Names

• The seeds and extracts of the tung tree aren't always called tung. Other names include Indian walnut, China-wood oil, country walnut, varnish tree, balucanat, candleberry seeds and the scientific name Aleurites trilobus.
  
  

Tung Seeds

• Tung seeds have been used for centuries as a part of medicinal concoctions. However, scientific analysis of tung seeds has shown that while they contain elements that may stimulate the bowels and cause sweating, they also contain toxic chemicals such as cyanide.
  
  

Tung Oil

• When the seeds of the Chinese tung tree are collected they are rarely used whole. The seeds are crushed, and the oil that they contain is extracted. This oil is called tung oil.
  
  

Varnish

• The varnish tree and varnish tree nuts are named from the fact that tung oil is used to polish furniture. If the oil is used pure, without additives, it will sink down into wood and enhance the wood's character and water resistance. This property was renowned enough to give the tree an alternate name.
  
  

Dangers

• There aren't any records of tung oil causing ill effects from coming into contact with a person's skin. However, if tung seed is taken orally effects such as violent nausea, extreme stomach pain, breathing problems and even death may occur.