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.

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Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier).