Last Updated on May 11, 2024 by Marc Seward
What is Elemi Essential Oil
Elemi essential oil is not one of the most popular essential oils, but it does have certain health benefits, especially for the skin and respiratory system. Elemi essential oil is derived by a process of steam distillation from the Pili tree native to Southeast Asia. The tree, which is mostly found growing in the tropical forest areas of the Philippines, is known botanically as Canarium luzonicum.
Most of the oil is derived from the country’s Bicol region. The tree’s resin is harvested by tapping, which led to concerns over the potential damage done to the trees and the loss of the very popular pili nut. Fortunately, advances in technology and tapping methods have allowed for a sustainable commercial tapping industry that protects the trees and benefits the local population of Bicol.
The beautiful pili tree from which the oil is derived is a member of the same Burseraceae family as those popular resin oils – myrrh and frankincense, and elemi oil are believed to have similar uses in aromatherapy as frankincense oil. It is regarded as a great oil for the spirit and the body and has traditionally been used in the Philippines to treat body aches and the skin.
The essential oil produced from the tree is a thin, yellow oil with a pleasing woodsy aroma. It blends very well with citrus oils like bergamot, grapefruit and lemon and also with other resin essential oils such as frankincense or myrrh. It also blends beautifully with popular floral oils like lavender, clary sage, geranium, and neroli.
Elemi oil is mostly used in the cosmetic and soap industry as well as in paint manufacturing, but it does have a number of uses for your health, as we are about to discover.
Chemical Constituents and Medicinal Properties
Elemi essential oil contains various compounds that are beneficial to your health, including dipentene, limonene, elemol, elemicine, terpineol, and phellandrene. These chemical constituents provide the essential oil with various therapeutic properties, including antiseptic, expectorant, analgesic, tonic, and stimulant properties.
Elemi Essential Oil Health Benefits
While elemi essential oil is not as well known by the public or as popular in aromatherapy as some of the other resin oils, it does come with a decent array of health benefits. These are some of the most popular uses of this underrated oil.
Antiseptic and Antimicrobial Uses
Elemi essential oil has antiseptic properties that can help protect the body from foreign microbes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Elemi oil may also be effective against internal infections, including urinary tract, bladder, kidney, and stomach infections.
Wound Healing
Because of its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, elemi essential oil can be used to treat cuts, grazes, and minor wounds. It will help cleanse the injury while preventing infection from taking hold.
For Pain
Elemi essential oil has excellent analgesic properties, making it a safe, natural alternative to more powerful pain-killing medications. It can be used to treat pain without the risk of adverse side effects that come with more powerful pharmaceutical drugs.
Its analgesic properties make it a suitable, natural treatment for headaches and migraine but you can also massage it into the body to treat muscle and joint pain.
Before massaging Elemi oil into your aching muscles and swollen joints, it is important to dilute it with carrier oil. Jojoba, coconut, and sweet almond are great choices, but there are plenty of others to choose from.
For Respiratory Health
Elemi oil has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia to treat congestion and breathing difficulties, whatever their cause. It has natural expectorant properties, meaning that it can clear the build-up of mucus and phlegm from the lungs and the nasal passages.
Inhaling Elemi essential oil whenever you have a cough, cold, or sinus infection can help ease your breathing by clearing out any blockages, while its antimicrobial properties can help treat the viral or bacterial infection that caused your illness.
The best way to use Elemi essential oil to clear up your breathing and relieve congestion is by inhaling it. You can, of course, inhale the oil directly, either from the bottle or from the palms of your hands.
However, the best way to use essential oils for congestion is to fill your sink with boiling water, cover your head and shoulders with a towel, and inhale the steaming vapors. Make sure that you do not scold yourself on the hot steam. Try and inhale for at least 5 minutes popping up for air whenever the heat becomes intolerable.
If you have a diffuser machine, you can also diffuse your elemi oil near your bed at night and around the home or office during the day.
Digestive Health
Elemi essential oil has natural stimulant effects, which can benefit the entire body. It can help stimulate circulation and hormone secretion while it also promotes the secretion of bile and gastric juices. Its ability to stimulate the digestive system helps us to absorb and digest our food more easily. It can also prevent many of the common symptoms of poor digestive health, including stomach pain, indigestion, and bloating.
Dilute your elemi essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond, then gently massage it into your stomach to relieve stomach upset and bloating and ease pain.
Immune System Health
A strong immune system is absolutely essential for a healthy body. If your immune system is weak, you are more prone to developing common illnesses like the cold or the flu, and you will have a much harder time fighting them off.
Elemi essential oil provides you with an excellent, natural immune system boost which may be invaluable for people whose immune system is compromised by illness or medication.
Massage your diluted Elemi oil into your feet every night for a great immune system boost.
Skin Health
We have already mentioned that Elemi essential oil can help treat skin damaged by injury, but it can also be used as part of your skin beauty regime. Simply add a few drops of Elemi essential oil to your regular skin care lotion or cream and apply it as usual. This oil can help add luster and clarity to your skin while also improving its tone.
Elemi essential oil also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making you look younger and healthier. It can normalize the skin’s natural oil, shrink the pores, and support a balanced and even complexion.
Recent studies have begun to back up some of the traditional claims associated with elemi oil. Research indicates that elemi essential oil may possess significant antibacterial and antifungal activities, making it effective against common pathogens. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also being explored for potential benefits in treating conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
These sources provide a comprehensive overview of the potential therapeutic applications of elemi essential oil and its components, emphasizing their roles in traditional and modern medical contexts, particularly in anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant treatments.
How to Use Elemi Essential Oil
- Massage: Dilute a few drops of your elemi oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba and massage it into your sore muscles and joints. You can also massage it into your temples t treat a headache or into your abdomen to help your digestive health.
- Inhale: To treat congestion, a cold or a sinus issue, inhalation works a treat. The best way to inhale the oil is by adding a few drops to a bowl or sink of hot water to make a steam inhaler. Cover the top part of your body in a towel, lean your head over the sink, and inhale the vapors for 5 or so minutes.
- Diffuse: Use your diffuser at home or in the office to relieve cold symptoms and congestion.
- Compress: Add several drops of Elemi essential oil to a warm or cold cloth to make a soothing compress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is elemi resin?
Elemi resin is derived from the pili tree, which is native to the Philippines. It has a pale yellow color and a fragrant scent similar to pine or lemon. The resin is steam distilled to make an essential oil with a number of potential health benefits.
What is elemi essential oil good for?
Elemi essential oil has a number of potential health benefits. It can boost the immune system, improve digestion, and help add luster to your skin. It can also help treat wounds, ease muscle and joint pain, and help treat colds, sinus infections, and other respiratory disorders.
Is elemi oil good for your skin?
Yes. Elemi essential oil has antimicrobial properties that can help your skin recover and prevent infection after a minor wound, cut, or burn. It can also be added to your regular skincare regime and will help add vitality to your appearance.
What does elemi essential oil blend well with?
Like most essential oils, elemi works very well and can be even more effective when combined with other oils. It blends especially well with citrus oils like bergamot, orange and grapefruit and other resin essential oils like frankincense and myrrh. It also blends very well with certain floral oils, including lavender, geranium, clary sage, and neroli.
How should elemi oil be stored?
Keep the oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain its efficacy.
Can elemi oil help with anxiety?
Yes, its calming scent is often used in aromatherapy to help reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Facts About Elemi Essential Oil
- Its botanical name is Canarium luzonicum.
- It is steam distilled from the resin of the Pili tree.
- The Pili tree is a native of the Phillippines, specifically the Bicol region, where most of the oil is produced.
- It is made by a process of resin extraction and steam distillation.
- Elemi essential oil has analgesic and antiseptic properties.
- Elemi oil has traditionally been used to treat wounds, respiratory issues, muscle pain, and headaches.
Precautions and Side Effects
- Elemi essential oil is generally regarded as safe and non-toxic for external use.
- Do not take Elemi essential oil internally.
- Always dilute your elemi oil with a carrier oil before applying it topically to ensure against skin irritation.
- Even after you have diluted the oil, it is good practice to perform a patch test on a discrete area of skin to ensure you are not allergic to it.
Bottom Line
Elemi oil is not one of the most popular essential oils, but it comes with a range of impressive health benefits. This oil has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, making it useful for a variety of conditions. Whether used in aromatherapy, as a topical remedy, or in household cleaning products, elemi oil offers a natural alternative to many synthetic products available today.
What is Elemi Essential Oil
Elemi essential oil is not one of the most popular essential oils, but it does have certain health benefits, especially for the skin and respiratory system. Elemi essential oil is derived by a process of steam distillation from the Pili tree native to Southeast Asia. The tree, which is mostly found growing in the tropical forest areas of the Philippines, is known botanically as Canarium luzonicum.
Most of the oil is derived from the country’s Bicol region. The tree’s resin is harvested by tapping, which led to concerns over the potential damage done to the trees and the loss of the very popular pili nut. Fortunately, advances in technology and tapping methods have allowed for a sustainable commercial tapping industry that protects the trees and benefits the local population of Bicol.
The beautiful pili tree from which the oil is derived is a member of the same Burseraceae family as those popular resin oils – myrrh and frankincense, and elemi oil are believed to have similar uses in aromatherapy as frankincense oil. It is regarded as a great oil for the spirit and the body and has traditionally been used in the Philippines to treat body aches and the skin.
The essential oil produced from the tree is a thin, yellow oil with a pleasing woodsy aroma. It blends very well with citrus oils like bergamot, grapefruit and lemon and also with other resin essential oils such as frankincense or myrrh. It also blends beautifully with popular floral oils like lavender, clary sage, geranium, and neroli.
Elemi oil is mostly used in the cosmetic and soap industry as well as in paint manufacturing, but it does have a number of uses for your health, as we are about to discover.
Chemical Constituents and Medicinal Properties
Elemi essential oil contains various compounds that are beneficial to your health, including dipentene, limonene, elemol, elemicine, terpineol, and phellandrene. These chemical constituents provide the essential oil with various therapeutic properties, including antiseptic, expectorant, analgesic, tonic, and stimulant properties.
Elemi Essential Oil Health Benefits
While elemi essential oil is not as well known by the public or as popular in aromatherapy as some of the other resin oils, it does come with a decent array of health benefits. These are some of the most popular uses of this underrated oil.
Antiseptic and Antimicrobial Uses
Elemi essential oil has antiseptic properties that can help protect the body from foreign microbes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Elemi oil may also be effective against internal infections, including urinary tract, bladder, kidney, and stomach infections.
Wound Healing
Because of its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, elemi essential oil can be used to treat cuts, grazes, and minor wounds. It will help cleanse the injury while preventing infection from taking hold.
For Pain
Elemi essential oil has excellent analgesic properties, making it a safe, natural alternative to more powerful pain-killing medications. It can be used to treat pain without the risk of adverse side effects that come with more powerful pharmaceutical drugs.
Its analgesic properties make it a suitable, natural treatment for headaches and migraine but you can also massage it into the body to treat muscle and joint pain.
Before massaging Elemi oil into your aching muscles and swollen joints, it is important to dilute it with carrier oil. Jojoba, coconut, and sweet almond are great choices, but there are plenty of others to choose from.
For Respiratory Health
Elemi oil has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia to treat congestion and breathing difficulties, whatever their cause. It has natural expectorant properties, meaning that it can clear the build-up of mucus and phlegm from the lungs and the nasal passages.
Inhaling Elemi essential oil whenever you have a cough, cold, or sinus infection can help ease your breathing by clearing out any blockages, while its antimicrobial properties can help treat the viral or bacterial infection that caused your illness.
The best way to use Elemi essential oil to clear up your breathing and relieve congestion is by inhaling it. You can, of course, inhale the oil directly, either from the bottle or from the palms of your hands.
However, the best way to use essential oils for congestion is to fill your sink with boiling water, cover your head and shoulders with a towel, and inhale the steaming vapors. Make sure that you do not scold yourself on the hot steam. Try and inhale for at least 5 minutes popping up for air whenever the heat becomes intolerable.
If you have a diffuser machine, you can also diffuse your elemi oil near your bed at night and around the home or office during the day.
Digestive Health
Elemi essential oil has natural stimulant effects, which can benefit the entire body. It can help stimulate circulation and hormone secretion while it also promotes the secretion of bile and gastric juices. Its ability to stimulate the digestive system helps us to absorb and digest our food more easily. It can also prevent many of the common symptoms of poor digestive health, including stomach pain, indigestion, and bloating.
Dilute your elemi essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond, then gently massage it into your stomach to relieve stomach upset and bloating and ease pain.
Immune System Health
A strong immune system is absolutely essential for a healthy body. If your immune system is weak, you are more prone to developing common illnesses like the cold or the flu, and you will have a much harder time fighting them off.
Elemi essential oil provides you with an excellent, natural immune system boost which may be invaluable for people whose immune system is compromised by illness or medication.
Massage your diluted Elemi oil into your feet every night for a great immune system boost.
Skin Health
We have already mentioned that Elemi essential oil can help treat skin damaged by injury, but it can also be used as part of your skin beauty regime. Simply add a few drops of Elemi essential oil to your regular skin care lotion or cream and apply it as usual. This oil can help add luster and clarity to your skin while also improving its tone.
Elemi essential oil also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making you look younger and healthier. It can normalize the skin’s natural oil, shrink the pores, and support a balanced and even complexion.
How to Use Elemi Essential Oil
- Massage: Dilute a few drops of your elemi oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba and massage it into your sore muscles and joints. You can also massage it into your temples t treat a headache or into your abdomen to help your digestive health.
- Inhale: To treat congestion, a cold or a sinus issue, inhalation works a treat. The best way to inhale the oil is by adding a few drops to a bowl or sink of hot water to make a steam inhaler. Cover the top part of your body in a towel, lean your head over the sink, and inhale the vapors for 5 or so minutes.
- Diffuse: Use your diffuser at home or in the office to relieve cold symptoms and congestion.
- Compress: Add several drops of Elemi essential oil to a warm or cold cloth to make a soothing compress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is elemi resin?
Elemi resin is derived from the pili tree, which is native to the Philippines. It has a pale yellow color and a fragrant scent similar to pine or lemon. The resin is steam distilled to make an essential oil with a number of potential health benefits.
What is elemi essential oil good for?
Elemi essential oil has a number of potential health benefits. It can boost the immune system, improve digestion, and help add luster to your skin. It can also help treat wounds, ease muscle and joint pain, and help treat colds, sinus infections, and other respiratory disorders.
Is elemi oil good for your skin?
Yes. Elemi essential oil has antimicrobial properties that can help your skin recover and prevent infection after a minor wound, cut, or burn. It can also be added to your regular skincare regime and will help add vitality to your appearance.
What does elemi essential oil blend well with?
Like most essential oils, elemi works very well and can be even more effective when combined with other oils. It blends especially well with citrus oils like bergamot, orange and grapefruit and other resin essential oils like frankincense and myrrh. It also blends very well with certain floral oils, including lavender, geranium, clary sage, and neroli.
How should elemi oil be stored?
Keep the oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain its efficacy.
Can elemi oil help with anxiety?
Yes, its calming scent is often used in aromatherapy to help reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Facts About Elemi Essential Oil
- Its botanical name is Canarium luzonicum.
- It is steam distilled from the resin of the Pili tree.
- The Pili tree is a native of the Phillippines, specifically the Bicol region, where most of the oil is produced.
- It is made by a process of resin extraction and steam distillation.
- Elemi essential oil has analgesic and antiseptic properties.
- Elemi oil has traditionally been used to treat wounds, respiratory issues, muscle pain, and headaches.
Precautions and Side Effects
- Elemi essential oil is generally regarded as safe and non-toxic for external use.
- Do not take Elemi essential oil internally.
- Always dilute your elemi oil with a carrier oil before applying it topically to ensure against skin irritation.
- Even after you have diluted the oil, it is good practice to perform a patch test on a discrete area of skin to ensure you are not allergic to it.
Bottom Line
Elemi oil is not one of the most popular essential oils, but it comes with a range of impressive health benefits. This oil has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, making it useful for a variety of conditions. Whether used in aromatherapy, as a topical remedy, or in household cleaning products, elemi oil offers a natural alternative to many synthetic products available today.
Research and Effectiveness
Recent studies have begun to back up some of the traditional claims associated with elemi oil. Research indicates that elemi essential oil may possess significant antibacterial and antifungal activities, making it effective against common pathogens. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also being explored for potential benefits in treating conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
These studies offer a deeper insight into the diverse therapeutic potentials of elemi essential oil, ranging from its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to innovative applications in cancer treatment and drug delivery systems.
Here are ten research sources detailing the potential medical uses and benefits of elemi essential oil and its components such as elemicine, elemol, and phellandrene:
- The volatile constituents of frankincense–a review by M Mertens, A Buettner, 2009: This review covers the various volatile constituents found in frankincense, including elements common to elemi essential oil such as phellandrene. It discusses the traditional and possible therapeutic applications based on the bioactivity of these compounds. Phellandrene, for instance, has been noted for its potential in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer applications.
- The healing power of essential oils: Fragrance secrets for everyday use by R Balz, 1996: This book provides a compact reference on the effects and applications of various essential oils, including elemi. It outlines how elemi oil, containing elemol and phellandrene, can be utilized for skin care, wound healing, and potentially as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- The Directory of essential oils by W Sellar, 2005: Sellar provides an exhaustive list of essential oils and their properties, mentioning elemi oil’s components like elemol, which may possess anti-anxiety and sedative properties, along with uses in respiratory ailments due to its expectorant qualities.
- A. africana (Pers.) CD Adams var. ambigua, 14 167: This source details the essential oil composition of various plants, including elemi. It discusses how varying distillation pressures and temperatures can affect the yield and therapeutic properties of elemol and phellandrene in elemi oil. These components are highlighted for their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential.
- Essential Oils with High Activity against Stationary Phase Bartonella henselae by X Ma, W Shi, Y Zhang, 2019: This study evaluates the efficacy of elemi essential oil against Bartonella henselae, a pathogen responsible for various infections. The research highlights elemi oil’s significant antibacterial properties and its potential as an alternative treatment option in the context of rising antibiotic resistance.
- Analysis of microencapsulation ability of essential oils during spray drying by J Adamiec, D Kalemba, 2006: This paper discusses the use of elemi oil in microencapsulation processes to improve the delivery of its active compounds in pharmaceutical applications. It focuses on the stability and efficacy of elemi oil when used in encapsulated forms for better medicinal use.
- Elemicin-rich Cymbopogon khasianus (Hack) Stapf (ex Bor) essential oil: pharmacological effects, toxicological investigation, and compositional analysis by R Gogoi, T Begum, N Sarma, SK Pandey, 2022: This study investigates the pharmacological effects and safety profile of elemicin, a major component of elemi essential oil. The research confirms elemicin’s potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Encapsulation and co-precipitation processes with supercritical fluids: applications with essential oils by Á Martín, S Varona, A Navarrete, 2010: This article explores the use of elemi essential oil in advanced drug delivery systems through supercritical fluid technology. It discusses the benefits of elemi oil in enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of pharmaceuticals.
- Spiritual practice and essential oil therapy: exploring the history and individual preferences among specific plant sources by S Thompson, 2003: This paper looks at the historical and contemporary uses of elemi oil in aromatherapy and spiritual practices, noting its calming and balancing properties that enhance mental and physical well-being.
- Elemi essential oil nanocapsulated drug ameliorates lung cancer via oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation pathway by B Kurban, T Tuncel, Ş Görgülü, F Kar, 2023: Research on elemi oil-loaded nanoparticles demonstrates significant efficacy in targeting lung cancer cells, highlighting its potential in oncology treatments through modulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways.
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