Punnaga Taila (Tamanu Oil) – Ayurvedic Elixir for Skin, Blood & Healing

Punnaga Taila, also known as Tamanu Oil, is powerful traditional Ayurvedic oil widely used for skin disorders, cosmetic care, wound healing, and blood-related diseases. Extracted from the kernels of Calophyllum inophyllum, this oil is dark green to bluish in color and highly viscous. It is known across the world by names such as Domba oil, Dillo oil, Undi oil, Laurel nut oil, and Poonseed oil.

In Ayurveda, Punnaga Taila holds a special place for its Varnya (complexion-enhancing), Pitta–Kapha pacifying, and Raktha shodhana (blood-purifying) actions.

Classical References

राजनिघण्टु (Raja Nighantu) describes Punnaga as:

पुन्नागःपुरुषस्तुङ्गःपुनामापाटलःपुमान् |

रक्तपुष्पेरक्तरेणुररुणोयंनवह्वयह् ||

पुन्नागोमधुरःशीतःसुगन्धिःपित्तनाशकृत |
भूतविद्रवणश्चैवदेवतानांप्रसादनः ||

Punnaga is sweet in taste, cold in potency, fragrant, pacifies Pitta, alleviates psychological disturbances, and promotes mental calmness.

Kaiyadeva Nighantu states:

पुन्नागःतुवरःशीतःस्वादुःपित्तकफास्रिजित्॥

It alleviates Pitta, Kapha, and Rakta disorders.

Ayurvedic Properties of Punnaga Taila

Therapeutic Uses of Punnaga Taila

1. Rakta Dosha Disorders

Punnaga Taila is highly effective in conditions arising from vitiated blood, such as:

·  Hyperpigmentation

·  Chronic skin inflammation

·  Burning sensation

·  Redness and discoloration

2. Skin Disorders & Cosmetic Use

Traditionally used in:

·  Psoriasis

·  Acne

·  Dermatitis

·  Wounds & ulcers

·  Allergic skin conditions

It enhances skin glow, improves complexion, and supports scar healing, making it a valued ingredient in Ayurvedic cosmetic formulations.

3. Hyperpigmentation (Vyanga)

Clinical and experimental studies on Eladi Gana, where Punnaga is a key ingredient, have shown significant improvement in melasma and facial pigmentation.

4. Scabies & Infectious Skin Diseases

The oil exhibits antibacterial and fungistatic properties, helping in:

·  Scabies

·  Fungal infections

·  Chronic ulcers

·  Burns and wounds

5. Leprosy (Kushtha)

The ripe seeds contain Calophyllolide, Inophyllolide, and Calophylic acid, traditionally used in the management of leprosy and chronic dermatoses.

6. Venereal Diseases

Punnaga Taila supports the health of genito-urinary mucous membranes, making it useful in certain venereal and urinary tract disorders.

7. Arthritis, Rheumatism & Gout

·  Paste of kernels relieves joint pain

·  Oil used as a stimulating embrocation for rheumatism and gout

8. Cardioprotective Action

Research indicates that Calophyllolide has:

·  Anticoagulant activity

·  Anti-arrhythmic effect

·  Coronary vasodilator properties

These actions support its experimental use in myocardial infarction.

Classical Grouping of Punnaga

·  Varnya Dashaimani – Charaka Samhita

·  Eladi Gana & Varna Prasadana – Sushruta Samhita

·  Karaveeradi Varga – Raja Nighantu

·  Aushadhi Varga – Kaiyadeva Nighantu

Botanical Description

·  Botanical Name:Calophyllum inophyllum

·  Family: Guttiferae / Clusiaceae

·  English Name: Alexandrian Laurel

Regional Names

·  Hindi: Sultana Champa, Surapana

·  Kannada: Surabanne, Pinne

·  Telugu: Ponna, Punagamu

·  Malayalam: Punna, Pinna

·  Marathi: Undi, Nagachampa

·  Gujarati: Udi, Undi

·  Odia: Polanga

Sanskrit Synonyms

Tunga, Padma Kesara, Deva Vallabha, Vibuddha, Punnama, Patali Pushpa, Rakta Kesara, Kanchana, Surapani, Sugandha, Rakta Pushpa

Classical Formulations Containing Punnaga Taila

·  Punnagadi Taila

·  Nishosiradi Taila

·  Eladi Taila

·  Asana Eladi Tailam

Why Punnaga Taila is Unique

·  Excellent blood purifier

·  Potent skin rejuvenator

·  Effective antimicrobial agent

·  Enhances complexion and radiance

·  Useful in chronic and difficult skin disorders

References

1.  Raja Nighantu

2.  Kaiyadeva Nighantu