# Elemi essential oil

> A resinous single oil related to frankincense and myrrh, steam-distilled from Canarium luzonicum resin, with a light citrus-pine note.

Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/elemi

Type: Single oil

## At a glance

- **Botanical name:** Canarium luzonicum
- **Plant part:** Tree resin
- **Extraction:** Steam-distilled
- **Aroma:** Warm, resinous, citrus-pine
- **Origin:** Philippines
- **Blends with:** Frankincense, myrrh, bergamot

## Composition (GC-MS research aggregate)

Based on 1 GC-MS samples from 1 peer-reviewed papers (2023–2023); Limited evidence base. 9 compounds reported in total. Typical share of the oil (median, with interquartile range):

| Compound | Class | Median % | IQR % | Max % | Papers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| limonene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 53.7 | 53.7–53.7 | 53.7 | 1 |
| α-phellandrene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 14.5 | 14.5–14.5 | 14.5 | 1 |
| elemol | Oxygenated sesquiterpene | 10.1 | 10.1–10.1 | 10.1 | 1 |
| sabinene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 4 | 4–4 | 4 | 1 |
| elemicin | Phenylpropanoid / aromatic | 3.5 | 3.5–3.5 | 3.5 | 1 |
| α-terpineol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 2.7 | 2.7–2.7 | 2.7 | 1 |
| β-phellandrene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 2.1 | 2.1–2.1 | 2.1 | 1 |
| p-cymene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 2 | 2–2 | 2 | 1 |
| terpinolene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 1 | 1–1 | 1 | 1 |

Chemotypes seen in the samples: limonene (100% of samples).

## Key constituents

- **Limonene** (50-60%) — The dominant terpene, giving elemi its light citrus-like top note
- **Elemol** — A signature sesquiterpene alcohol shared with several resin oils; contributes a soft, waxy-woody base
- **Phellandrene** — A terpene contributing to the peppery, slightly piney facet

## How to use it

- **In the diffuser:** 3–5 drops alone, or with frankincense and myrrh for a meditative blend.
- **On skin:** Diluted in a carrier oil, a common note in facial-care blends for mature skin.

## Safety

- For topical use, dilute in a carrier oil and keep out of reach of children.
- Maximum dermal use: Dilute in a carrier oil for skin.
- A generally gentle oil; dilute before topical use as usual.
- Not phototoxic. Keep out of reach of children.

## What the research says

- Elemi oil has been studied for antibacterial and antiproliferative activity in the laboratory. These are in-vitro findings, not clinical proof of a health benefit. — JEOB study (2023) (https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060x.2023.2165167)

## Evidence

- Elemi is a limonene-rich resin oil carrying the signature alcohol elemol, giving it a fresh, lemony-peppery aroma over a soft balsamic base. — JEOB study (2023) (https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060x.2023.2165167)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is elemi related to?

Elemi comes from a resin (from Canarium luzonicum) and is often called a relative of frankincense and myrrh. It shares their resinous character but is brighter and more lemony, thanks to its high limonene content.

### What does elemi smell like?

Fresh and lemony-peppery up top, with a soft, sweet, balsamic-woody base — a lighter, brighter take on the frankincense/myrrh resin family.

### Is elemi phototoxic?

No — although it's limonene-rich, elemi is a distilled resin oil and isn't considered phototoxic. Dilute it for skin use as usual.

## Sources (GC-MS studies)

- Kurban B, Tuncel T, Görgülü Ş, Kar F, Öztürk A, Özek T. Elemi essential oil nanocapsulated drug ameliorates lung cancer via oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation pathway. _Journal of cellular and molecular medicine_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10315745

_Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._