If you are looking for a plant that is commonly found in Indian kitchens and in the homes of Indian immigrants then you will probably be surprised to learn that the plant you were thinking about buying is not indigenous to India. The plant has been introduced to the United States by immigrants who come to the country seeking work and are unable to find it in their home countries. American consumers who have grown accustomed to using chemical fertilizers may not be aware of the dangers of synthetic fertilizers and may be tempted to purchase plant products such as tahini. However, this plant can be dangerous if you are allergic to it. If you suspect you are allergic to tahini or any other types of plants sold at Walmart then it is best to leave the store and seek advice from a trained staff member.
According to researchers, tahini is actually a weed found in tropical and subtropical regions across India and southern Asia. It is usually harvested and sent to Walmart to be processed into various products including: soap, shampoo, detergents, baby food, and shampoos. The plant is even being used in some Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, although the evidence is unclear as to whether it is an effective treatment. No reliable information is available to confirm that it has any medical properties.
Walmart employees who are trained in handling products that have a high toxicity level can explain the different processing steps that are used to preserve the plant. For example, tahini is first steamed and then dried so that it does not lose its colour when it is stored. A strong detergent, such as that used to make soap, may also be used to remove any oil that may be present. Once it is in a dry container, it is put in a climate controlled environment to help keep it at its freshest.
Wal-Mart representatives who visit local farms and markets may be able to find pure African Tamanu oil products that are not genetically modified. However, the oil from this plant is highly refined, and even the best grades may not be safe for most products made from other sources. In the US the only way to get pure Tamanu oil is to purchase it directly from farmers who grow the plant themselves. If you buy directly from Walmart, you may not be getting the freshest product available. Farmers who grow the plant on their own have different growing conditions than those supplied by Walmart.
There is one company that grows pure Tamanu oil and this is Rainforest Plus. You should always do a little research on the companies you are considering buying your products from. You want to make sure that they have certified that their products are authentic and organic. Most companies will state this on the sales receipt but if you have questions you should ask. While the Tamanu plant is grown in South East Asia, it is also possible to buy Wakame (Japanese sea kelp) extract which has similar healing properties and is native to the country.
If you decide to purchase Wakame or any of the other products from the Rainforest Plus website you will need to understand that you may have issues with allergies. Since the oil from the plant is a derivative of the plant’s extracts you will be taking in a lot of the pollen and soil which are in the plant. However, this is an inexpensive alternative to chemical-based skin care products which may not be all that good for your skin.
