Benefits of Kukui Nut Oil

Benefits of Kukui Nut Oil include it's ability to soothe and rejuvenate tired, dry skin. As one of the more common massage oils, kukui nut has a rich history of use in massage therapy in spas around the world.

Used by Polynesians for generations, this oil was know for its ability to protect skin from sun, wind and other elements of nature. It is highly regarded in many Hawaiian and Philippine cultures, and Kukui Nut is even the state tree of Hawaii.

It is considered one of the best massage oils to use for treatments as it is rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, and provides moisture for even the driest skin types.

This exotic oil will give your clients the feeling of being secluded in a tropical paradise...and who wouldn't want to feel that way!

This is not the least expensive massage oil you can buy, but Kukui Nut is definitely the most luxurious.

Other Benefits :

  • Great moisturizer for dry scalp and dry hair
  • Provides pain relief for chapped or burned skin
  • Provides relief from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, scars, and acne
  • Helps relieve appearance of prematurely aging skin

This oil is a great Carrier Oil for massage therapy. It is from the fruit seeds of the Kukui Nut tree and contains high levels of natural, polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is why it makes such a good moisturizer and an excellent choice in massage oils. It also is a key ingredient in many massage creams and lotions.

Known as one of the key healing properties of the Kakuna or medicine man, ancient Polynesian cultures have trusted the healing properties of this oil for generations. Still today, you would have a hard time finding a massage or bodywork professional in any Polynesian country that has not at least tried this oil, and most use it on a daily basis.

Kukui Nut Oil should be 100% pure, cold-pressed oil, for best results in massage therapy treatments.The only time you should not use this oil is with folks who have nut allergies.

Other Resources

Read more about the health benefits of Kukui Nut Oil at Livestrong.

Introduced by early Polynesian settlers, the kukui tree, or Aleurites moluccanus, was one of the "canoe plants" brought during their voyages. It's oil was valued for its versatility, serving as a source of light, a waterproofing agent, and a key component in traditional medicine. The tree's significance is further highlighted by its status as Hawaii's official state tree. 

Beyond its practical applications, the kukui nut and its oil are rich in symbolism, representing enlightenment, protection, guidance, and peace. Historically, the oil was used to illuminate homes, with the nuts strung together and burned as candles or used in stone lamps.

This practice of using kukui oil for light established it as a symbol of hope and guidance, especially in navigating the challenges of island life. The oil's protective qualities also extended to shielding the skin from the harsh sun and elements, making it a valuable resource for early Hawaiians. 

In traditional Hawaiian medicine, kukui nut oil was used for various ailments, including skin irritations, wounds, and even as a laxative. The oil was also used to waterproof canoes and other materials, demonstrating its versatility and importance in daily life.

The tree itself provided other resources, such as wood for canoes, dye from the nuts, and leaves and bark with medicinal properties. This holistic use of the kukui tree highlights the resourcefulness and deep connection of ancient Polynesians with their environment. 

Today, kukui nut oil is still treasured in Hawaii and beyond for it's moisturizing and skin-beautifying properties. While modern processing methods have evolved, the oil continues to be valued for its ability to soothe and protect the skin, reflecting its enduring legacy in Polynesian culture and its continued relevance in modern skincare. The oil's ability to be absorbed easily and its compatibility with other skincare products also makes it a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary uses. 

Early Hawaiians recognized it's healing properties, using the oil topically to address various skin ailments like wounds, sores, burns, and rashes. The oil's antimicrobial properties were valued for aiding in skin healing. It also found use as a massage oil to soothe sore muscles and to stimulate hair growth when applied to the scalp. 

The sap from freshly plucked nuts was applied to treat oral thrush and cold sores, particularly in infants and children. Also, the leaves were used in poultices to relieve pain associated with cuts, bruises, broken bones, inflammation, and muscle aches. The kukui tree, therefore, provided a wide array of remedies that spanned generations and were integral to the health and well-being of the Hawaiian people. 

Another of the benefits of Kukui nut oil is that it's a wonderful oil for massage therapy (especially Lomilomi) because it has a smooth, non-greasy feeling and penetrates well into skin, providing a wonderful glide for a long period of time.

Go back to Best Massage Oils from Benefits of Kukui Nut Oil

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