Kukui Nut Oil

Kukui nut oil is native to a number of islands, including the Hawaiian islands, as well as the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. It comes from the candlenut tree, also known as the Indian Walnut Tree, Kukui Nut Tree and the Kemiri Tree; its botanical name being Aleurites molucanna. The oil extracted from the kukui nut is clear, with a pale tinge of gold, and relatively thin in consistency. In Hawaii, the Kukui is symbolic of peace and tranquility, while the word kukui means 'enlightenment'. The benefits of kukui nut oil are many, and its use as a skin care product is widely advocated.

Benefits
Kukui nut oil is a great skin moisturizer, and is absorbed quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy film. It also mixes well with most formulations, making it a good additive to a base cream. It can be applied directly onto the skin as well; you can use it after a shower when your skin is damp and likely to absorb the most moisture. It's low viscosity makes it easy to apply, and you can even store it in a bottle that lets you spray it straight on your skin. Kukui nut oil contains vitamins A, C and E, which are beneficial in keeping the skin hydrated and smooth. Owing to its moisturizing qualities, this oil is often recommended as a natural home remedy to relieve a number of conditions, some of which are as follows.

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Extra Dry Skin
• Burns
• Scars and Lesions

Surprisingly, kukui oil also works wonders for acne, and its soothing properties can help in the control and further prevention of skin disorders. It contains essential fatty acids as well as linoleic and linolenic acids, which help in the treatment of acne; it can also be blended with geranium essential oil which helps minimize scars. Blended with tea tree oil, known for fighting blemishes, kukui nut oil can be used as a remedy for acne treatment at home.

Usage
This oil can help smooth dry and dull hair, as well as help in adding shine and silkiness. It is also recommended for those who suffer from dry scalp conditions. You can either add a few drops of kukui oil into your shampoo or conditioner, or even apply it directly to the scalp and leave it on for about an hour before you wash it off to combat any scalp problems.

Since the kukui nut tree is native to island regions, many islanders rely on its benefits to combat the after effects of the sun sea and surf. Sea water irritates most skin types and sunburn is common at, though not restricted to, beaches. This oil counters the drying effects of sea water and can soothe a sunburn as well. Though aloe vera is likely to bring you the most relief on a painful sunburn, you can apply kukui oil a few days after the redness has subsided.

Apart from its usage as a cosmetic product, kukui nut oil is also used for massage. Legend has it that Hawaiian royalty would get massages that lasted up to seven hours with this oil; and it continues to be used as a therapeutic massage oil to this day.