- Other Names
- Canarium commune, Manila Elemi, and Elemi Gum
- Farming Method
- Wildcrafted
- Plant Part
- Resin
- Country of Origin
- France
- Application Method
- Diffusion, Inhalation, Massage, and Topical
- Scientific Name
- Canarium luzonicum
- Extraction Method
- Steam Distilled
About the Plant:
Elemi Essential Oil is derived from the resin of a towering tropical tree that can reach up to 100 feet in height. Standing beneath its immense canopy, you’ll see its alternating leaves swaying gently in the breeze, while clusters of delicate flowers bloom above. This magnificent tree also produces edible nuts, which can be consumed raw or cooked. However, the true treasure lies in its resin, a precious exudate that is extracted and steam-distilled to create the prized Elemi Oil.
The essential oil is colorless to pale yellow and has a light, fluid consistency. It boasts a refreshing, lemon-like aroma with peppery undertones that gradually evolve into a warm, balsamic, and slightly woody fragrance. Beyond its delightful scent, Elemi Oil is highly valued for its therapeutic benefits, ranging from respiratory relief to skin healing, making it a versatile and sought-after oil in aromatherapy and holistic wellness.
Where It Grows:
Elemi is native to the Philippine Islands and the Moluccas, a group of islands in Indonesia. This tropical tree thrives in forests at low to medium elevations, flourishing in well-drained soils. It requires full sunlight to grow, as it cannot tolerate shade, making sunny, open environments essential for its development. These ideal conditions contribute to the production of the precious resin from which Elemi Essential Oil is derived, a key element in its cultivation and harvest.
Traditional Uses and Lore:
The name "Elemi" stems from the Arabic phrase “al lāmi,” meaning “Above and Below,” reflecting its deep spiritual significance.1 Ancient cultures, particularly the Turks and Arabs, used Elemi in incense for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, while the Egyptians incorporated it into their embalming process due to its powerful antiseptic properties. In 15th-century Europe, Elemi gum was widely used for its medicinal benefits, including boosting the immune system, alleviating respiratory conditions, soothing stomachaches, and reducing fatigue.* It was even believed to expedite the healing of soldiers' broken bones, offering both relief from pain and faster recovery.*
Throughout history, Elemi's resin has also played an important role in various industries. Its aromatic qualities made it a key ingredient in incense, soaps, and varnishes, where it contributed both fragrance and durability. In perfumery, Elemi serves as a fixative, helping to prolong and enhance the scent of fragrances. Additionally, its versatility extends to the culinary world, where it is occasionally used as a flavoring agent, adding a distinctive taste to a range of dishes. Elemi’s rich history and broad applications have cemented its place in both ancient traditions and modern practices.
Other Facts:
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- Scent: Light, Fresh, Lemon-Like, Balsamic, and Sweet-Spicy Aroma
- Fragrance Note: Middle Note
- Composition: Phellandrene, Dipentene, Elemol, Elemecin, Terpineol, Carvone, and Terpinolene
- Family: Burseraceae Family
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Dr. Streicher Says:
In essence, Elemi embodies a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern versatility. Its name, evoking the concept of "Above and Below," reflects not only its origins but also its ability to transcend physical boundaries and reach deep into the realms of both body and soul.* As you stand beneath the towering canopy of an Elemi tree, surrounded by its lush foliage and delicate blossoms, you are reminded of the profound connection between nature and healing.* From its resinous exudate to the aromatic essence distilled from it, Elemi encapsulates a rich tapestry of tradition, innovation, and utility. Whether utilized in ancient embalming rituals, contemporary skincare formulations, or culinary creations, Elemi continues to weave its fragrant thread through the fabric of human experience, offering solace, nourishment, and rejuvenation to all who seek its embrace.*
- Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy A-Z. Revised and Enlarged Edition. Book Production Consultants plc, Cambridge. The C.W. Daniel Company Limited. 1998
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- Eases Congestion by Controlling Excess Mucus
- Helps Relieve Stress and Anxiety
- Aids Healing for Cuts and Wounds
Elemi Essential Oil, rooted in the meaning of “Above and Below,” symbolizes its dual healing capabilities, working to balance both physical and emotional well-being. This versatile oil emits a fresh, lemon-like aroma with subtle peppery notes, which gradually transition into a warm, balsamic, and slightly woody scent. Elemi’s uplifting aroma makes it not only pleasant but also highly therapeutic. Elemi is particularly beneficial for respiratory health, helping to alleviate congestion, excess mucus, and other respiratory issues.* Additionally, it offers a natural solution for various skin concerns, including aging, wrinkles, scarring, infected wounds, and inflammatory conditions.* Its antiseptic and cicatrizing properties help heal cuts and wounds, while also cooling and soothing irritated skin.*
Beyond its physical healing benefits, Elemi Essential Oil is deeply valued for its emotional and spiritual qualities. It fosters a sense of tranquility and inner peace, making it an excellent choice for calming the mind and soothing emotional stress.* Whether used in aromatherapy to create a serene atmosphere or applied topically for its healing effects, Elemi nurtures both body and soul. With its ability to balance emotions, promote relaxation, and support overall well-being, Elemi Essential Oil is a powerful tool for holistic healing, offering relief for a wide range of physical and emotional needs.*
Topical Application (for use on the skin):
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Diffusion / Inhalation (add a few drops to a nasal inhaler or nebulizer):
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Blends Well With:
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Safety Precautions:
- Elemi Oil is non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.*
- Not recommended for children under the age of 9.*
General Safety Precautions
- Use essential oils only in diluted form on the skin and never internally.
- Always be careful when using essential oils with children.
- Give them only low doses, or better, consult a qualified aromatherapy expert before using.
- Also, use essential oils with care and only under the proper guidance of an expert while pregnant or if you have liver damage, epilepsy, cancer, or other serious health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Elemi Essential Oil is a versatile and powerful ally in holistic wellness, known for its light, citrusy scent that offers both physical and emotional healing. With bright top notes reminiscent of fresh lemon and a spicy, woody base, Elemi’s aroma evokes the refreshing sensation of a walk through a serene forest.
This unique scent profile makes it ideal for grounding and centering, helping to bring a sense of calm and peace to both body and mind.* Elemi is often used during meditation, where its gentle aroma helps promote stillness, compassion, and inner strength, creating a tranquil space for reflection and emotional balance.* Whether diffused in a quiet room or applied during a mindful practice, Elemi encourages emotional release, helping users process stress and life’s challenges with grace and compassion.*
Beyond its emotional benefits, Elemi Essential Oil excels in supporting physical health, particularly in the realm of respiratory wellness. Its soothing properties make it effective in alleviating congestion and reducing excess mucus, offering relief for those suffering from colds, sinus issues, or other respiratory discomforts.* By opening up the airways, Elemi provides a welcome reprieve from respiratory distress, helping you breathe more freely.*
Elemi’s therapeutic touch extends to the skin, where it aids in the healing of minor cuts, wounds, and irritations.* Its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for addressing chronic skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, and revitalizing mature or tired skin.* Elemi also helps reduce the formation of scars and wrinkles, promoting smoother, healthier skin.* By harmonizing body and mind, Elemi Essential Oil offers a comprehensive approach to healing, fostering both physical rejuvenation and emotional tranquility.*
The following is a list of conditions which Elemi Essential Oil addresses by category:
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Bottles are filled by volume. Some bottle sizes may not be filled to the top, but do contain the volume of oil specified.
Click the links below to view GC Analysis: |
Click the links below to view CoA Analysis: |
Click the link below to view Safety Data Sheet (SDS): |