Elemi oil is extracted from the resin of the elemi tree, scientifically called Canarium luzonicum, and also known as Manila elemi. A tropical tree from the Philippines, the elemi can grow up to 115 feet tall, and exudes the pale yellow resin when it sprouts leaves—which can grow to nearly a foot long. Related to the trees that produce frankincense, elemi was sometimes used in the place of frankincense when the latter became very expensive.
Elemi has a spicy, incense-like scent that is soft and somewhat balsamic. A member of the same botanical family as frankincense and myrrh, it has been used traditionally in Europe for the skin. Elemi is highly regarded for reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, skin support, and for soothing muscles after exercise.
The Elemi is a tall, tropical tree (often growing to over 30 meters) and is closely related to the trees that give us myrrh and frankincense. Like these it produces a resin from which we get the essential oil. Elemi has a very long history in skin-care, both in the Middle East and Europe. The gum, or resin, was often used in old-fashioned ointments and salves for the skin, and also for respiratory conditions.
The resin solidifies on contact with the air and the resin stops flowing when the tree loses its leaves. Ancient Egyptians used elemi oil in the embalming process. These days is used in incense, soaps and varnish.
Uses: The therapeutic properties of Elemi Oil include use as an analgesic, expectorant, tonic, antiseptic and as a stimulating agent. It can give users a feeling of peace, be effective on wounds and cuts, heavy perspiration, and in the reduction of mucous.
Elemi oil is steam distilled from the gum or resin of the tree. It is in the frankincense (and myrrh) botanical family, and you will recognize the smell. It is unique oil that is not very common and can be hard to locate in therapeutic quality.
The tree is native to the Philippine and the Moluccas Islands. There, it is used for respiratory conditions and skin problems. Europe has used Elemi to rejuvenate skin.
Benefits: Elemi was used in soaps and incense, to soothe chest infections, and as a steam inhalation for sinusitis. In some countries it was used as a stimulant, and was also employed to prevent swelling, treat skin ulcers, and to ease the symptoms of rheumatism. In aromatherapy, elemi is used for its grounding and balancing properties, and is said to help align the chakras and relieve stress. It makes the perfect meditation oil.
Elemi has been used for skin conditions for centuries. Ancient peoples used it to treat wounds, infections, and ulcers, and also to provide a nice scent to soaps and healing ointments.
Today, we’re rediscovering the many benefits of elemi in skin care.
Elemi has long been used to manage arthritis and other joint pains, which is most likely because of its natural anti-inflammatory property.
Elemi is said to stimulate the production of “tens in,” which is a protein key to supporting the structure of skin. Research on this is in the very early stages, but so far, laboratory tests have suggested that elemi can help increase the expression of tens in, helping to tone and firm skin, and fade the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Elemi has been used for years to treat scars and wounds, and more recently has been found to help increase cell turnover. New skin cells are revealed, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.
If your skin is extra oily or extra dry, elemi will help. It has the ability to naturally balance skin oil production, reducing acne and blackheads and maintaining a more natural hydration level.