It comes from the seeds of several species of Aleurites, primarily Aleurites fordii, a deciduous shade tree native to China. It belongs to the Euphorbia Family (Euphorbiaceae) along with the candlenut tree (A. molucanna), another species with seeds rich in unsaturated oils. For centuries the oil has been used for paints and waterproof coatings, and as a component of caulk and mortar. It is an ingredient in "India ink" and is commonly used for a lustrous finish on wood. In fact, the "teak oil" sold for fine furniture is usually refined kukui oil. Some woodworkers consider the oil to be one of the best natural finishes for wood.
The seed of candlenut (Aleurites molucanna) contains about 50 percent oil. This is why it ignites and burns like a candle. The ancient Polynesians brought this tree to the Hawaiian Islands where it has become naturalized. The dried nuts were cracked open and the seeds were skewered onto the midrib of a coconut frond (or slender bamboo stem) and set on fire. The Polynesians used them for candles that burned for about 45 minutes. Hawaiians also extracted the oil for many other uses: to shine and waterproof wooden bowls, to mix with charcoal to make black canoe paint, to burn as torches, and to burn in stone lamps for light.
Shelled candlenuts (Aleurites molucanna) are commonly sold in Asian food markets. Although they superficially resemble shelled macadamia nuts, they should not be eaten raw because they contain a strong purgative. Apparently roasted seeds are eaten, but only in small quantities because of their laxative effect. In Hawaii they are roasted and made into a condiment called inamona, by pounding them into a paste that is mixed with salt. The inamona paste is mixed with seaweed, minced chile peppers and bite-sized cubes of raw ahi fish (or another fish) to prepare a favorite Hawaiian dish called "inamona poke." The cooked, mashed seeds are used in a similar Indonesian dish called "sambal kemiri." Candlenut paste is also used to thicken and flavor Indonesian and Malaysian curries.
Kukui nut oil is high in the essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acids. These acids are vital for the metabolism of healthy skin. Vitamins A, C and E are added to stabilize the oil. Kukui nut oil is easily absorbed by the skin. It soothes irritated, sunburned, or burned skin. Surveys have shown that kukui nut oil can help relieve itchy and dry skin due to eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
Kemiri Bath
Ingredients
10 piesces candlenuts
a few shavings of lengkuas/galagal
Grind candlenuts add galangal and rub gently over the whole body. The nut extracts dirt from body. The nut will change colour after rubbing awhile
Tropical Massage Oil
Kukui nut provides nourishment to the skin and good slip! Macadamia and jojoba add stability and are good for you, too! Scent with cananga
2 parts kemiri oil
1 part coconut oil
1 part jojoba oil
Mix together in a plastic squeeze-type bottle with dispensing
Kukui nuts for hair
Loosely grind a handful of nuts until their oil seeps out. Pan fry briefly, as they turn brown, smash , massage on scalp and leave for 15 minutes. Said to prevent greying
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