Elemi
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Canarium luzonicum
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Burseraceae
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
Philippines
PLANT PART
Resin, gum
NOTE
Middle-base
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distilled
AROMA
Fresh, lemony, peppery with balsamic, woody, and sweet-spicy notes
GC/MS REPORT
Monoterpene: limonene (51%); α-phellandrene (18%)
NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
Limonene's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anxiolytic, immunostimulant, and skin healing and penetration enhancer. α-phellandrene's known therapeutic properties include: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmdic, antinociceptive, antidepressant, and immunostimulant
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Respiratory system - expectorant and mucolytic it eases congestion of the lungs and excess mucus. Nervous system - as a tonic and a stimulant, it helps relieve stress and exhaustion. Skin care - recommended for wound healing, skin infections, irritation, and inflammation due to cuts; also good for wrinkles and aging skin.
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Promotes emotional healing; helps grounding, calming, quieting the mind, and achieving balance of the mind, spirit, and body.
ADMINISTRATION METHOD
Bath, topical application (diluted), and inhalation
ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PARTICLES
Elemi is tropical tree native to the Philippines and the Moluccas, where it is also cultivated. The Egyptians used it for embalming and in traditional medicine, it was used as a stomach stimulant and expectorant. Locals in the Philippines have used the resin externally as a rubefacient, rheumatism, and sever cough treatment. Today Elemi is used in perfumes, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and food. However, the IUCN Red List classifies Elemi as "vulnerable" because of an 80% reduction of the species in the last 10 years or 3 generations. Therefore, I use Elemi very sparingly.
SAFETY
If oxidized, Elemi may cause irritation or sensitization.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.