Herb & supplement monograph

Elemi Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Elemi interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Elemi is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Elemi is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Elemi

0 medications have a known interaction with Elemi, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Elemi. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Elemi combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Elemi: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Elemi is a fragrant tree resin from the Philippines, used mainly as an essential oil in aromatherapy and topical skin and balm products. Solid human evidence for any health benefit is lacking, and like other essential oils it should never be swallowed and should be diluted before skin use. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have sensitive skin.

Scientific name
Canarium luzonicum
Family
Burseraceae
Part used
Oleoresin (gum resin) and the essential oil distilled from it
Common forms
Essential oil, resin, and ingredient in salves, balms, and incense
People commonly use it for
  • Skin care and wound soothing
  • Aromatherapy for relaxation
  • Cough and chest congestion
  • Muscle and joint discomfort
  • Antimicrobial use (topical)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally used topically or aromatically with dilution; ingesting the essential oil is not considered safe.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Elemi is a soft, fragrant resin that oozes from the trunk of certain tropical trees, most often Canarium luzonicum, which grows in the Philippines. The resin has a fresh, lemony, slightly spicy and peppery scent. An essential oil is steam-distilled from the resin and is the form most people use today.

Historically, elemi resin has been used in incense, perfumes, varnishes, and traditional skin balms and salves. In modern times you will mostly find it as an essential oil for aromatherapy or as an ingredient in cosmetic creams, soaps, and massage blends.

Uses & effectiveness

People traditionally use elemi for skin care, soothing minor wounds, easing coughs and congestion, calming the mind during aromatherapy, and rubbing on sore muscles and joints. It is also added to products as a natural fragrance.

The evidence behind these uses is very limited. There are few, if any, good-quality human studies on elemi for any health condition. Most claims come from traditional use, laboratory tests, or general assumptions about aromatic resins. This means we cannot say it is proven to treat or cure any condition. If you choose to use it, think of it as a fragrance or comfort measure rather than a treatment.

How it works

Elemi oil contains aromatic plant compounds such as limonene, elemol, elemicin, and various terpenes. In laboratory studies, some of these compounds show antimicrobial, antioxidant, or anti-inflammatory activity.

It is important to understand that findings from test-tube or animal research do not prove the same effects happen in people. The pleasant scent may contribute to a sense of relaxation during aromatherapy, but this is a general property of many essential oils and is not unique or well-studied for elemi.

Safety & precautions

Elemi essential oil is intended for external (topical) or aromatic use only. Do not swallow essential oils, as concentrated oils can be toxic if taken by mouth. Always dilute elemi oil in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin, and consider a small patch test first to check for a reaction.

People with sensitive skin, eczema, allergies, or asthma should be cautious, since fragrant oils can trigger skin or breathing irritation. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and pets.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: there is not enough reliable safety information, so it is best to avoid elemi during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Side effects

When properly diluted and used on the skin, elemi oil is usually well tolerated, but it can cause skin irritation, redness, or allergic reactions in some people. Strong scents may cause headache or nausea in sensitive individuals.

Undiluted oil can burn or sting the skin and should never be put in the eyes, ears, or other sensitive areas. Swallowing essential oils can cause serious harm and is not recommended. Stop use and seek medical advice if you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or any unusual symptoms.

Dosing

There is no established or standardized dose for elemi. For aromatherapy and topical use, the right amount depends on the product and how it is blended. Essential oils are typically diluted to a low percentage in a carrier oil before being applied to skin.

Follow the directions on the specific product label, and do not assume more is better. If you are unsure how to use elemi safely, ask a pharmacist or a qualified aromatherapy professional.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Elemi & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Elemi & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 sources that drive our Elemi monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

  1. Aromatherapy — MedlinePlus Source
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Elemi

1 brand in our database make a supplement containing Elemi.

Product directory

Supplement products with Elemi

2 products in our database contain Elemi. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Elemi: Common Questions

Does Elemi interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Elemi. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Elemi interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Elemi with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Elemi interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Elemi used for?
It is mostly used as an essential oil in aromatherapy and in skin creams, balms, and perfumes. People also traditionally use it for skin care, congestion, and sore muscles, but strong scientific proof of benefit is lacking.
Can I take Elemi by mouth?
No. Elemi essential oil is meant for aromatic or diluted topical use only, and swallowing essential oils can be harmful.
Is Elemi safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data, so it's best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor or pharmacist says otherwise.
Can Elemi oil irritate my skin?
Yes, like other essential oils it can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Always dilute it in a carrier oil and do a small patch test before broader use.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Elemi

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Elemi — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 2 products with Elemi →
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