The exotic and beautiful islands in the South Pacific are home of tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum), a plant oil which has been used traditionally as a healing aid for centuries, but is just entering the North-American and European markets.

The tamanu tree, a member of the mangosteen family, grows up to 30 meters tall. It produces dark green leaves, and aromatic white flowers with yellow centres. The apricot-sized fruit has a large nut with green skin.

For the oil production the fruit nuts are collected and cracked open. The yellowish nut kernel contains little oil. However, after drying the kernel on a rack for about a month, through oxidation the nut kernel turns a darker brown, with rich, sweet and pleasant-smelling oil.

The oil is squeezed with a press from the nuts. The resulting oil is dark green-brown and thick. However, once applied to the skin, the oil absorbs quickly, without any residue.

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years. Nature’s nutritious sweetener contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and is also used to nourish skin and hair.

Honey is used topically as antiseptic to disinfect and speed the healing process in sore throats, wounds, ulcers scrapes and burns. Some of the healing proponents and antibacterial agents in honey are enzymes, antioxidants and flavonoids.

A spoonful of honey is more effective than cough syrup containing DM for children over 12 months old, according to Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Don't give honey-containing products to infants less than one year of age. Honey may contain certain spores and toxins that can cause infant botulism, a life-threatening disease. However, honey is considered safe for children over 12 months and adults.

Infrared energy, also known as radiant heat, is a form of energy that heats objects directly through a process called conversion, without having to heat the air in between. Our sun is the principal source of radiant energy.

Far-infrared rays are part of the sunlight spectrum which is invisible to the naked eye. They are also known as biogenetic rays. Scientists have proven that these rays promote the growth and health of living cells in humans, animals and plants.

Far-infrared light penetrates beyond the skin level and is absorbed by cells below, whereas visible light is mostly bounced off the skin surface. Near-infrared is mostly absorbed at the skin level and raises the skin temperature. Far-infrared can penetrate up to 4 centimetres, causing resonance with water molecules and resonating with cellular frequencies. Thus, FIR can revitalize human cells and tissue by warming the body from the inside.

A series of recent studies shows an interesting link between certain foods and drinks and the prevention of damage through the sun on our skin.

While reducing your exposure to the bright sun and wearing thin, long layered clothing are still the best choices to avoid skin damage and sun burns, there are a number of foods that can help to heal and restore. Just turn to your kitchen and feed your skin.

White, green and black tea, in particular with lemon, have been found to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Exposure to the harmful ultraviolet radiation UVB can cause free radical stress, which can lead to the development of wrinkles. The antioxidants in tea can help the skin the damaging effects of the sun.

Foods rich in lycopene and carotenoids, such as red tomatoes, green peppers, carrots, and onions provide some protection against skin cancer and help against prematurely aged skin. The micronutrient carotenoid is mostly found in dark yellow or red vegetables and fruits. By eating tomatoes, peppers, melons, fresh apples and pomegranates the carotenoids are distributed in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. They help absorb the light, act as antioxidants and offer anti-inflammation from sunburn. Plus, they increase blood circulation and absorption of skin nutrition.

The growing interest in healthy food also ignited a huge interest in a raw food lifestyle. Raw foodists claim that a diet consisting of organic, fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables, as well as sprouted nuts and seeds achieves maximum health, detoxifies the body and saves the planet.

Raw foods contain enzymes which are important in aiding digestion and absorption of food. This means that the body's own enzymes may work better in regulating the body's metabolism. Heating food above 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit decreases or destroys enzymes. Freezing food is acceptable, even though freezing lowers enzyme activity.

Raw foods contain friendly bacteria and other micro-organisms that affect the immune system and digestion by populating the digestive tract with gut flora. When handled and prepared properly, raw food can help to lessen and relief heartburn, gas, indigestion or constipation (check with your holistic health practitioner if you are fit for a raw or partially raw diet).

We don't think much about our skin, except for when it's dry and itchy. But the skin is the largest and most important elimination organ of the body. It rids the body of toxic waste material, mostly trough the sweat glands. The five main elimination channels are:

1. Skin

2. Bowels

3. Kidney

4. Lungs

5. Lymphatic.

Dry (not wet) skin brushing stimulates detoxification through the skin.

Remember what your mother used to teach you? Don't eat anything you can't pronounce. That counts just as much for what you put on your body.

As part of our daily skin, hair, body and mouth care, many of us unknowingly laver with, spray on and apply over 100 harsh, even dangerous and toxic chemicals.

Products like soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, and make-up usually contain cheap, synthetic ingredients that are suspiciously harmful. There are more than 125 ingredients used on the skin suspected of causing cancer, adverse nervous system reactions and birth defects. Other chemicals have been shown to contribute to hormonal disruptions, headaches, allergies, depression, chronic fatigue, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, and irritability.

Start reading the ingredient listing on personal care products carefully. Even so-called natural products are often loaded with chemicals, since there is not legal definition of natural. Fortunately, there are some truly wonderful, clean and effective body care products available. And for the love of other living creatures, choose products not tested on animals.