Elemi

Botanical name:
Canarium commune, C. luzonicum and other Canarium species
Synonyms:
Manila elemi
Family:
Buseraceae, Torchwood family
Origin:
Tropical Asia
Part(s) used:
gum resin
Special constituents:
Essential oil containing terpineol, elemicine, elemol, diptene, phellandrene and limonene
Correspondance:
Venus (Lee)
Uses:
incense, aromatherapy

Description:
Gum Elemi is an oleoresin from a tropical tree. To harvest the resin, the tree is incised, andheat is applied to stimulate the flow of resin. An essential oil is extracted from the resin. The resin is completely soluble in hot alcohol, partly soluble in cold alcohol and insoluble in water.

The scent of Elemi is lemony, woody, with a hint of fennel, frankincense and grass. It is a base to middle note.

For incense, Elemi blends well with: borneol camphor, cardamom, dammar, eucalyptus, frankincense, hibiscus, juniper, lavender, lemongrass, mastic, myrrh, opoponax, pine resin, sandalwood, sweet grass.
To use Elemi in incense blends, it can help to freeze it first for about half an hour. It is then much easier to handle.

The oil is used for soothing sore muscles, protecting skin, and stimulating nerves. Elemi can be useful with respiratory complaints such as bronchitis, dry cough and excess mucus. It is also helpful in cases of heavy perspiration, cuts, wounds and skin infections. Elemi is said to rejuvenate the skin. It can be used in cases of nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions; it gives a feeling of peace.