Extracted from a tree found in the tropical forests in Philippines is an essential oil known as Elemi Oil. This oil is derived from tree called “Elemi” belonging to a species known as “Canarium Luzonicum” within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is obtained from the gum of the tree using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, it is commonly used in the manufacturing of soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and paints.
A. Chemical constituents of Elemi Oil:
This oil is extracted from the gum of tree called “Elemi” found mainly in Philippines and belonging to a species known as “Canarium Luzonicum” within the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil comprises of organic compounds such as dipentene, elemicine, elemol, limonene, phellandrene, and terpineol.
B. The use and benefits of Elemi Oil:
There are a number of health benefits that one can acquire by using this oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antiseptic:
This oil comprises of an “antiseptic” property which helps in the treatment of internal and external wound by destroying disease causing microorganism.
2. Analgesic:
This oil also functions by providing relief from pain produced by colds, fever, sprains etc, and thereby serves as an analgesic.
3. Expectorant:
This oil when used also helps in expelling waste material such as mucus and phlegm formed within the respiratory system out from the body, and thereby serves as an expectorant.
4. Stimulant:
This oil consist of a property that promotes the stimulation of the body system by promoting normal blood circulation, secretion of hormones and enzymes, secretion of bile and gastric juices into the stomach etc.
5. Digestive:
This oil when used also possesses a property that helps maintaining normal digestion by stimulating the appropriate secretion of digestive juices such as gastric juice and bile in the stomach.
C. The adverse effects of Elemi Oil:
There is one major adverse effect that could occur on using this essential oil. This effect is as follows:
- The use of this oil could lead to skin irritation especially in those individual having sensitive skin.
