U.S. CUSTOMERS: USA TARIFF is included in the product price. 

Menu
0

U.S. CUSTOMERS: USA TARIFF is included in the product price. 

0

Your Cart is Empty

Home / Products / African Elemi Resin
African Elemi Resin
African Elemi resin-Camonya-Canarium Schweinfurthii-Anglola-For Incense-Perfume and Skin care
African Elemi resin-Camonya-Canarium Schweinfurthii-Anglola-v3.jpg
African Elemi resin-Camonya-Canarium Schweinfurthii-Anglola-For Incense-Perfume and Skin care
African Elemi Resin
African Elemi resin-Camonya-Canarium Schweinfurthii-Anglola-For Incense-Perfume and Skin care
African Elemi resin-Camonya-Canarium Schweinfurthii-Anglola-v3.jpg
African Elemi resin-Camonya-Canarium Schweinfurthii-Anglola-For Incense-Perfume and Skin care

African Elemi Resin

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

Traditionally and sustainably harvested in the wild tropical jungles of West/Central Africa and Congo, eastwards to Uganda, the fruit of the tree is edible, and the seeds are high in fatty acids. The resin of Canarium schweinfurthii is 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), and is used to treat skin infections such as eczema, prickly heat and skin rashes. All the resins of the Elemi family are considered skin-nourishing and rejuvenating.

The demand for this resin on the international market is very low. For this reason, the trees are not cut or tapped. The resin accumulates over years on the tree forming beautiful layers akin to an Agate.See the photo above for reference.

Camonya presents an aromatic profile that is 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.

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 skin-healing massage oil.

Due to the semi-liquid consistency of the fresh resin, it is traditionally rolled into balls and wrapped with the leaf of a tree until it can keep its shape on its own. For this reason, you will find the occasional leaf and stem fragment adhered to the resin pieces. These can be easily removed if desired and are truly a mark of authenticity.

African Elemi resin is a pure oleoresin, so it pools and burns clean on the charcoal. It will dissolve easily in warm oils, waxes and fats for producing candles, and medicinal and cosmetic products. You can find instructions for making an oil infusion/extract of Elemi here-https://apothecarysgarden.com/2014/07/30/how-to-make-a-whole-extract-of-frankincense-and-other-oleoresins/

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 which are shared by all 3 species.

This is an exquisite find and I have only a limited quantity. Get it while it lasts.

Dan


Materials: Elemi resin, Canarium Schweinfurthii, African Elemi, Camonya.

$8.00 - $305.00

Frequently asked questions

Some questions and answers are automatically generated.

What does African Elemi smell like?
Reviewers consistently describe bright, lemony-citrus notes with soft amber, musk, and woody undertones. Many note it opens with honeyed lemon and mint, then deepens to reveal a warm, earthy musk reminiscent of animal fur, with some detecting hints of vanilla, tobacco, and wet dirt. The scent is described as refreshing, sweet, and uplifting rather than sharp or intense.
Is this resin easy to work with?
Reviewers note that this batch is less sticky and moist than other Elemi examples, making it easier to handle and grind. It dissolves readily in warm oils and waxes, works well on charcoal for burning, and can be melted into oil-based extracts without difficulty. Some mention the semi-liquid nature means occasional leaf fragments may be present—these are normal and easily removed.
What are common uses for African Elemi?
Customers report using it to burn on charcoal as incense, melting it into oils and shea butter for skin and beard care, creating infused oil extracts, blending into perfumes and aromatics, and incorporating into anti-aging serums and salves. It's valued for both its fragrance and traditional applications in skin and hair care preparations.
How fresh is this resin?
Multiple reviewers praise the freshness and authenticity of this batch, describing it as superbly fresh, fragrant, and of exceptional quality. An herbalist and essential oil blender noted the aromatic profile is "exceptionally fresh and authentic." Customers report being impressed with the quality consistency over many years of purchases.
How does this compare to Madagascar Elemi?
One reviewer noted this African version is less intense in scent than Madagascar Elemi. The product description indicates African Elemi shares a similar aromatic character to Manila and Madagascar varieties but with "more depth, complexity and softness," describing it as the "mature one in the family."
Will this work for skin and hair care?
Reviewers report using it in skin, beard, and hair preparations with positive results, noting it acts as a rejuvenating and softening agent. When blended with shea butter and oils, customers describe improvements to skin texture and report it as helpful for hair softness and growth. The product description notes it acts as an emollient when blended with fats and oils.

You may also like