Elemi Essential Oil

Elemi
(Canarium commune)

Plant Family

Burseraceae.

Synonyms

C. luzonicum, Manila elemi.

Description and Distribution

A tall tree reaching up to 180 feet (30 m), indigenous to the Philippines and the Molucca Islands. When the bark is incised it exudes a highly aromatic oleoresin (a gummy substance composed mainly of essential oil and resin). The substance is at first fluid and white, becoming waxy and yellow as it ages.

Extraction Method

Steam distillation of the gummy exudate.

Nature of the Oil

A pale yellow or colourless liquid. The aroma is tenacious, dry and slightly spicy with a geranium-like overtone. The odour effect is warming and stimulating.

Main Constituents

Phellandrene, dipentene, elemol, elemicin, terpineol, limonene, pinene.

Properties

Antiseptic, cicatrisant, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic.

Aromatherapeutic Support

Muscular aches and pains, respiratory disorders, skin infections, aids healing of broken bones, nervous exhaustion.

Blends Well With

Citrus essences, coriander, frankincense, rosemary, lavender, cinnamon, clove, geranium. The oil is highly odoriferous, so use sparingly.

Botanical Name: Canarium luzonicum

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear with a Tinge of Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Aroma Strength: Medium

Aroma: Fresh, citrusy, peppery, spicy.

Use: Colds, catarrh, coughing, mature skin, scars, stress, wounds. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 59-67.]

Constituents: Phellandrene, dipentene, elemol, elemicin, terpineol, carvone, terpinolene. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 105.]

Cautions: Possible carcinogen, but research is incomplete. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 135.]

Essential Oils by Bianca Rosa are 100% Pure Natural Essences derived from the highest quality fruits, flowers, leaves, spices, herbs and roots. Our essential oil distillers and growers are located around the world, operating ethically, organically and chemical-free.

Bianca Rosa Essential Oils Are Not Tested On Animals.