Basically, tamanu oil has a unique capacity to promote the skin to form new tissue; in other words, this is THE stuff to use if you want to fade out scars and stretch marks, and prevent raised scars from forming. In the Pacific islands, tamanu oil is used for loads of different things, on men, women and children. Now we are starting to see tamanu being used in skincare preparations in the West.

I was sent a pot of Tamanu Balm from The Hospital Group and have been using it liberally everyday on my battered legs and elbows (I'm very good at falling off my mountain bike). While my scars aren't recent, the balm has helped noticeably fade the marks they've left.

I would definitely use this balm on any appearing stretch marks; it would be wonderful in pregnancy, especially as it has a nice wholesome natural smell (anything too artificial can put you right off in pregnancy, that's for sure).

A tiny bit from the massive pot goes such a long way, I'll be keeping it for use on burns, fresh scars, and those inevitable cuts and grazes on my little boy. As well as being a potent healing agent, it has anti microbial properties too, so fights infection.

Tamanu Balm is available from www.thehospitalgroup.org 17.99 for 100 ml.