Elemi Oil is a unique kind of essential oil, made from resin extract of Elemi trees native to the Philippines. The term “Elemi” is believed to have derived from an Arabic phrase “El-lemi”, which means “as above, so below”. This phrase means “the same be done on hand as it had been done in heaven,” captivating the balancing properties of this essential oil. 

In various regions of Asia, Elemi Oil has been used for a range of medicines designed to treat respiratory and skin ailments. Now, it has been an essential ingredient in skincare products that offer remarkable benefits for the skin. It’s time to answer: what is Elemi Oil and how can it benefit your skincare routine?

What is Elemi Oil?

Elemi Oil is made by distilling resin extracted from the Elemi tree which is native to the Philippines, and also known as Canarium luzonicum by its botanical name. Elemi Oil has been utilized by various civilizations across the globe since ancient times, often used as an ointment or balm to treat wounds or as incense to treat malaria and other respiratory diseases.

Today, Elemi Oil is still widely used to treat wounds, fatigue, respiratory issues, muscular pain, and skin conditions. Recently, it has been discovered that elemi Oil can revitalize complexion and support the overall health of your skin. Elemi Oil benefits include skin rejuvenation, anti-inflammatory properties, skin hydration, and more. 

How is Elemi Oil Extracted?

The extraction of Elemi Oil is a meticulous process. It begins with resin extraction from the Elemi tree, a native to the Philippines. Elemi trees are tapped through an incision in their bark to release a milky-white resin. The collected resin is then processed through steam distillation, which preserves the integrity of the oil’s chemical compounds. 

The resulting essential oil is a pale yellow liquid with a unique aroma. Elemi Oil’s aroma is freshly citrusy, often compared to a combination of lemon and pine. This distinctive aroma makes Elemi Oil not only a popular choice for perfumery but also contributes to its therapeutic properties.

Elemi Oil Benefits for You

Protects Your Skin From Infection

One of the main traditional uses of Elemi Oil was to treat wounds because of its antiseptic properties that protect against every possible kind of infection, including those from microbes, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This is ideal for preventing and treating minor skin infections. It can help keep your skin clean and free from bacteria that cause acne and other blemishes.

Elemi Oil is not only effective against infections on the external wounds, but can also protect internal organs from infections in cases of ulcers, wounds, or other hazardous conditions that put internal organs at an increased risk of infection.

Relieves Pain & Inflammation

Elemi Oil’s analgesic properties make it a great option for alleviating various types of pain, including headaches, muscle and joint pains, and menstrual cramps. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it a perfect choice for soothing irritated or inflamed skin. 

Elemi Oil’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for skincare. Due to Elemi Oil’s natural properties, the pain-relieving properties can be harnessed with no risk of side effects often found in other, more chemically created options of pain relievers.

Deeply Moisturizes & Hydrates

Incorporating Elemi Oil into your skincare routine means enhancing your skin’s hydration and moisture. Elemi Oil helps maintain the right moisture level in your skin, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By locking in the moisture, the skin will be less likely to dry up and instead keep it soft and supple. 

Elemi Oil’s regenerative properties also make it a popular ingredient in anti-aging products, as it helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Promotes Circulation and Hormone Secretion

Yet another benefit of Elemi Oil includes being a stimulant to enhance the secretion of various hormones and blood circulation, providing an overall boost to the natural function of the body. This is beneficial for individuals with acne caused by hormonal changes and imbalances. The promotion of blood circulation is also helpful in supporting cell regeneration and vitality of the skin, leading to a fairer and brighter complexion. 

Elemi Oil boosts circulation and promotes the secretion of hormones and enzymes from the endocrine glands. It also encourages the release of bile and other digestive juices into the stomach. Additionally, Elemi Oil stimulates nervous system responses, influencing brain neuron activity, heartbeat, respiration, intestinal peristalsis, and menstrual flow. 

Relaxes & Relieves Stress

Elemi Oil benefits also include stress-relieving qualities that can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. The smell of Elemi Oil can be relaxing and calming for some individuals, especially when diffused and spread throughout the air. 

Aromatherapists claim that Elemi Oil encourages calm, stillness, contentment, passion, and peace. Individuals can use the oil to enhance meditation and visualization for mindfulness purposes. It can even promote positive thinking and clarity. By relaxing the body, it prevents skin conditions caused by stress. 

Supports the Immune System

Elemi Oil has also been thought to boost the immune system. Elemi Oil is known to stimulate the Thymus gland, an essential organ in our immune systems. Elemi Oil helps drive away sicknesses and revitalize our bodies with energy, on top of helping recovery from fatigue. Using Elemi Oil in diffusers to purify air can reduce the risk of airborne diseases, while helping prevent wounds from infections.

Elemi Oil has been promoted as a tonic for your body, supporting the growth and proper functioning of the body. Elemi Oil can tone up organic systems in a body, including respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, circulatory, neural, excretory, nervous, endocrinal, and, of course, the body's overall immune system. Even if you are healthy enough not to have to worry about other health benefits offered by Elemi Oil, it can naturally help maintain your health without any expensive medications and supplements.

Application Methods

There are a range of application methods for Elemi Oil, but below are four of the most common and safest methods. The usage of Elemi Oil includes;

Inhalation

Adding a few drops of Elemi Oil to a diffuser or a bowl of hot water can release its aromatic compounds into the air. This method will provide respiratory relief and promote emotional well-being. The soothing aromatic scent of Elemi Oil filling your room is another benefit this method offers!

Topical Application

Elemi Oil can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, for safe application to the skin. This method is particularly effective for treating skin conditions, relieving muscle and joint pain, and promoting relaxation of the body through massage.

Pili Ani’s Calming & Soothing Body Lotion is a great example of how Elemi Oil can relax and calm the body while moisturizing and nourishing the skin at the same time.

Baths

Elemi Oil can help enhance your bathing experience, too! Add a few drops of Elemi Oil into your warm bathwater to create a soothing and aromatic experience that will help you relieve stress, muscle tension, and skin issues all in the comfort of your bath. It’s one of the best ways to enhance your relaxing hot bath.

Compresses

The last method to be introduced is through the use of compresses. This method can effectively alleviate pain and inflammation in your skin and muscles. SImply add a few drops of Elemi Oil into a bowl of water, soak a cloth in the mixture of water and Elemi Oil, to apply through gentle presses to the affected areas of your body.

Elemi Oil, The Excellent Choice

Elemi Oil can help enhance your lifestyle, offering a wide array of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Its rich history, various therapeutic properties, as well as versatile application methods make it a valuable addition to any natural health routine. 

Whether you are seeking relief from respiratory issues or muscle pains, looking to enhance your skincare routine, or aiming to enhance your overall well-being, Elemi Oil is a natural remedy with valuable benefits. Consider embracing and integrating Elemi Oil into your skincare and wellness routines with Pili Ani’s products!