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 South East 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 which 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 is 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 use 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, terpineopl 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 fungus.
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 a 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 a carrier oil. Jojoba, coconut and sweet almond are great choices but there are plenty of others to chooses from.
For Respiratory Health
Elemi oil has been used traditionally in South East 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 use 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, 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 bit 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 Phillipines. 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 skin care 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.
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 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.
Have you ever used elemi essential oil and what did you think of it. Please let us know in the comments area. We would be delighted to hear from you.
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