Elemi EO


Details

  • Botanical Name: Canarium luzonicum (Blume) A.Gray 
  • Origin: The Philippines
  • Process: Steam Distilled Essential Oil
  • Plant Part: Oleo-resin
  • Cultivation: Wild Grown
  • Use: Aromatherapy / Natural Perfumery. Always dilute.
  • Note: Middle Note, Fine Fixative
  • Aroma Families: Resinous, Woody
  • Aroma: Bright, fresh, green/lemony, peppery/spicy aroma at first reminiscent of Frankincense with an exceptional drydown of fine woody-green, sweet balsamic, somewhat peppery undertones.
  • Contraindications: Possible skin sensitization; please see Safety Considerations below.



Product Name SKU Price Qty
  1. Elemi Sample (1 ml) 285-3
    $2.00
  2. Elemi 15 ml (1/2 oz) * 285-016
    $9.50
  3. Elemi 30 ml (1 oz) 285-030
    $15.25
  4. Elemi 2 oz 285-9
    $25.75
  5. Elemi 4 oz 285-10
    $45.25
  6. Elemi 8 oz 285-11
    $80.00
  7. Elemi 16 oz 285-12
    $143.75
  8. For larger sizes or quantities please contact us for pricing and availability.         
* Size includes orifice (drop) reducer
Please note: Shipping this oil via any service other than Ground (UPS or FedEx) may increase shipping costs. This oil cannot ship via USPS in sizes larger than a 20-30 drop sample. Please click here for more information.

Overview

Elemi Essential oil

Our delightful Elemi essential oil has a bright, fresh, green/lemony, peppery/spicy aroma at first reminiscent of Frankincense, with an exceptional drydown of fine woody-green, sweet balsamic, somewhat peppery undertones. Elemi is a member of the Burseraceae family, which includes Frankincense, Myrrh, and Opopanax – all gum-resin producers. The tree grows wild in tropical desert climates and, to a lesser degree, is cultivated in the Philippine Islands1 where it is known as sahing or pili; it is also found in Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and other Pacific islands.

An incredibly diverse genus, there are over 75 distinct species of Canarium alone  leading to much confusion between other similar botanical resins, gums and oleo-resins. Most likely the “African elemi” mentioned prior to the 17th century, as well as in earlier records of Egyptian spirituality and culture, was a Somalian Frankincense, probably Boswellia frereana. Indeed, with similar uses and properties, Elemi has been called “Poor Man’s Frankincense.” The aroma is known for its transcendent qualities and is popular in incense and meditation blends.

In natural perfumery, Elemi is a fresh top to middle note and fixative, mainly used in masculine fragrances. It is a revitalizing and softening addition to blends for mature skin, and is also suitable in chest rubs and energizing massage blends. Limonene, a major constituent of citrus peel oils, is found in Elemi oleo-resin from as low as 23% to as high as 80%. Due to the temperature instability of limonene, cold storage of this oil in a dark, tightly-capped bottle is recommended to avoid oxidation,2 oxidized oils may increase skin sensitization.3

For information regarding the attributes of Elemi essential oil, please see:

  • Aromatherapy Workbook (revised edition), Marcel Lavabre, 1997, p. 71.
  • L'Aromathérapie Exactement, Pierre Franchomme and Dr. Daniel Pénoël, 1990, pp. 330-1.
  • Essential Oils – A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice, Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2012, p. 153.
  • The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless, 2013, pp. 85-6.

For information regarding the use of Elemi essential oil in natural perfumery, please see:


Aromatic Profile: Bright, fresh, green/lemony, peppery/spicy aroma at first reminiscent of Frankincense with an exceptional drydown of fine woody-green, sweet balsamic, somewhat peppery undertones.


Appearance: Colorless to very pale yellow, transparent, mobile liquid. This oil tends to become resinous on ageing.4


Use: Aromatherapy / Natural Perfumery.


Blending Suggestions: Dilute and add drop by drop to your blends until the desired effect is achieved.


Blends Well With: Basil, Bergamot and other Citrus oils, Cardamom, Cinnamon and other spice oils, Cistus, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Galbanum, Geranium, Ginger, Labdanum, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemon, Litsea Cubeba, Melissa, Myrrh, Orange, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon. "Elemi oil is very useful as a freshener and topnote material in various perfume compositions, e.g., fougères, chypres, colognes, and even in the heavy-sweet floral bases. It is one of the most inexpensive sources of fixative resinoids."5


Safety Considerations: May cause skin sensitization if oil is oxidized.6 Dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.


1 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, p. 221.

2 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, p. 272.

3 Ibid.

Ibid.

5 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, pp. 221-2.

6 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, p. 272.


The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Eden Botanicals as to the medicinal value of any products from Eden Botanicals. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.

Elemi - Canarium luzonicum

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  • Elemi - Canarium luzonicum

Customer Reviews for Elemi EO

Lemon Peppery Fresh Green Resin Review by
Rating
5
I was so curious to get Elemi as I had never experienced the smell. I added a good amount of this to a blend of frankincense, bergamot grapefruit and a drop of ylang ylang. Interestingly I forgot I had placed it in the blend and days later I sprayed it in the air...sat down to watch tv...but kept smelling the air wondering where this green, slightly sharp resinous and very much a peppery smell was coming from. Not the frankincense, grapefruit or bergamot and then totally remembered. It has this spicy, flavorful and somehow oriental gormand note. I may try this with rosemary and orange in a hand soap....too peppery for the air though. Bit of a wake up refreshing stimulating quality.
(Posted on 3/24/2021)
Complex Review by
Rating
5
I bought maybe 20 oils for my bday, got home late for work but wanted to strip test them- so I was lazy- it was late and I didn’t write the names down, I keep resmelling them, testing the next. When I first put Elemis on the strip faintish lemony / tree oil smell, a bit dirty. I test a bunch more , resmelling: what is this ? Smells like fish!! FISH. Had to go through labeling them all, just to make sure it was the Elemi. You’d think I would be disappointed, but it is a sour fish scent that is strong, and when next to another scent strip, it makes the othe scent shine and bloom. Very interesting! Lot 12
(Posted on 12/7/2018)
Sweet & spicy Review by
Rating
5
It's just a sensual and provocative oil. Blends well while maintaining its own unique scent, I loved it so much after the sample I'm ordering a 4oz. I use it for ,Perfume, lotion, just about anything
(Posted on 12/4/2015)
Interesting Contrasts Review by
Rating
5
This elemi is very interesting! It's very hard to catch a whiff of- so you think is it faint?- then you smell all the pepper and only after that, a whiff of lemon. It's very cool, yet hot in peppery. Great contrasts in one scent!
(Posted on 5/30/2013)
Outstanding Aroma Review by
Rating
5
I had never come across this oil before and decided to give it a try. I was stunned at the fresh, lovely scent of citrus and spice as I opened the tester. I loved this oil so much, I bought a larger size. I have already used it in one perfume blend and know it will be a staple on my perfumer's organ! Thank you Eden's Botanicals for providing such quality materials!
(Posted on 5/6/2013)
Lovely oil Review by
Rating
5
I have used this oil in several spiritual blends, with very positive results. Its helpful for inducing a meditative state of mind.
I was recently informed it helps fade age spots, so I will give that a try too.
(Posted on 4/30/2013)
Lively! Review by
Rating
5
Elemi is an oil I had to warm up to a bit before I appreciated it. I now really like it. It does have a hint of lemon and the strength of eucalyptus without such a medicinal note. I will use this oil again and have found it to be great in men's cologne and products. It has a light spicy dry down that you should experience before you cross this oil off your list. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Tracy
(Posted on 4/29/2013)