,000 for Fraxel (less down time), or CO2 or erbium laser (more down time)

Let me know where you live and I can refer you to a reputable cosmetic/laser dermatologist (if interested). Please e-mail me in a couple of months and give me an update.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Dear Dr. Ettinger,

Thank you for your tips.  I don’t have deep cystic acne scars (fortunately), but do have what I describe as shallow, irregular craters (with several medium-sized indentations).  It was because of that that I went for a peel many, many years ago that resulted in my hyperpigmentation due to sun exposure.  You might say that I traded one skin problem for another (and I still have acne scars!).  It was obviously a potent peel and I was NEVER cautioned by the derm to avoid the sun or use sunblock which wasn’t a household word back then.

I tried various treatments after that fiasco – HQ, Retin-A, Obagi (which resulted in rebound hyperpigmentation when stopped), microdermabrasion (the first two were fine, but the third increased the size of my already darkened areas on my cheeks), Cosmelan II 5 years ago(again, initially I was overjoyed but after a week to 10 days’ use brought forth not only darker patches but streaks as well) and more recently about a year ago the Wonderbar, the negative results of which I’m still recovering from.  My skin has yo-yo-ed between getting worse and better all these years.  Funnily enough, the times when my hyperpigmentation was at its lighter phase were when I stopped doing “treatments” and used natural/organic skin products.  For almost the last two months, I’ve been using rosehip seed oil on my face and it seems to have helped lightened my hyperpigmentation  – not that I haven’t used rosehip oil in the past – but perhaps I didn’t give it enough time back then.   Also the brand or the type may have made a difference.  As you know, rose hip oil is rich in natural retinoic acid – perhaps that’s what helping with both my skin issues.

The fact that I am oriental also complicates matters.  I cannot risk having laser or aggressive exfoliating treatments whether it’s for acne scars or hyperpigmentation/melasma.  Although mine is not melasma per se, one derm and one esthetician did term it as such.  (One very reputable laser I went to see advised me against the laser precisely because of my being Asian.  Of course, laser technology has considerably improved since the ‘80s, but I cannot take that risk).  I’ve often wondered if the peel I had ages ago went too deep because the pigmentation has never completely faded, but the fact that my skin has experienced lighter phases has given me hope for further recovery.

In the meantime, I will patiently keep on using what nature has to offer.  I find that switching from chemical sunscreens to physical ones has also helped.  That said, I’m still looking for the ‘perfect’ sunblock.

Thanks again.

Regards,

Mary

P.S.  In your opinion, is it okay to apply tamanu oil over the rosehip oil, or is that overkill? (Will one counter the other, or worse still, will they “clash”?)

Mary,

The Tamanu will be perfectly okay to use in conjunction with Rosehip oil. Since Rosehip oil can irritate skin I would use one of the oils at night and one in the morning. It’s a personal choice which rotation you want to use.

As far as sun block goes, I like SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30. I sold/used it in my MedSpa that I owned for 3 years. For my Asian patients, I used Tri-Luma to lighten hyperpigmentation. SkinCeuticals Phyto + is a natural alternative to Tri-Luma.

You may also want to get yourself a sun-protection hat. Coolibar is what I carried.

I hope this additional information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC



An organic update from CAOH

One of the earmarks of a high quality supplement company is demonstrated by their Organic Certification.  In order to receive this certification, you go through a rigorous inspection process to ensure that the products you are offering meet all the guidelines. 

CAOH goes through this inspection process every year!  (We just did again!)  We want to make sure you know that we are making every effort to keep our quality and value ahead of the curve.

Whenever possible, buy organic!

Important: Why is it important that products be certified organic?  First of all, it guarantees that you are getting a product that is free of additives, chemicals and preservatives.  Secondly, because buying certified organic ensures that you are actually getting the real item.  Buying certified organic ensures that you are buying the real thing at its best!

Here is a list of our organic products:

Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Eczema is a chronic skin condition, characterized by dry, red, flaky patches of skin.  Eczema appears most commonly on the face, neck, elbows, wrists, knees, behind the ears, and on the scalp. During acute episodes, the patches become oozing, inflamed, and itchy.  There are currently two recognized classifications of dermatitis: atopic and contact.  Contact dermatitis is typically aggravated by direct skin contact with allergens, such as chemicals, wool, lanolin, soap, or cosmetics.  Atopic eczema is usually triggered by inhaled or ingested allergens, such as certain foods, pollen, dust, or animal dander.  Some literature discusses a third classification, "dysregulatory microbial eczemas."  This category refers to eczema caused by the introduction of microflora into the horny layer of the skin, and a breakdown in the epidermis, resulting in inflammation.

Food allergies appear to play a significant role in atopic dermatitis.  The presence of severe eczema has been associated with an increased tendency to produce food-specific IgE antibodies.  Although the subject is debated, maternal antigen exposure during pregnancy and lactation may increase the chance of eczema in infancy.  Studies have confirmed that women who avoid antigens during pregnancy and lactation, and exclusively breast feed have reduced occurrence of infants with atopic eczema.

Antioxidant nutrients help support the immune system especially when the body is under stress, thereby, reducing the risk of many illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic degenerative diseases.  It is not advisable to take large amounts of one or two antioxidants while excluding the rest.  For optimal protection, a nutritional supplement program should include multiple antioxidants.  The primary antioxidants are vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, coenzyme Q10, and lipoic acid.  Also, there are other powerful antioxidant sources such as selenium, grape seed extract, and green tea.  There are many other nutrients that also function as antioxidants.

AA case-control, population-based study was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition to investigate the link between antioxidant nutrient intake and the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children.  The researchers enrolled 180 children with atopic dermatitis and 242 without AD all being five years old.  Their diets were assessed by using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and fasting blood samples were used to analyze fat-soluble vitamins such as retinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and vitamin C.  The results were a reduction of AD by 56 percent in children with the highest intake of beta-carotene in comparison to children with the lowest intake.  There was a similar association with vitamin E at 67 percent, folic acid at 63 percent and iron at 61 percent reduction in AD risk.  Highest levels of alpha-tocopherol were associated with a 36 percent reduced risk of AD and retinol was at 26 percent lower risk.  The researchers stated “These findings suggest that higher antioxidant nutritional status reduces the risk of AD and that such risk-reduction effects depend on nutrient type.”

1. Oh SY, Chung J, Kim MK, et al. Antioxidant nutrient intakes and corresponding biomarkers associated with the risk of atopic dermatitis in young children. Eur J Clin Nutr. Jan 2010.

We offer several antioxidant rich supplements, but here are two to choose from:

Kidamins™: Liquid Multi Vitamins for Children age 1 through 12!

Liquid Power Multi-V™: Complex Multi Vitamins for the whole family.

Being troubled by eczema myself – I have found that Noni Juice, Tamanu Oil and Seabuckthorn Oil are quite helpful when my eczema flairs up!

CAOH

Get great organic Tamanu Oil from
California Academy of health Here!

Pure Organic Tahitian Tamanu Oil

Tamanu Oil (sometimes called Kamani Oil) is a totally unique and highly effective, broad-spectrum, skin-care product.

USDA Certified Organic

Important: Why is it important that our Tamanu oil is certified organic?  First of all, it guarantees that you are getting a product that is free of additives, chemicals and preservatives.  Secondly, because buying certified organic Tamanu ensures that you are actually getting Tamanu oil.  We have been selling Tamanu for about 7 years, and since Dr. Oz's recent recommendation Tamanu has increased in popularity.  It has also increased the number of Tamanu products on the market and many of them are not pure Tamanu or may not even contain Tamanu.  Buying certified organic Tamanu ensures that you are buying the real thing at its best!

100% Tahitian Tamanu Oil

No additives, added oils, or preservatives!

Cold Pressed/Unrefined/Virgin

California Academy of Health's search for the most potent natural products has led us to the tropical island archipelago of Vanuatu where tamanu, an oil rich in antioxidants, is produced.

Tamanu, as it is known by native Tahitians, is a “sacred oil”  used for centuries to naturally treat skin irritations and promote wound healing and regeneration of new skin.  Tamanu oil also possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and has demonstrated efficacy against various human and animal pathogens.

As early as 1918, French researchers investigated the unique topical benefits of tamanu oil.  Traditionally, the oil has been used by Pacific islanders on cuts, sores, burns, blemishes, rashes, bites and stings. Tamanu oil contains three basic classes of lipids: neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids.  Tamanu oil also contains a unique fatty acid called calophyllic acid, and a novel immune supportive and anti-inflammatory agent called calophyllolide which promotes the formation of new, healthy skin.  Tamanu is not only topically immune supportive, it is anti-inflammatory on the skin as well.  Modern applications of tamanu oil are in the forms of advanced skin care products, anti-wrinkle creams, and lotions.

Get our Tamanu oil here!

Tamanu Oil has a wide-range of skin care benefits. However, even for those people who are aware of the incredible curative and restorative properties of this ancient oil, very few realize that it is also very effective in reducing or completely eliminating age spots.

Although indigenous peoples of Polynesia discovered this natural skin care remedy many centuries ago, it is only in recent times that Tamanu Oil has begun to attract serious attention from the cosmetic community.

One thing is for certain – Tamanu Oil is now at the cutting edge of a new wave of emerging skin care products.

How Tamanu Oil Is Processed

The Tamanu tree only bears fruit once a year and the fruit itself is inedible. However, inside the fruit is a pale-colored nut kernel. When this nut kernel is dried (which takes 1-2 months), it turns a deep, chocolate brown and releases a sticky, rich oil.

These days, the oil is often extracted from the nut kernels using some form of mechanical cold press. The resulting Tamanu Oil is a rich, luxurious, greenish-amber color. It is non-toxic and devoid of any artificial chemical additives.

Botanical Name: Calophyllum tacamahaca and/or Calophyllum inophyllum depending on reference. Also sometimes called Kamani Oil.

The Healing Properties Of Tamanu Oil

While the Tamanu Tree does grow inland, it prefers salty, sandy soil, with the result that it tends to grow profusely near the sea. Native people claim that the best Tamanu Oil comes from the trees that grow near coastal areas, rather than from those that grow inland.

The ability of Tamanu Oil to heal the skin surpasses most, if not all, modern day skin care products. Scientific studies show that Tamanu Oil has significant healing properties because of its ability to produce new skin tissue and because of its natural anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antibiotic and antioxidant properties.

While Tamanu Oil can be used effectively to treat a range of infections including ring worm, athlete’s foot, itching and dermaphytosis of the scalp or beard (due to the presence of Friedelin) and infected wounds and burns (due to the anti-bacterial presence of Canophyllol and the antibiotic presence of lactones), it is its cicatrizing capacity that sets it apart.

Cicatrization is the process involved in the formation of new tissue. Consequently, Tamanu Oil is amazingly effective for the treatment of everything from acne and acne scars, scarring generally, stretch marks, diabetic sores, psoriasis, sunburn, blisters, abrasions, burns, cuts, eczema, herpes sores, insect bites and stings, fissures, dry or scaly skin and my personal favorite – the reduction or complete removal of unsightly age spots.

The natural anti-inflammatory qualities of the oil also produce significant pain-relieving properties (due in part to the presence of Phenyl Coumarin Calophyllolide and various xanthones in the oil). It is this anti-inflammatory quality that is primarily responsible for the reduction of general swelling, rashes, sores, and abrasions.

Sometimes referred to as “Green Gold” or the Sacred Oil of Tamanu, this oil also possesses analgesic properties that help rid the body of pain extremely fast – this is especially so when it comes to conditions such as neuralgia, sciatica, shingles and rheumatism. The combination of the oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities can be particularly beneficial in the case of pulled muscles, ligament damage and sprains.

Tamanu Oil can be applied to the surface of the skin to promote healthy, blemish-free skin. Many native women apply use it on babies to prevent nappy rash. It may be applied to treat a variety of skin irritations, including those caused by warts, allergies or skin ulcers.

Some of the other skin care benefits of this tropical first aid remedy include the treatment of dermatitis, chemical burns, skin grafts, post surgical wounds, vaginitis, chilblains – just to name a few.

One of the most important features of Tamanu Oil is its ability to penetrate all three layers of the skin – i.e. the Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis. Apart from all its other qualities, this fact goes a long way towards explaining why Tamanu Oil can do what it does.

Its no surprise that this wonderful oil can even be used to treat animals such as dogs and cats.

The secret to using Tamanu Oil, especially when it comes to removing age spots, is to only use 100% pure Tamanu Oil. While it can safely be mixed with other oils such as Olive Oil, all this really achieves is a higher profit margin for the seller or manufacturer and a less effective treatment for the consumer.

The other trick to achieving effective and rapid results is the frequency with which you apply the oil.

How To Use Tamanu Oil Tamanu Oil is non-greasy and readily absorbed into the skin. As the oil is so effective, a little goes a long way. Initially, it’s a good idea to apply the oil 4, 5 or more times a day and then cut back as the problem begins to heal. This is particularly so when looking to remove age spots from the back of the hands, forehead, face, arms or upper thighs. If you are applying the oil to a large area then the frequency should be 2-3 times a day. It can have a drying effect on the skin when applied to a large area. If the area does start to become "scaly", don't be alarmed – it means the oil is doing its job. Ease off on the application or even stop for a few days. Apply some of your favorite body moisturizer to ease the drying effect and then reuse the Tamanu Oil, if necessary. We are not aware of any documented reports of adverse effects due to the application of Tamanu Oil. Just the same, care may need to be taken if you are allergic to nuts. In this case, apply the oil to a small area first to check for any adverse reaction.