African Elemi Essential Oil

Camonya-Also known as African Elemi and Canarium schweinfurthii, is a rarely available and wonderfully fragrant natural oleoresin for perfume, incense, aromatic/medicated salves, oils and cremes.

Traditionally harvested in the wild tropical jungles of West/Central Africa and Congo, eastwards to Uganda, the tree's fruit is edible, and the seeds are high in fatty acids.

The resin of Canarium schweinfurthii is collected after cutting the bark and used as incense for ceremonial and domestic purposes. Internally, the fragrant resin is anti-parasitic and, when blended with fats and oils, acts as an emollient (Soothes, softens and moisturizes the skin), It is traditionally used to treat skin infections such as eczema, prickly heat and skin rashes. All the resins of the Elemi family are considered skin healing, nourishing and rejuvenating.

African Elemi essential oil presents an aromatic profile similar in character to Manilla Elemi and Madagascar Elemi but with more depth, complexity and softness than its sisters. It strikes me as the mature one in the family.

While Philipines Elemi is soft, lemony and sweet, and Madagascar Elemi has a deep and unique earthy musk note, African Elemi distinguishes itself with notes of Oak and Black cherry and a musk note that is more penetrating and airy than earthy.

As incense on the coal, African Elemi offers an intriguing bouquet that initially greets one's nose with honeyed Lemon and mint, then gives way to soft Ambers, tobacco, wet dirt and a muskiness reminiscent of warm animal fur. It makes a sweet and uplifting incense and when dissolved in warm oils, creates a (distractingly), sensuous and healing massage oil.

The Elemi essential oil we are familiar with is that of Manila Elemi, Canarium Luzonicum and is considered to have anti-ageing and skin rejuvenating properties shared by all 3 species.

Dan