Opopanax (Sweet Myrrh) Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Commiphora guidotii
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled (usually 2-3 times)
Parts Used: Crude oleo gum resin
Note Classification: Base
Aroma: Sweet-balsamic, spicy, warm, animal-like
Largest Producing Countries: Kenya and parts of Africa
Traditional Use: Used as a fixative and fragrance component in high-class perfumery. Used in liqueurs to lend body and add wine-like notes.
Properties: Possibly similar to those of myrrh. Anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, balsamic, carminative, cicatrisant, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, pectoral, sedative, stimulant (especially pulmonary), stomachic, tonic, uterine, and vulnerary.
Benefits: Possibly similar to those of myrrh. Amenorrhea, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, calms sexual excitement, catarrh, chlorosis, colds, cough, cracked heels, cuts, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, eczema, flatulence, gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, hyperthyroid, laryngitis, leucorrhea, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, pruritis, pyorrhea, ringworm, sore throat, stomatitis, thrush, treats uterine disorders, tuberculosis, ulcers, voice loss, wasting degenerative disease, wounds, and wrinkles.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, clary sage, coriander, fir needle, frankincense, labdanum, mimosa, myrrh, neroli, patchouli, sandalwood, and vetiver.
Of Interest: In the Far East it is used extensively as an ingredient in incense.
Safety Data: None known.