Elemi Essential Oil User Guide: Benefits, Uses, DIY, FAQs

People have been turning to elemi essential oil for many reasons for centuries. Elemi has a spicy, incense-like fragrance, ideal for relaxing your mind and body. It comes from the Canarium Iuzonicum tree, belonging to the same botanical family as frankincense and myrrh.

This unique oil has remarkable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help support immunity while relieving pain and calming skin conditions. It is even an effective natural remedy to treat colds & coughs! Furthermore, its stress-relieving qualities make it the perfect companion when wanting better quality sleep, too. Keep reading to understand more about this wonderful ingredient, and learn how to incorporate elemi in your daily routine for improved well-being.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. Nothing on this page has been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is not intended to provide medical advice for any health condition, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Elemi Oil Origins and History

Elemi oil has been part of traditional medicine for centuries, with historical evidence of it being used in Ancient Egypt for embalming. It’s also well documented to be used for hundreds of years, with a rich history in Europe being used to help with skin care, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin tone. Its also been documented as being used by physician JJ Wecker on soldiers’ battle wounds in the 17th century.

How Elemi Oil Is Made

The extraction process of elemi essential oil is reminiscent of an ancient practice used for centuries to obtain this prized substance. Elemi oil is obtained from trees belonging to the Canarium luzonicum species, predominantly found in the Philippines and western Indonesia.

When it’s cut, a yellowish-green, resinous sap oozes out. Once harvested, it is steam distilled to extract the essential oil from the resin. Quality companies will utilize the low-heat, low-pressure method of steam distilling to preserve the quality and benefits of the oil.

ORAC Value of Elemi Essential Oil

The ORAC value of elemi essential oil has not been reported.

(USDA ORAC testing has been discontinued as a standard measurement tool because of its oversimplification and common misuse.)

ORAC stands for “Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity,” developed by USDA researchers to tell you the antioxidant capacity of a food item. It is a measurement method to note the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals, which are molecules responsible for aging and various diseases.

Benefits of Elemi Essential Oil

Not only did it have uses during the olden days for wound care and embalming, but it is an excellent choice to support your muscles, nerves, and skin.

Elemi is also an excellent skincare addition (or replacement) to combat wrinkles and scar tissue, providing anti-aging results to many, making a suitable choice if you’re looking for a naturally effective alternative rather than opting for hazardous chemicals-filled commercial cosmetics products available in most stores.

When speaking about skincare management applications specifically, the antibiotic functions help reduce acne breakouts while decreasing inflammation-associated redness — thereby serving as an excellent choice if you’re dealing with problematic skin.

Furthermore, it’s helpful in soothing your muscular and nerve-related aches. This is a great oil to reach for and use before or after rigorous workouts to reduce stiffness and soreness afterward. We’ve also used it to help ward off stiffness from long car rides.

More ways elemi can benefit your life

Serves as an expectorant
Mentally relaxing, especially during tense or anxious moments
Helps your body calm from stressful moments

Elemi Essential Oil Medical and Scientific Studies

In addition to common uses for elemi regarding muscle and nerve pain, skin problems, and anti-aging properties, there are a few (limited) studies.

Elemi, frankincense, and myrrh were tested against oral common Candida infections and found each to have anti-fungal properties (source)
A study determined Elemi EO and nanoparticles combined produced anticancer activity without damaging normal cells. Based on these promising results, a new generation of potential drug candidates is emerging that feature Elemi EO-loaded nanoparticles that may be cell-specific targeted. (Source)

Top 15 Ways to Use Elemi Essential Oil

Elemi essential oil is one of the most versatile and powerful oils available, with uses very similar to frankincense. Its woody, lemony scent with an underlying spice note can be used for various things. Here are 15 ways you can use elemi essential oil:

Making your own massage or body lotion by combining elemi oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba will moisturize your skin and reduce inflammation, stress, and anxiety levels!
Make relaxing bath salts using 1-3 drops into a tablespoon of aloe, mix with a cup of Epsom salts, and add to your bathwater to promote relaxation while muscle aches.
Add a few drops to your homemade cleaning solutions, appropriately diluted in either water & vinegar mixtures.
Diffusing several drops throughout the house provides an inviting smell that brings out harmony & positivity and energizing yet calming sense of calmness.
Create a quick hair mask by dripping a few drops with your favorite carrier oil, like sweet almond or castor oil. Apply the mixture to your hair before showering to create a nourishing hair mask, giving your tresses a lift, volume, and shine without the harsh chemicals common in regular shampoos and conditioners.
Blend 3 drops of each elemi and chamomile essential oils in your favorite diffuser, and inhale to support your respiratory system.
Combine up to 10 drops per ounce of jojoba oil and gently apply it to your skin to reduce wrinkles, blemishes, stretch marks, sun spots, and scars.
Use as a less expensive alternative to frankincense in your homemade face cream or other skin care products.
Create a face steamer to support your respiration by placing a few drops of elemi into a bowl of hot water, using a towel to cover your head and the bowl, then breathe deeply for 5 minutes, letting the heat, steam, fill your senses.
Create a warm compress for the back of your neck or chest with a damp (water) washcloth with 2-3 drops of elemi.
Make a soothing muscle rub by combining 1 ounce of jojoba oil, 4 drops of elemi, 3 drops of Mister™, and 2 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata. For an added cooling sensation, add 1-2 drops of Peppermint.
Use as an expectorant by blending 3 drops elemi, 6 drops bergamot, and 2 drops tea tree oils, and diluting with 5-10ml of carrier oil (perfect for making into a roller ball bottle)
Dilute 1 drop per tsp of carrier oil and massage over your stomach to help support digestion.
DIY After-Shower Face Oil: 1 drop each frankincense, elemi, and lavender in a 10ml roller bottle filled the rest of the way with jojoba oil or your favorite carrier oil
Use it in your diffuser to make your home or office smell lovely, inspiring, or relaxing (scroll down for recipes)

Elemi Essential Oil Substitutes

Regarding essential oils, elemi is a popular and more affordable option. It features a unique aroma and potential health benefits such as anti-inflammation properties or soothing anxiousness effects. But if you need something else besides this one, there are other scents out there that will do the job equally well (somewhat similar aromas with similar effects):

Frankincense
Myrrh
Sandalwood
Palo santo
Vetiver
Rose geranium

Ylang-ylang and bergamot can also substitute for elemi’s fragrance.

Essential Oils That Blend Well With Elemi Essential Oil

Elemi’s aroma can be described as fresh and mildly spicy, accompanied by notes of lemon and balsam fragrance.

You have many options when it comes to blending elemi with other essential oils!

Basil
Cardamom
Cinnamon
Clove
Coriander
Cyprus
Frankincense
Geranium
Ginger
Jasmine
Lavender
Lemon
Lime
Mandarin
Nutmeg
Orange
Rosemary
Sage
Tangerine
Vetiver

One member-favorite combination combines lavender and rosemary alongside elemi (equal amounts); these elements have calming effects when used together efficiently, producing excellent results!

Combining citrusy scents like orange or lemon brightens your blend (especially lovely for gloomy weather).

Realistically, you can use elemi in any homemade essential oil blend that calls for myrrh or frankincense as a less expensive alternative, and you’ll notice the blend’s aroma doesn’t change much.

DIY Diffuser Recipes featuring the Versatile Elemi Oil

Autumn Air: 4 drops bergamot, 3 drops each lemon and elemi, and 2 drops wintergreen
Delicious Diffuser Blend: 3 drops ylang ylang, 3 drops elemi, 4 drops tangerine
High Altitude Adventures Diffuser Blend: 3 drops each Valor essential oil blend and elemi essential oil with 2 drops of black spruce and 1 drop of eucalyptus (radiata)
Pick Me Up Diffuser Blend: 3 drops each may chang and elemi essential oils
Spa Treatment: 3 drops eucalyptus (radiata), 2 drops each of hinoki and elemi, and 1 drop of juniper
Spring Garden Diffuser Blend: 3 drops each lavender and ylang ylang with 2 drops each elemi and geranium
Willow Winds Diffuser Blend: 5 drops elemi, 2 drops each of lavender and cypress, and 1 drop of clove oil

Frequently Asked Questions about Elemi Essential Oil

Is Elemi Essential Oil Safe To Ingest?

Yes, in very small amounts, IF you're using pure elemi oil that isn't adulterated in any way (be sure you trust your supplier).

Is elemi essential oil safe to use while pregnant?

Elemi should be used very cautiously (if at all) while pregnant.

I don't recommend using elemi without being under the care of an aromatherapist, herbalist, naturopath, or other natural-minded medical professional unless you're very well-versed in what you're doing. There are other oils you could use instead.

If you're using oils while pregnant, I highly recommend this reference guide. It contains some great advice for using essential oils while pregnant, plus some DIY Recipes you'll love too.

Is elemi essential oil safe for kids or babies?

Please only use elemi essential oil on or around children over 6. For children under 12, be sure to dilute more than normal before using topically.

While essential oils may be safe for kids to use, please do not have your child use an essential oil internally as a supplement without being under the direct guidance of a naturopathic doctor.

Also, keep in mind that elemi essential oil is very concentrated. It is best to keep it out of the reach of children, and stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Can you be allergic to elemi essential oil?

There are a few reasons why you would experience an allergy-like reaction to essential oils. Usually, this is caused by not diluting the oil you're applying (or not diluting it enough). Please refer to our essential oils and allergies article for more in-depth information.

Is elemi essential oil safe for dogs and cats?

Elemi essential oil is safe to use with your dogs and cats, though I highly recommend consulting with a local aromatherapist or herbalist when using oils with or near cats.

If you're using essential oils around your family pets, be sure to allow them to access out of the room and into a room where you're not diffusing. This way they're able to escape when they feel they've had enough.

Please also consider picking up a reference guide specific to using essential oils with animals. There are also reference guides specific to Young Living's oils too.

How often should you use elemi essential oil?

Whether or not to use elemi essential oil is also a personal question. This depends on what you're using it for and how experienced you are using it.

For beginners, I recommend only diffusing for 30 minutes at a time, then giving your body an hour break. If you diffuse too much, you could end up lightheaded.

Personally, I have a diffuser running most of the day intermittently (using the intermittent setting on our diffuser). Or I'll wear a piece of diffusing jewelry with 3 drops of oil on it throughout the day (those 3 drops usually last a few days). Check out our article about diffusing essential oils safely for more info.

Should you use elemi essential oil if you're taking medication?

I'm not aware of any specific elemi essential oils and medication contraindications.

Whether you use essential oils while on medication is a very personal question, and really depends on which medications you're taking. I have an entire article dedicated to known medication contraindications that I highly recommend you check out… in addition to having a lengthy conversation with your local aromatherapist or pharmacist.

Where do you purchase elemi essential oil?

We purchase our elemi oil from Young Living because they set a higher standard for essential oil production than what I've found throughout the rest of the industry.

Their farm-to-table type of approach and testing at every phase of their farming, distillation, and bottling processes has proven to me time and time again to be the closest thing out there to buying from your local farmer or DIYing the oil yourself, only better with their 25+ years of continual research and improvement. I also love their transparency and how they open their farms so you can see for yourself (or involve yourself in the process).

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Closing Thoughts About Elemi Essential Oil

In conclusion, elemi essential oil is a wonderful holistic choice for those looking for natural remedies that provide multiple benefits without any nasty side effects. It promotes healing by reducing inflammation and your body's hold on stress responses while also offering a protective shield against environmental damage to the skin. Its anti-fungal properties allow it to help treat different skin conditions too! Plus, its uplifting scent helps relax the body and mind – giving you double benefit in one hit!

Have you ever tried using this wonderful oil? Let us know in the comments how you use it and what you like about it.

Do you feel the need to reduce stress and anxiety in your life? Then why not try Elemi Essential Oil? This natural oil has been used for centuries by different cultures around the world as a way of calming both mind and body. It is also believed that it can have a rejuvenating effect on skin, making it appear brighter and more youthful – all with its woody citrus scent! Adding some Elemi essential oil to an aromatherapy routine could be just what’s needed to start taking control of relaxation, so don’t hesitate to buy yourself some today and take off on this journey towards better well-being.