What is Punnaga?
If you have ever bought a small bottle of tamanu oil for your skin, you have already met Punnaga. It is the tree that oil comes from.
Its English name is Alexandrian Laurel, and its botanical name is Calophyllum inophyllum Linn. It is listed in the drug index of the Sahasra Yoga, a classical compendium of Ayurvedic formulas.
Our sources record one main use: tamanu oil applied topically, on the skin, for skin and wound care. This page keeps to that.
Benefits of Punnaga
Skin Care
Punnaga is the source of tamanu oil, which the Sahasra Yoga drug index notes is used topically for skin care. This is an external use: the oil is applied to the skin rather than swallowed.
Wound Care
The same source records tamanu oil for wound care, again applied to the skin.
What the Record Does Not Say
Our sources do not give Punnaga's taste (Rasa), energy (Virya), dosha effects or internal uses. We have not listed benefits the record cannot support.
How to Use Punnaga
The only use our sources record for Punnaga is its oil on the skin. No internal dose is given.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamanu oil, applied to the skin | A small amount on the area; no amount recorded | Skin care and wound care | Not recorded |
Before using it more widely, test a small amount on a patch of skin. No vehicle (Anupana), meaning the food or drink a remedy is taken with, or seasonal guidance is recorded.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources list no contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Punnaga. They also record only external use of its oil, so do not take tamanu oil by mouth on the strength of this page.
As with any oil applied to the skin, a small patch test first is sensible. Stop if you notice irritation.
For deep, large or infected wounds, see a doctor rather than treating them yourself.
Recommended: Start Here
The simplest way to start with Punnaga is the way our sources describe it: a few drops of tamanu oil on the skin for skin or minor wound care.
Look for pure, cold-pressed tamanu oil, and check the label names Calophyllum inophyllum.
Find Pure Tamanu Oil on Amazon ↗ Organic Cold-Pressed Tamanu Oil ↗
Use it on the skin only, patch test first, and see a doctor for any serious wound.
Punnaga vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Our sources do not record classical comparisons for Punnaga, so a long table would mean inventing details. The useful distinction is how the record says it is used.
| Comparison | Punnaga | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punnaga vs an internal herb | Tamanu oil applied to the skin | A herb taken by mouth with a recorded dose | Use Punnaga externally for skin and wound care. For internal goals, look to a herb whose internal use is documented. |
Punnaga for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources give no guidance. Ask your doctor or midwife before using tamanu oil during pregnancy or while nursing.
Children
No guidance is recorded. Ask a doctor before using it on a child's skin, and keep the oil out of reach.
Elderly
No specific guidance is recorded. Older or thinner skin can be more sensitive, so patch test first.
Athletes
Our sources describe no athletic use for Punnaga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Punnaga the same as tamanu?
Punnaga is the tree, Calophyllum inophyllum, and tamanu oil is the medicinal oil it produces.
What is Punnaga called in English?
It is known as Alexandrian Laurel.
Can I take tamanu oil internally?
Our sources record only topical use for skin and wound care. They give no internal dose, so do not take it by mouth without professional advice.
Where is Punnaga mentioned in classical texts?
It appears in the drug index of the Sahasra Yoga, which lists its synonyms and Latin name.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.