Opopanax
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Commiphora guidottii
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Burseraceae
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
Ethiopia, Somalia
PLANT PART
Resin, gum
NOTE
Base
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distilled
AROMA
Sweet, warm, woodsy, spicy and could be slightly floral or resinous
GC/MS REPORT
Sesquiterpenes and Monoterpenes: (E)-β-ocimene (28%), α-santalene (22%), (Z)-α-bisabolene (17%)
NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
In general, these chemical famlies have antispasmodic, decongestant, and skin healing properties, although there are no clinical studies to confirm opopanax therapeutic properties.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Respiratory system - helps relieve colds, and cough; excellent expectorant. Musculoskeletal system - muscle-relaxing. Skin care - wounds healing and antiseptic.
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Promotes inner peace, self-awareness, meditation; calms anxiety; heals spiritual and emotional wounds.
ADMINISTRATION METHOD
Bath, topical application (diluted), and inhalation
ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PARTICLES
The tree from which opopanax oil is extracted is similar to myrrh and grows wild in Ethiopia and Somalia. Opopanax gum has been traditionally used as an ingredient for incense while Somali traditional medicine used it to treat diarrhoea and heal wounds. It is often compared to myrrh.
SAFETY
Non-toxic, non-irritant; non-phototoxic
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.