The health benefits of Elemi essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, analgesic, expectorant, stimulant, and a tonic substance.
Elemi is a tree found in the tropical forests of the Philippines and some neighboring nations. Its botanical name is Canarium luzonicum. The essential oil of elemi is extracted by steam distillation of the gum obtained from the elemi tree; the main components of this oil are dipentene, elemicin, elemol, limonene, phellandrene, and terpineol.
This oil is used mainly in the soap, cosmetics, perfume, and paint industries. Also, this oil is actually believed to have been used in ancient Egypt for embalming mummies.
Health Benefits of Elemi Essential Oil
The medicinal properties of elemi essential oil, which are arguably its most important details, are explained below. [1]
Protects from Infection
Quite possibly, it was the antiseptic property of the essential oil of elemi which made it useful in the embalming process in ancient Egypt. The antiseptic property protects against every possible infection, including those from microbes, bacteria, fungi, and viruses, along with providing protection against septic and tetanus. It is not only applicable in protecting wounds; it is also effective in preventing infections in the urethra, urinary bladder, urinary tract, colon, kidneys, intestines, stomach, and other internal organs, whether there is some form of wound, ulcer, or other potentially hazardous conditions.
Elemi Essential Oil is a rejuvenating powerhouse for your body, mind, and skin. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Analgesic Properties
We all know what an analgesic is for, and we also know that most of them have side effects as well. Therefore, wouldn’t it be fine if there was an analgesic that could perform all of its functions efficiently without having any adverse side effects? Well, the essential oil of elemi is precisely that, due to all of its analgesic properties. It is effective in cutting down pain related to colds, fevers, or sprains. It also helps in curing headaches, migraines, muscular pain, pain in the joints, and pain in the ears.
Eases Breathing
The need for an efficient expectorant is obvious when we are suffering from breathing troubles, congestion in the lungs and nose, and exhausting coughs due to the accumulation of phlegm or catarrh in the respiratory tracts, including the bronchi, trachea, and lungs. Elemi essential oil helps to loosen phlegm or catarrh and helps it to come out either through coughing or in the stool. It also clears congestion and makes breathing easier.
Acts as Stimulant
Elemi essential oil stimulates circulation, the secretion of hormones and enzymes from the endocrinal glands, the discharge of bile and other gastric juices into the stomach. Furthermore, it stimulates nervous responses, including those affecting the neurons in the brain, the heartbeat, respiration, peristaltic motion of the intestines, and menstrual discharges, as well as the production and secretion of milk in the breasts. These last two are due to its stimulating effects on certain hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Tonic for the Body
Elemi essential oil acts as a tonic for you. Many people remember being given daily doses of tonic in their childhood. Parents would say that it was essential for keeping us free of diseases and that we would quickly grow up if we took those tonics. They were right! A tonic helps in the growth and proper functioning of the body by toning up all the organic systems functioning in the body, such as the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, circulatory, neural, excretory, nervous, and endocrinal systems. It also boosts the immune system of the body. What else could be asked for from such a humble-looking oil?
Other Benefits
Elemi essential oil is found to be beneficial in treating sinusitis, joint pain, digestive disorders, mumps, and chills.
Word of Caution: There are no known threats except that elemi essential oil can be irritating for people with certain skin types. Therefore, it should not be applied to the skin of babies.
Blending: The essential oil of elemi blends with the essential oils of frankincense, lavender, rosemary, myrrh, and sage.
