ABSTRACT
An oleoresin is harvested from it, a yellow substance of honey-like consistency. Elemi resin is chiefly used commercially in varnishes and lacquers, and certain printing inks. It is also used as a herbal medicine to treat bronchitis, catarrh, extreme coughing, aged skin, scars, wounds and stress. It should be stressed that the name elemi is a term applied to a variety of resinous products obtained from different countries and having different botanical origins. Steam distillation of the elemi resin yields the essential oil of elemi. Elemi oil is a colorless to pale yellow clear mobile liquid which has a terpenic, woody somewhat spicy and balsamic odor. Contact allergy to and possible allergic contact dermatitis from elemi oil have been reported in one publication only. An aromatherapist had occupational contact dermatitis with allergies to multiple essential oils used at work, including elemi oil.
