Synopsis: Elemi, native to Philippines,  bark resin extraction and steam distillation, the EO is clear and pale yellow with a citrus scent, is therapeutic and used in perfumery  as a bridge note or fixative and in skin care (with Galbanum) to rejuvenate and soothe the complexion.  The resin has a history of medicinal uses.

 

ELEMI Resin & Essential Oil Profile & Uses

Jeanne Rose

Elemi EO and resin 2016 and 2018

Latin Binomial/Botanical      (Canarium luzonicum) (Blume) A.Gray and from Family Burseraceae. The tree bark produces a resin which is normally grouped as a balsam, it is more viscous than an oleoresin, very gooey, soft and malleable and very fragrant. When fresh it is like honey that has crystalized and will harden if left out.

            Family – Burseraceae and this is the same family that produces Frankincense and Myrrh. The family Burseraceae is composed of about 16-20 genera of shrubs and trees.

 

Naming ~ Elemi is known as “Pili” in the Philippines. Elemi is a common name for resinous items that are used as varnishes, printing inks and ointments. The word Elemi, itself in Arabic, the translation is similar to the saying “as above, so below”.

            History: “It was Magellan’s discovery of the Philippines in 1521 that led to Manila elemi – known for its medicinal properties and fragrance – being introduced to Europe and the Middle East. The product’s name dates from this period, from the Arabic El-lemi. Its use in “Chinese incense” for religious ceremonies was already being mentioned in China in the 7th century. Further, it was used as a fumigant to perfume homes. Small bags of elemi were also worn around the neck in that era. Starting in the 18th century, the West began regularly using elemi for its therapeutic properties, and it is mentioned in many texts, including as “the inventory of simple drugs that must always be kept on hand in the King’s hospital pharmacies.” ²

 

Countries of Origin:  Native to the Philippines. Manila Elemi, is a resin (from the bark) grouped in the balsam category, is more viscous than an oleoresin; it is semisolid and quite fragrant. The Philippine Elemi resin, (Canarium luzonicum) is also one of the best known and the source of the world’s largest supply.

 

General description of plant, habitat & growth: It grows in lowland rainforest, and primary forests at low and medium elevations. It is an evergreen tree about 30 meters in height, pollinated by insects and not self-fertile. The resin comes from both cultivated and wild trees.

Elemi oleo-Resin – 2018

 

Portion of plant used in distillation, how distilled, extraction methods & yield: The tree bark of Canarium produces large quantities of the resin over a period of months. It is available both in the dry season as well as the wet and there is greater flow of resin during the wet season. A mature tree can produce up to five kilograms of Elemi a year. The gum is then shipped to warehouses using large palm fronds, placed in large wooden crates for export.

Elemi EO and CO₂ is extracted from the bark resin using steam distillation or super critical carbon dioxide from  a tropical tree native to the Philippines. It is a  member of the Burseraceae plant family and is closely related to   Frankincense and Myrrh resin.

         Yield ~ 13-25% from the resin. Some sources mention yields as low as 3-6%.

 

Endangered or not: This particular species tree is considered to be threatened and/vulnerable due to heavy usage, people moving into the areas where they live and by over-tapping. Some species of Canarium are also considered to be invasive.

Sustainability: These items may not be sustainable in the amounts that are being used. My suggestion is to use only the actual resin as it was once meant to be, as incense, in small moderate amounts as needed and not use the essential oil at all.  

 

Organoleptic Characteristics of Resin and EO:

	Resin	EO
Color:	Pale yellow	Pale yellow to colorless
Clarity:	opaque	clear
Viscosity:	Very viscous	Non-viscous
Taste:	none	Bitter, aromatic
Intensity of Odor: 1-10  • 1 is least intense	3	4-5

 

Odor Description: This oil has a clear to yellow hue and is non-viscous, tastes bitter, and is medium intense with a citrus resin scent. The odor of some Elemi EO is somewhat like the flower and leaf of Choisya in the spring when it is full of phellandrene. The odor of the principal oil constituent is alpha-phellandrene (more in spring of Choisya) and the odor  has been described as peppery-minty with a slightly citrusy note. Phellandrene can be absorbed through the skin. Thus, the hydrosol of this resin is excellent in the bath or as a body spray and the EO useful in the care of the skin. It is anti-inflammatory.

 

            Solubility: When you see Elemi discussed, it will often time be described as a gum resin, resin or an oleo-resin. Because each of these words have different meanings (please see https://jeanne-blog.com/resin-resinoids-gums-eo/ for definition); I conducted my own simple experiment in determining the solubility of Elemi in water (to see if it was a gum), in alcohol (determine how quickly it might dissolve) and in oil (to see if it could be described as an oleo-resin).  It was a revelation.

The solubility of Elemi is Soluble in 0.5 to 5 vol. of 90% alcohol; and usually soluble in 5-10 vol. of 80% alcohol.  It is about 30-50% soluble in oil and by my own experiment NOT soluble in water and thus it is an oleo-resin and not a gum-resin.

5/27/18 At 9:30 A.M.
Day 1. Using 15 ml. Of 95% Neutral Grape Spirits; Or A Combination of Sunflower/Jojoba Oil; Or Distilled Water.
Day 2. Dissolving in alcohol; slightly dissolved in oil; not dissolving in water.
Day 3. Dissolved in alcohol; 30-50% dissolved in oil; not dissolved in water. [not a gum]

 

Chemical Components: A study on the composition of Manila Elemi essential oil  from the distillation of Elemi resin  yielded 39 compounds, with the most abundant being phellandrene or limonene. Limonene  for some tests was at 56%, and in other tests was phellandrene  25-28% or higher. These components change depending on where and when the tree was harvested and distilled. Constituents are phellandrene and limonene with smaller amounts of elemol, elemicine, dipentene and terpineol.

The soft nature of Elemi results in part from the large quantity of liquid sesquiterpenes. It sometimes crystallizes from the triterpenes and becomes opaque and white.⁴  The optical rotation of this EO and the fresh resin changes if stored in sunlight and care should be taken to keep either in a dark container. For the resin a box will be sufficient and for large amounts of the oil, brown glass is best.

 

Interesting Facts: Interesting Information and History about Elemi: When Frankincense became too costly and scarce for mass consumption, Elemi quickly became a logical replacement, offering many of the same therapeutic benefits. In Arabic, a translation of Elemi is similar to the saying “as above, so below”. It was revered as an oil of the Gods and, like Frankincense, was used in meditation and prayer. While Frankincense is fruity and herbal when burned, Elemi delivers a fresh, citrus-spicy aroma and with more smoke.

     

PROPERTIES OF ELEMI RESIN AND ESSENTIAL OIL

Elemi resin is antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and rubefacient; is used in plasters to ease coughing. A strong antiseptic, Elemi protects against bacterial and viral infections, fungus and septic shock if used in medicine. Its resin is soft, odorous and has the texture of thick honey. It was formerly exported for the European pharmaceutical trade as Manila or Philippine gum Elemi for use as an ointment for healing wounds and as a plaster. The valuable resin, called ‘Pili’, or Manila elemi or ‘breabianca’, is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of plastics, printing inks and perfumes. It is also used by the Spaniards for ship repairs.

Raw nuts are a purgative.

 

Properties (by IG=ingestion or IN=inhalation or AP=application):

Manila elemi (the resin obtained from the tree), and the essential oil distilled from the resin, have a long history of medicinal use. They are considered to be antibacterial, antifungal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and rubefacient.

 

Physical Uses & How used (IG or AP):   

Application – AP:  The resin can be melted and used in an ointment for wounds . The resin is applied externally in salve to arthritic and rheumatic joints, boils, abscesses, furuncles, burns and sores. It is heated and applied to the chest as a poultice to stop severe coughing. The essential oil is an ingredient of a commercial preparation that is a natural anti-louse foaming gel that also contains Echinacea purpurea.

Ingestion – IG: A corn-sized drop of the resin is taken with water in the treatment of fevers and chills.

Inhalation – IN: Skilled practitioners have incorporated the use of Elemi essential oil by inhalation to address bronchial and chest congestion, due to its expectorant and stimulant properties.

 

Use the essential oils in moderation. Choose to use the herb tea or resin more often.

 

Emotional/Energetic Uses (AP or IN):

Inhalation – IN:    The resin burns smoky but with a very pleasant citrus scent. Inhaled it is thought to stimulate mental and psychic ability and  gives spiritual balance and calms the mind. The smoke is used by inhalation “to treat the thymus gland.^3”

Elemi resin – AP for the 3^rd chakra, the solar plexus, vibrates in yellow, the sound is E, and its scent is citrus-like and helps to balance your fire spirit.

Emotional Attributes: The smoke is cleansing/purifying, strengthening and for creativity, meditation and prayer. “On the emotional system elemi oil imparts a strengthening, balancing and centering action which makes it valuable in meditation. Use it to stimulate mental ability when you are suffering from stress, nervous exhaustion or simply feeling sluggish. Elemi essential oil can be used to help dispel loneliness and create a more positive outlook and encourage hopefulness.”⁵

  Elemi, the resin smells citrus
But always sweetly odiferous
Gooey, it’s true
And so sticky too
But one thing it’s not is cruciferous.—2018

 

USING ELEMI

 HERBAL USES ~ One species of Canarium seed, Canarium ovatum, is used in the traditional Chinese dessert called ‘mooncakes’, “The kernel (seed) is a major ingredient in this famous Chinese festive dessert”. However, kernels from some trees may be bitter, fibrous or have a turpentine odor.  Boiled Elemi pulp called pili resembles the sweet potato in texture, it is oily (about 12%) and is considered to have food value similar to the Avocado. Pulp oil can be used for cooking. Young shoots from the tree are used in salads, and the fruit pulp is eaten after it is boiled and seasoned.¹”  The tree bark is commonly used for postpartum baths.

 

SKIN CARE –  ELEMI ~ Canarium luzonicum, wild resin is used by CO₂ extraction and steam-distilled EO. Marguerite Maury believed that oils of Elemi with Galbanum would rejuvenate the complexion and eventually the body. It is used in products and perfumery. Try this combination of two resins oils in your skin-nurturing ritual; protect and nourish the skin with a 2% combination of these two ingredients in your night cream and daytime protection cream. In skincare, it has been used to rejuvenate and heal wounds topically, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is widely used as a fixative in fragrances, soaps and cosmetics.

 

DIFFUSE/DIFFUSION ~ Elemi is an oleo-resin that is very soft and ‘gummy’ and thus has the ability to clog up a diffuser. Suggest that you try something else for that lovely citrus scent, like a combination of Lemon-Grapefruit-Orange CP (cold-pressed) in your diffuser. Use Elemi, the resin, burned on charcoal to clear the spirit of your home.

I always use charcoal, to burn resin, as that is the holy incense. I do it outside. And see the smoke curl into the air, and smell what is left in the air. It is a holy thing. Resin is burned because it is fragrant and the “food of the gods” which they inhale. Burning incense is to feed the gods and it is a meditative process.

 

BLENDING & PERFUMERY ~

Blending Tips:  Elemi EO blends well with rose and other florals, adding a complex, spicy-citrus note. It contributes a unique freshness to Frankincense, Myrrh, Labdanum, Rosemary cineol, Lavender and Sage.

Perfumery: Elemi EO may be used as part of an excellent base note where its  complexity is at once earthy and citrusy.  During massage and aromatherapy, it can be inhaled to reduce stress-related conditions and bring a feeling of peace and wellbeing.

 

HYDROSOL ~ I have not as yet had the opportunity to try an Elemi leaf, bark or resin hydrosol.

 

Key Use: ‘Resin for Skin Rejuvenation’ — M. Maury

 

Science article: Elemi contains dipentene and elemicine and these are responsible for Elemi being a strong antiseptic and to protect wounds; as well as being a strong expectorant.

https://www.discoverlsp.com/news/chemical-focus.html

 

References:
Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils . Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. 1972 reprint
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Canarium+luzonicum
¹ http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=425
http://www.scents-of-earth.com/elemi.html
² http://www.albertvieille.com/en/products/55-elemi-essential-oil-philippines.html
⁵  https://www.quinessence.com/blog/elemi-essential-oil
⁴Langenheim, Plant Resins
Mabberley, D.J., Mabberley’s Plant Book, 2008 Third Edition with 2014 updates, Cambridge University Press
Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. /books.html
³Rose, Jeanne. The Aromatherapy Book Applications & Inhalations. /books.html

 

Do not Ingest essential oils: Although some oils are important flavoring oils in the flavor industry and thus ingested in very small amounts in many foods, especially meats and sausages, it is not a good idea to use them yourself either in capsules or honey to take internally.

Safety Precautions: Do not apply the essential oil neat, especially to the underarms or delicate parts of the body. Most resinous oils are probably not to be used on babies, children or pregnant women. Many aromatherapists suggest that there are some oils not be used at all. However, as with many plants, essential oil chemistry is subject to change depending on species and terroir.

            Irritants: Some of the gums and resins can be quite irritating or sensitizing. Use the Patch Test before applying.

Patch Test:  If applying a new essential oil to your skin always perform a patch test to the inner arm (after you have diluted the EO in a vegetable carrier oil). —Wash an area of your forearm about the size of a quarter and dry carefully. Apply a diluted drop (1 drop EO + 1 drop carrier) to the area. Then apply a loose Band-Aid and wait 24 hours. If there is no reaction, then go ahead and use the oil in your formulas. —The Aromatherapy Book, Applications & Inhalations, p. 64

DISCLAIMER:  This work is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. Dosages are often not given, as that is a matter between you and your health care provider. The author is neither a chemist nor a medical doctor.  The content herein is the product of research and personal and practical experience. Institute of Aromatic & Herbal Studies – Jeanne Rose©

 

 

Elemi ~ A corny Jeanne Rose Limerick
Elemi an oil that smells woody
It doesn’t like wearing a hoody
When I need a citrus smell
I pick one that’s well….
Sort of Elemi but Femi.

Moderation in All Things.

Be moderate in your use of essential oils as they are just not sustainable for the environment.
Be selective and more moderate in your usage.
Use the herb first as tea or the infusion. —JeanneRose 2010