ELEMI
Meet the lesser-known member of the resin family — a fresh, green-citrus and lemony essential oil with balsamic, incense-like, and subtly spicy undertones. Steam distilled from the aromatic gum resin of the pili tree, native to the Philippines.
Botanically related to the resin plants behind Frankincense and Myrrh, yet distinctly its own.
What Makes Elemi Special
Elemi comes from the aromatic gum resin of the pili tree, a large evergreen native to the Philippines. Its fragrance offers a distinctive personality — fresh, lemony, and green-citrus with balsamic, incense-like, and subtly spicy undertones.
Young Living highlights Elemi for healthy-looking skin, massage after activity, meditation, grounding aromatic routines, and diffusion. It belongs to the Burseraceae family — the same botanical family as the resin plants behind Frankincense and Myrrh.
The Botanical at a Glance
From Pili Tree to Aromatic Resin
The pili tree — a large evergreen native to the Philippines.
Aromatic gum resin — the starting material for Elemi essential oil.
Resin tapping keeps the tree alive and thriving.
Elemi doesn't come from flowers, leaves, or fruit. It begins with resin. Young Living sources it from the Happy Pili Tree Farm in the Bicol Region of the Philippines — where the pili tree is locally known as the "tree of hope" for its ability to thrive through harsh typhoon conditions.
Tree → Resin → Character → Everyday Use
Elemi beautifully demonstrates how a plant protects itself — and how that botanical material becomes an essential oil.
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Pili Tree • Philippines
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Aromatic Gum Resin
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Steam Distillation
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Limonene + Alpha-phellandrene + Other Aromatic Constituents
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Fresh • Citrusy • Balsamic • Incense-like
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Skin • Meditation • Massage • Aroma
Simple Ways to Use Elemi
Skin & Beauty
Add to facial essence, serum, or moisturizer. Young Living suggests adding 2 drops to ART® Creme Masque as part of a nighttime routine, or 3 drops to your regular moisturizer once daily.
Meditation & Grounding
Inhale to create a grounded, meditative environment. Apply to temples, ear lobes, or crown during yoga or meditation per topical directions.
Movement & Massage
Combine with V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex and massage into the skin after exercise as part of a cooldown routine.
Steam & Warmth
Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, cover with a towel, and enjoy an aromatic steam. Or dampen a warm washcloth with 2–3 drops for a soothing compress.
Diffusion & Aromatic Exploration
Diffuse during meditation, journaling, or quiet evenings. Blend with woodsy oils for an earthy atmosphere or citrus oils for a brighter aromatic side.
Simple Ways to Begin
Elemi Muscle Rub
- 1 oz jojoba oil
- 4 drops Elemi
- 3 drops Mister™
- 2 drops Eucalyptus Radiata
- Optional: 1–2 drops Peppermint for cooling
Mix and use for massage after activity.
Nighttime Face Mask
- 2 drops Elemi
- Your normal amount of ART® Creme Masque
Incorporate into your nighttime skin-care routine per product directions.
Resin Family Massage Oil
- 1 Tbsp V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex
- 2 drops Elemi
- 1 drop Frankincense
- 1 drop Myrrh
Inspired by Elemi's botanical family connection.
Aromatic Blends to Try
Earth & Resin
Elemi • Pine • Cypress
Earthy • Grounded
Citrus Resin
3 Elemi • 3 Orange • 1 Clove
Fresh • Citrusy • Warm • Resinous
Resin Trio
3 Elemi • 2 Frankincense • 1 Myrrh
Grounding • Balsamic • Meditative
Adjust amounts according to diffuser size and manufacturer directions.
Aromatic Companions
Topical
Apply 2–4 drops directly to desired area. Dilution not required, except for the most sensitive skin. Use as needed.
Aromatic
Diffuse up to 1 hour, 3 times daily.
Simple Guidance
- Keep out of reach of children.
- For external use only.
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.
- If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or under medical care, consult a health professional prior to use.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Use appropriate care with hot water and steam methods.
What About Pets?
Human Elemi essential-oil directions do not automatically translate to animals. Species, size, age, health status, route of exposure, concentration, and individual sensitivity all matter when considering essential oils around animals.
For animal-specific use, seek guidance from a veterinarian knowledgeable about essential oils.
Explore Alongside Elemi
Elemi shares a botanical-family connection with Frankincense and Myrrh, and appears in several Young Living blends.
The Resin Family
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- Myrrh Essential Oil
All three come from resin-producing plants in the Burseraceae family.
Found In Young Living Products
- Cool Azul® Essential Oil Blend
- Cool Azul® Sports Gel
- KidScents® Owie™ / KidCare™
Product availability may vary by market.
From the "Tree of Hope"
Young Living sources Elemi from the Happy Pili Tree Farm in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. Locally, the pili tree carries the name "tree of hope" because of its ability to thrive under harsh typhoon conditions.
The farm emphasizes quality, sustainability, protection of natural resources, fair wages, and community support. An on-site distillery helps keep jobs and specialized knowledge within the local community.
Resin tapping allows resin to be collected through a process designed to keep the tree alive and thriving. The resin is then dried and distilled to produce Elemi essential oil.
Where Might Elemi Fit?
Skin care? Meditation? After-activity massage? A warm aromatic ritual? Diffusing at home?
Start with one simple use and discover the distinctive personality of this lesser-known resin oil.
Sources & Further Learning
Primary Sources & References
- Young Living — Elemi Essential Oil Product Information
- Young Living — 5 Secrets of Elemi Essential Oil
- Young Living — 8 Essential Oils You've Never Heard Of (Until Now!)
- Young Living — Resin Oil Uses: Ways to Use Resin Essential Oils
- Young Living — How Essential Oils Are Made
- Young Living — Happy Pili Tree Farm
Collection Navigation
Lynne Wimmer, DVM
