Elemi Essential Oil (Canarium luzonicum)

Prized resin from Philippines which stimulates mood, has mild analgesic qualities and delivers gentle anti-microbial activity - Elemi essential oil delivers brilliant for citrus tones in therapeutic & botanical perfume formulas.

• Analgesic
• Anti-amebic
• Anti-microbial
• Antiseptic
• Antiviral
• Elevates Mood
• Expectorant
• Fungicidal
• General Tonic
• Stimulant (Stomachic & Glandular)

Aromatic Scent: Slightly sweet notes of citrus & frankincense, with a woody-green herbaceous character on the drydown.

Dr. Nick Notes

Elemi essential oil is derived from from the resin of the Asian tree Canarium luzonicum. The extract seems similar to Frankincense in its properties due to its rich monoterpene content. The resins from Elemi produce a very clarifying oil: gentle mental stimulation, environmental cleansing & also promote healthy skin. Traditionally Elemi been used in the Philippines to treat body aches and minor skin conditions.

Over the years I’ve discovered that Elemi essential oil adds a bright note both energetically & aromatically.  Typically Elemi is best formulated into blends using reasonably small concentrations (<5% of EO blend) as the aroma profile can dampen the overall expression rather easily and throw a mixture “off”.  Elemi can be diffused in a room to clear negative energies, stimulate the mind and promote inspiration. In conjunction with Jasmine Sambac Hydrosol & Neroli essential oil, Elemi extract can lift the spirits of someone who’s been experiencing depressive symptoms.

What is relevant for everyone is that Elemi seems to have a very bright quality, naturally - reflective of rich citrus / frankincense tones which are very purifying and uplifting.  Elemi is not well known as an essential oil extract and is truly unique and essential for collectors, aficionados and perfumers. Truly it does something to uplift the mood and consciousness and there is a world of possibility for all to explore it’s unique uses!

“Legends of Oilhuasca”

Years ago I researched this phenomenon associated with specific essential oils creating psychedelic like effects in synergy with each other.  This works pharmacologically by inhibiting specific enzymes which normally breakdown constituents found in the combined essential oils yielding powerful psychedelic experiences. Elemi Essential Oil is one of these key ingredients (contains Elemicin) and is said to provide a rich mescaline like experience when combined with other liver enzyme inhibitors.

I’ll speak clearly and share that this is particularly interesting, though I don’t deem this necessarily safe and I am not suggesting this.  In fact, I haven’t personally experimented with oilhuasca because I deem the risks to outweigh the experiential benefits, and this is “likely” dangerous for most people.  To activate these effects must require much liver inhibition which requires your body’s natural mechanisms being greatly overridden.  Psychedelics for this type of exploration might be a safer route, though I include this fascinating concept as Elemi oil is well referred for "oilhuasca" usage.

How to Use

• Add to a warm bath to promote deeper relaxation and deep mind, body, spirit cleansing.
• Dilute in carrier oil (~2.5%) and apply to skin to cleanse and tonify the dermal layers.
• Great underutilized essential oil ingredient for use in therapeutic formulas & botanical perfumery.
• Put a few drops onto a fan to cleanse the energy and inspire yourself and others. Great party trick!
• Sprinkle a few drops onto your favorite incense sticks and let this dry.  Light them up to truly cleanse a room.
• Try vaporizing 1-2 drops in an Essential VAAAPP or Firefly 2 Vaporizer device - gentle expectorant and clearing properties!
• Use in aromatherapy to balance an overactive nervous system while increasing focus using a diffuser.

Precautions

Maximum dermal use of 6.7% according to Tisserand and Young. Caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Blends Well With: Angelica Root (CO2), Sweet Basil, Balsam of Peru, Cardamom, Cedar Atlas, Eucalyptus Polybractae, Silver Fir, Frankincense Carterii (CO2), Galbanum (CO2), Ginger, Grapefruit Essence, Helichrysum, Laurel, Lavender, Lemon, Melissa, Myrrh (CO2), Neroli, Palo Santo, Plai, Patchouli, Palmarosa, Black Pine, Spikenard, Turmeric (CO2), Vetiver, White Sage

Cultivation: Wildcrafted
Country of Origin: Philippines
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Parts of Plant Used: Resin

Terpenes: ( )-Limonene, Elemol, α-Phellandrene, Elemicin, ρ-Cymene, α-Pinene, 1,8-Cineole, β-Myrcene, β-Phellandrene, Sabinene, β-Pinene, Methyleugenol

~ Expansive Resins ~

References

The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, Volume 2, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger

Tisserand, R., Young, R., & Williamson, E. M. (2014). Essential oil safety: a guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.

Elemi Essential Oil. Decleor Paris. https://www.decleor.com/en/oil-effects/draining/elemi.html

Last Updated March 3, 2026.

* The information provided on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only and reflects historical, cultural, and experiential perspectives. This product has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences may vary. Always use personal discernment and consult a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. *