Opoponax Essential Oil (Commiphora guidottii)

Overview

Opoponax may also be referred to as Sweet Myrrh. It is typically processed using steam or hydro distillation as a method for extracting oil from the gum/resin.

Summary

Opoponax Essential Oil is sometimes spelled Opopanax. It is also known asSweet Myrrh Essential Oil.Myrrh Essential Oil and Opoponax Essential Oil are steam distilled from the resin from trees of the same genus, and their aromas share some similarity. However, Opoponax Oil tends to be a bit lighter and sweeter. If you find the aroma of Myrrh Oil a bit too intense, you may find Opoponax Essential Oil to be more pleasing aromatically.

Opoponax Essential Oil is quite versatile and blends well aromatically with many other oils including those in the wood, resin, spice, herbaceous, floral and citrus families. Within natural fragrancing applications, Opoponax Essential Oil is can be used as a middle or base note. It can act as a natural fixative to help prolong the aroma of the blend or fragrance.

As with Myrrh Essential Oil, Opoponax Essential Oil is deeply grounding and can help to mellow and balance out the emotions. It is used in spiritual and incense applications.

Essential Facts

Aroma Description:
Balsamic Earthy Exotic Resinous Rich Sensual Slightly sweet Warm
Common Name(s): Sweet Myrrh
Synonyms(s) for Commiphora guidottii: Commiphora sessiliflora
Botanical Family: Burseraceae
Botanical Genus: Commiphora
Chemical Family: Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes
Major Compounds: (E)-B-Ocimene, (z)-a-Bisabolene, a-Santalene, (E)-B-Bergamotene, a-Bergamotene, Germacrene D, Decanol
Perfumery Note: Middle/Base
Consistency: Thin
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
Color: Pale Yellow
Indigenous Country: South Africa
Cultivation: Wild Harvested
Processing Methods: Steam or Hydro Distillation
Part Typically Used: Gum/Resin
Shelf Life: 5-6 years

Wild Harvested
Vegan

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

Therapeutic Benefits of Opoponax:

Anti-anxiety Anti-bacterial Anti-inflammatory Anti-septic Anti-spasmodic Calming Cicatrisant Expectorant

Blends

Opoponax Blends:

Frankincense Frankincense frereana

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Opoponax:

Tisserand and Young indicate that Opoponax Essential Oil is phototoxic and that there is moderate risk of skin sensitization when using the oil topically. They precaution against topical use for those with hypersensitive/diseased/damaged skin. They recommend a dermal maximum usage level of 0.6%. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 370-371.]

Safety Precautions for Opoponax:

Mildly photo-toxic. Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds (ultraviolet light) for 12 hours. Otherwise generally a safe oil. If oxidized may cause skin irritation.

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.